Inaki Pena talks Victor Valdes, ter Stegen, and Girona loss ahead of Royal Antwerp vs Barcelona

For the first time in forever, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have their first-choice goalkeeper out injured.

Thibaut Courtois picked up an ACL injury during pre-season, ruling him out for most of the season, which prompted Madrid to pursue Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan for the season, despite having Andriy Lunin in the squad.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, meanwhile, picked up a back injury mid-way through the campaign, and is expected to return before March. Barcelona, therefore, could not pursue a backup, and decided to trust Inaki Pena.

So far, the Spaniard has repaid the trust in full, coming up clutch against Porto and Atletico Madrid.

Tomorrow, he will start in the Champions League again against Royal Antwerp, with first place in the group pretty much secured. Ahead of the final gameweek of the UCL, Pena spoke to the press.

“We have to overcome obstacles and learn from our mistakes,” he started, referencing the 2-4 loss against Girona, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“We did not expect this result against Girona, but the group is still united and we must learn from our mistakes.”

Barcelona fans are visibly happy with Pena’s performances, and serenaded him with applause and chants in previous games.

“I am very grateful for fans’ affection, and I am happy to rise to the challenge. To have the stadium chant the name is very beautiful. It’s a very strong feeling for a young player,” he said about it.

“Since I signed, my goal has been to be a starting goalkeeper in the first team. It is not good that this is due to ter Stegen’s injury, but playing with the first team is an honour.”

Pena was asked about which goalkeeper he bases his game off, and who has been his role model growing up, especially as part of La Masia. Unsurprisingly, he namechecked arguably the best Barcelona goalkeeper of all time.

“My role model is Victor Valdes.”

“Valdes was an example to me of character, ability, and how to overcome adversity. Everyone fights to be ready to take advantage of opportunities and I see myself ready to take over from him,” he added.

Pena also lauded praise on his teammate and competition, ter Stegen, saying, “I have trained with ter Stegen for many years. I have learnt from one of the best players in the world and try to imitate his best.”