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Barcelona ahead Robert Lewandowski emerged as one of many prime scorers on the finish of the fourth day of the Champions League after his facet’s 5-2 win over Crvena Zvezda, sharing the place with Raphinha, Viktor Gyokeres, and Harry Kane.
Together with his two-goal efficiency towards Crimson Star, Lewandowski got here only one purpose wanting the 100-goal mark within the Champions League, a milestone that’s effectively inside attain.
His contributions additionally led Barcelona to their historic 700th purpose within the European Cup competitors, an achievement he was evidently happy with.
Reflecting on this achievement, Lewandowski expressed his satisfaction with the staff’s effort, particularly given the problem posed by Crimson Star’s tight line of defense.
“It’s a historic milestone and I’m very completely happy. As a striker it’s not straightforward to play towards such a good defence, we want a little bit of endurance to search out the free house. As a staff, we performed very effectively and ultimately, we have been in a position to take the victory,” he started saying.
A recreation of two halves
Robert Lewandowski scored a brace. (Picture by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Photographs)
Lewandowski additionally famous the distinction in Barcelona’s play between the 2 halves. The staff aimed to attain early on, but initially struggled to interrupt via the opposition’s defence.
Nevertheless, within the second half, Barcelona quickened their tempo and appeared much more harmful, creating a number of scoring alternatives and securing the win.
“We wished to attain shortly. At first,we performed a bit slowly, however within the second half we picked up the tempo a bit and we might have scored three extra targets.”
Though Lewandowski missed probabilities for extra targets, he remained content material with the brace he managed, understanding that he would at all times have future probabilities to attain.
“I’ll persist with the targets, I’m completely happy as a result of I’ve alternatives to attain. There are occasions if you lack precision or then you definitely rating the primary one which comes your approach.
“The final two video games haven’t been straightforward for me, however that is generally my job, to create house within the space and be affected person,” he added.
Inigo Martinez’s take
Inigo Martinez opened the scoring for Barcelona. (Picture by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Photographs)
In a standout efficiency alongside Lewandowski was defender Inigo Martinez, who was named the MVP of the match.
The seasoned centre-back not solely defended solidly but in addition scored his second Champions League purpose of the season. Martinez celebrated the MVP recognition by posing with Raphinha, who additionally scored within the match, signifying the sturdy teamwork between them.
After the match, Martinez mirrored on the squad’s total efficiency and counseled his teammates, attributing his MVP title to the collective effort. For him, particular person awards come secondary to the staff’s success and their shared purpose of profitable trophies.
“This MVP belongs to the entire staff. We’ve got all labored for this. Usually I’m not used to those finest participant awards. For me, an important factor is the staff’s trophies and we’ll proceed to battle for it,” mentioned the defender.
Focus wanted
Inigo Martine has requested for extra focus. (Picture by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Photographs)
He admitted there have been moments when Barcelona appeared to lose focus, particularly after scoring, permitting the opposition to press ahead.
Martinez additionally careworn the necessity to preserve focus all through the match, acknowledging that Barcelona appeared to search out their rhythm once more within the second half.
“After the purpose we relaxed, however within the second half it was us. It occurred to us that once we scored we relaxed they usually pressed. Within the second half, we got here out with a special rhythm and it confirmed.”
Martinez’s purpose got here from a well-rehearsed play that exploited the opponent’s vulnerability on the far put up. He famous that when he noticed the ball coming his approach, he knew it was a robust probability to attain.
“The reality is that the play was rehearsed and it got here out completely. We noticed that they have been struggling on the again put up and once I noticed the ball come out I knew it was good. I’m at all times completely happy to have the ability to assist the staff,” he concluded.
Supply: Mundo Deportivo
