Since he joined Barcelona summer 2022, Robert Lewandowski has cemented his place as one of the most prolific strikers in the club’s recent history. The Polish forward showed off his skill once again during Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Benfica, matching a milestone previously achieved by the iconic MSN trio – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
Barcelona faced Benfica in Portugal on matchday seven of the Champions League group stage, with the aim of securing direct qualification for the round of 16. The home team struck first Vangelis Pavlidis open the score, but Lewandowski leveled the game from the penalty spot in the 13th minutekeeping Barcelona’s hopes alive.
With this goal, Lewandowski became only the fifth player in Barcelona history to score eight or more goals in a single Champions League season. Before him, this feat was performed by the legendary The MSN trio and Brazilian star Rivaldo.
While Neymar and Suarez achieved it once, Messi stands alone with the remarkable record of surpassing this milestone nine times during his illustrious career at Barcelona.
Rivaldo was the first to reach this benchmark in Champions League season 1999-2000scored 10 goals and provided an assist in 14 games. Despite his stellar performance, Barcelona’s title hopes were dashed in the semi-finals by Valencia, losing 5-3 on aggregate.
Lewandowski joins Cristiano Ronaldo in Champions League history
In the thrilling 5-4 match between Benfica and Barcelona, Lewandowski scored a shot from the penalty spot, which greatly contributed to his team’s comeback. In addition to direct qualification for the round of 16 in the Champions League, he also reached another milestone, but now with Cristiano Ronaldo.
By converting two penalties in the 13th and 78th minutes, Lewandowski equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most penalty goals in Champions League historywith 19.
Ronaldo and Lewandowski now share the top spot in this category, with Messi close behind in third place with 18 penalty goals. Following them is Sergio Aguero with 11and a three-way tie for fifth, with Luis Figo, Harry Kaneand Ruud van Nistelrooyeach with 10.
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