Robert Lewandowski’s revival has been a key to Barcelona’s strong start to life under Hansi Flick as the striker returns to Dortmund to face Borussia in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old Pole has netted 23 goals in 21 games across all competitions this season, taking Barcelona top of the Spanish league and up to third in the European standings. They lead last year’s Champions League finalists Dortmund, who like Barcelona have four victories from five games, on goal difference before their meeting in Germany.
Lewandowski cut his teeth in top level European football with Dortmund between 2010 and 2014, driving them to the 2013 final, where they lost to rivals Bayern Munich at Wembley. A year later he joined Bayern and finally claimed the Champions League with them in 2020.
Lewandowski arrived at Barcelona in 2022 and after a strong first campaign, his performance dipped last season. Flick’s arrival gave both the team and the veteran striker fresh impetus and until a recent wobble in form, both have thrived.
Lewandowski reached a career century of Champions League goals in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Brest in November. He trails only all-time top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo and former Barcelona great Lionel Messi.
Lewandowski is top scorer both in Spain and in the Champions League, where he boasts seven goals from five matches, two more than any other player. Despite his lethal form in front of goal, Lewandowski’s presence in Barcelona’s side does have one drawback.