Robert Lewandowski has been playing for FC Barcelona for a year and a half. Now he has broken a goal mark – faster than former club star Lionel Messi.
Robert Lewandowski put on his biggest smile. “I’m very proud,” said the FC Barcelona star striker after reaching the 50-goal mark in the Catalans’ jersey, “because every single goal for such a big club makes me proud. I’m very happy and hope that this one The number will rise 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 Suárez, who only needed 68 games, were quicker this century.
Messi needed 38 more games to reach 50 goals
For comparison: Club icons Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi needed 108 and even 117 matches respectively to score 50 goals. Lewandowski also surpassed the great Barça strikers David Villa (48 goals in 120 games) and Thierry Henry (49/121).
“He is one of our leaders and has taken responsibility and shown personality, I am very satisfied,” said coach Xavi: “Robert is really integrated into us, it makes me emotional to see the unity in the team. I am happy about his goals , but also about his hard work.”
National goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen guarded the Catalans’ goal again after his comeback, DFB captain İlkay Gündoğan 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. Barça remains third.