The Senegalese striker landed in Munich to replace the Pole, but the comparisons have always been hateful
Both will captain their teams this Tuesday in a high-profile duel of vital importance for the outcome of the group stage
The profile of Robert Lewandowski and that of Sadio Mané have little to do with each other, except that they both have the goal between their eyebrows. While the Pole has always been a reference ‘9’, the Senegalese has moved to the center of the attack from the left wing, where he triumphed in Liverpool. Barça and Bayern are entrusted to their new additions to take the cat to the water during the night of Tuesday.
Lewandowski put an end to his time in Munich this summer, after eight seasons defending the colors of Bayern. Idol of the fans and benchmark in the history of the Munich club, the Pole embarked on a new stage in his footballing career. New challenges awaited him in Barcelona and he is exceeding expectations.
Bayern fought to the end so that their star did not leave the Allianz Arena, but they were doomed to accept his transfer. The 45 million euros that entered from Germany served to pay for the arrival of his replacement: Sadio Mané. Leader of Liverpool, he packed his bags to German territory after six seasons at Anfield.
two gunboats
The start of the season for both is being more than remarkable, but few can come close to Lewandowski’s records. The Pole is the top scorer for Barça and the League with a total of nine goals in six games, in addition to two assists. He scores 1.5 goals per game, or what is the same, one goal every 52 minutes.
The Senegalese, for his part, is Bayern’s second top scorer with five goals, behind Jamal Musiala, with six.. He has played nine games, so he scores 0.55 goals per game, that is, one goal every 130 minutes. While Lewandowski’s goals account for 45% of Barça’s goals, Mané’s scoring contribution at Bayern accounts for 16%.
Lewandowski will have it in his hands -or in his boots, rather- to break the statistics against Mané. It will be the third duel between the two, after the knockout round of the 2018/19 Champions League. The 0-0 draw at Anfield left the tie open with the Allianz Arena on stage and the English prevailed 1-3, with a brace from Mané, which allowed them to advance to the next round. On Tuesday night, a new Polish-Senegalese assault.