It is already quite clear that there are certain players at FC Barcelona who are considered as guaranteed starters. They are always included as mainstays whenever the club is talked about, and for good reason. However, at times, even the coaches at Barcelona must make some unexpected adjustments.
One such adjustment for Barça came in the recent victory over RCD Mallorca, and that was to bench Robert Lewandowski for the entirety of the game. In his stead, Hansi Flick opted to make use of Spanish forward Ferran Torres, who scored a goal and offered a lot of intensity as well.
However, the Polish ace was rested for the entire match and did not even get to feature for a single minute. This particular decision was reportedly made due to the club’s star striker looking fatigued in his last outing against Las Palmas, and Hansi Flick noticing in training that he lacked intensity.
Yet, according to SPORT, that is exactly why Lewandowski wishes to return against Real Betis with a bang. The Polish ace, now refreshed and with some extra rest, will want to put his rough patch behind him and return to his best level at the Villamarin.
After a benching against Mallorca and a below par performance against Las Palmas, Lewandowski will desperately want to prove himself in this upcoming La Liga clash. Fortunately for him, the players around him are also fired up following a great display against Mallorca.
Previously, Lewandowski has already scored four goals in the five appearances that he has made against Real Betis, and he will want to add even more goals to that impressive tally. Beyond just the historic advantage, the Pole has also proven consistently this season that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level even now.
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Barcelona's German coach Hansi Flick leaves at the end of the Spanish league football match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and FC Barcelona on August 27, 2024. Barcelona won 1-2.
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, reacts prior to the LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza on October 06, 2024 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 19: Lionel Messi of Argentina warms up prior to the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Moreover, the former Bayern Munich striker has 22 goals and 2 assists to his name in 20 appearances across all competitions this season. With such impeccable form and proven quality, it is only a matter of time before he finds his shooting boots again this season after failing to make too much of an impact in the last two games, whether he was on the field or not.
For Hansi Flick as well, this game is an important test. Betis will undoubtedly be a difficult opponent to overcome, especially at their own home ground, but Barcelona cannot afford to drop any more points and no excuses will be tolerated if they do.