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Robert Lewandowski in the game against Celta Vigo
Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Recently there had been repeated criticism of his performance because Robert Lewandowski scored less and less often. Nevertheless, the star striker at FC Barcelona has now reached a special goal: he has already scored 50 goals in the Catalans' jersey.
“I’m very proud,” said Lewandowski, “because every single goal for such a big club makes me proud. I am very happy and hope that this number will increase very quickly.«
With his double pack (45th/90th + 7, penalty kick), Lewandowski almost single-handedly secured the defending champion's 2-1 (1-0) win over relegation candidate Celta Vigo and reached the said mark in only the 79th game. Only Samuel Eto'o and Luis Suarez, who only needed 68 games, were quicker this century.
For comparison: Club icons Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi needed 108 and even 117 matches respectively to score 50 goals. Lewandowski also surpassed the great Barca strikers David Villa (48 goals in 120 games) and Thierry Henry (49/121).
Lewandowski moved from FC Bayern to Barcelona in the summer of 2022. The Polish international received a four-year contract at Barça.
Little was heard of that after the win against Celta Vigo. “He is one of our leaders and has taken responsibility and shown personality, I am very satisfied,” said coach Xavi after reaching the 50-goal mark: “Robert is really integrated into us, it makes me emotional, the unity in the team to see. I’m happy about his goals, but also about his hard work.”
National goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen guarded the Catalans' goal again after his comeback, DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan came on as a substitute (58') and experienced a turbulent injury time: "Lewa" only scored his second goal in the second attempt. Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita saved the first penalty, but moved away from his goal line too early. Barca remain third.
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