Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s star striker, just made headlines. Why? He matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic record for penalty goals in the UEFA Champions League. In a nail-biting 5-4 win against Benfica at Estádio da Luz on January 21, Lewandowski scored two crucial penalties, cementing his place in football history.
A rollercoaster of emotions.
Let’s just say it wasn’t their best night. Both Anatoliy Trubin and Wojciech Szczęsny faced criticism for avoidable mistakes.
But Lewandowski? He was the shining star. Proving once again why he’s one of the best finishers football has ever seen.
Breaking Records, One Penalty at a Time
Here’s the big stat:
Before this match, Lewandowski had 17 penalty goals in the Champions League.
Now He’s tied with Cristiano Ronaldo at 19.
To put this in perspective:
- Lionel Messi had 18 penalties in the competition.
- Ronaldo An unmatched 140 total goals in the Champions League.
- Messi follows with 129.
- Lewandowski sits in third place with 103 and counting.
The gap between Lewandowski and Ronaldo is big. But who’s counting him out? Lewandowski’s hunger for success keeps pushing him closer to greatness.
What If Barcelona Signed Ronaldo?
Here’s an interesting “what could’ve been” moment:
In 2003, Barcelona had the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. Yep, the same teenager who dazzled at Sporting CP.
Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s president at the time, explained:
“Cristiano was offered to us, but we chose other players instead.”
Barcelona brought in Ronaldinho, Ricardo Quaresma, and Rafael Márquez instead. Great choices, no doubt. But imagine if Ronaldo joined?
Instead, Ronaldo signed with Manchester United flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson, and eventually became a legend at Real Madrid—Barcelona’s biggest rival.
His record against Barcelona?
- 34 goals.
- 3 assists.
Pure dominance.
Lewandowski’s Journey Continues
At 36 years old, Lewandowski is still unstoppable. Penalty kicks? He thrives under pressure. Finishing? Impeccable. Positioning? Elite.
Chasing Ronaldo’s total goals? A tough climb. But Lewandowski’s determination is unmatched. He’s proven time and again that he can defy the odds.
Why This Record Matters
This isn’t just another stat for Lewandowski. It’s a testament to:
- Consistency over years.
- Professionalism on and off the pitch.
- A legacy that inspires younger players.
- For Barcelona fans, it’s a proud moment. As the club fights to reclaim its European dominance, Lewandowski’s contributions are key to a brighter future.
Also Read: Mastering the basics: How to kick a football
