Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña was the recipient of some special praise by way of manager Xavi Hernández, on the back of his latest display.
Barca marked their return to action, welcoming Portuguese giants Porto to Catalunya for a crunch Champions League group stage clash.
When all was said and done, the Blaugrana did enough to emerge on the right side of the result, courtesy of goals from loan pair João Cancelo and João Félix.
In turn, Xavi and co. secured their place in the Last-16 of European football’s premier club competition.
But their eventual triumph was not without its scares along the way, Porto having carved out a number of presentable opportunities over the course of the 90 minutes.
The aforementioned Peña – continuing to deputise for the sidelined Marc-André ter Stegen – though, was more than up to the task, producing several fine saves to guide his side to a crucial three points.
On the back of the action coming to a close in Catalunya, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear of the shot-stopper being showered in praise by fans and the media alike.
And another who was evidently impressed by Peña’s showing comes in the form of boss Xavi.
Speaking to the press, as cited by Diario AS, Barca’s coach hailed his no.2’s ‘personality’, saying:
“Iñaki Peña has been extraordinary. Not only with his saves but also in the build-up. He has shown great personality.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
