Robert Lewandowski has as soon as once more confirmed why he stays probably the most deadly strikers in world soccer. The Polish ahead secured a essential 1-0 victory for Barcelona over Rayo Vallecano, scoring a first-half penalty that not solely propelled his aspect to the highest of the La Liga desk but additionally noticed him be a part of an unique membership of Barcelona legends.
Along with his purpose towards Rayo, Lewandowski turned simply the fourth Blaugrana participant this century to attain 20 La Liga objectives in simply 23 video games—a feat beforehand achieved solely by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Samuel Eto’o.
Messi, broadly considered one of many biggest gamers of all time, reached this milestone in 11 consecutive seasons between 2009 and 2020. Suarez achieved it in three of his six seasons on the membership, whereas Eto’o managed 23 objectives in his first 23 video games through the 2008-09 marketing campaign. Now, Lewandowski’s title is etched alongside these iconic strikers, additional cementing his legacy on the membership.
Essential purpose in Barcelona’s title race
Barcelona’s win towards Rayo Vallecano was extra than simply one other three factors—it was a pivotal second within the La Liga title race. With each Actual Madrid and Atlético Madrid dropping factors over the weekend, Lewandowski’s purpose ensured that Hansi Flick’s gamers climbed to the highest of the desk, placing the stress on their rivals.
The Thirty eighth-minute penalty may not have been his most spectacular strike, however it was actually considered one of his most vital contributions this season.
Regardless of being in his mid-thirties, Lewandowski continues to carry out at an elite stage. To this point this season, he has amassed 32 objectives in 34 appearances throughout all competitions, 20 of that are in La Liga and 9 objectives within the Champions League, making him the joint-top scorer within the event.
His consistency and starvation for objectives have been key in Barcelona’s push for silverware this season, with the Polish striker displaying no indicators of slowing down.
Lewandowski’s heated response to substitution
Nonetheless, not the whole lot was easy crusing through the match. Within the 81st minute, Hansi Flick determined to substitute the Polish veteran, a transfer that didn’t sit nicely with the ahead. The cameras caught him wanting visibly annoyed as he walked off the pitch.
After the sport, Flick addressed the scenario, downplaying any issues: “Lewandowski offended for being subbed off? It’s regular for him to be offended with the change as a result of he needs to attain objectives. However the choice is mine. I alter gamers once I think about it acceptable, and so they have to just accept it.”