The Pole etched his name into Barcelona's history books
Associate Editor
2 MIN READ
Lewandowski celebrates Barcelona's victory
Lewandowski celebrates Barcelona's victory
AFP
Robert Lewandowski etched his name into Barcelona's history books by becoming the first player since Lionel Messi to score 35 goals in a single season.
The Polish forward reached the landmark with a stunning volley during Barcelona’s 4-2 comeback win over Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Lewandowski’s crucial 72nd-minute strike brought the score back to 2-1, reigniting Barcelona’s fightback against their La Liga title rivals. The striker’s clinical finish set the stage for his teammates to secure a vital victory that keeps the league leaders in control of the title race.
The 36-year-old’s tally of 35 goals across all competitions makes him the first Barcelona player to achieve the feat since Messi recorded 38 goals during the 2020-21 season - his final campaign at the Catalan club before joining Inter Miami in MLS.
Lewandowski’s scoring exploits have been particularly impactful away from home, with 13 of his 22 La Liga goals this season coming on the road - a league-best total that highlights his importance to Barcelona’s title charge. No other player in Spain’s top division has scored more than 10 away goals this campaign.
Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager, acknowledged how crucial the Pole’s goal was in getting Barcelona back into the match, just minutes after Madrid has gone two goals up.
“The 2-1 scoreline gave Barcelona energy, confidence, and more attack, and on some counterattacks, we had the chance to manage it better, but it remained a goal because we didn’t choose the final pass well,” he explained.
The Argentine didn’t hold back in his admiration for Barcelona’s tactical adaptability when speaking to the media after the game.
“I’ve already said that Barcelona is the team that plays the best, as a team, and has great individual players, due to their hierarchy. Half of their goals have come from crosses. They have good responses,” Simeone said.
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