Robert Lewandowski has joined the elite ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by becoming only the third player in Champions League history to score 100 or more goals.
This milestone was reached during Barcelona's commanding 3-0 victory over Brest, where Lewandowski netted a brace, bringing his total to 101 goals in the competition. The match not only propelled Barcelona to second place in the league phase but also highlighted Lewandowski's enduring prowess at the age of 36.
Lewandowski's journey to this landmark has been remarkable. He required 125 matches to reach the century mark, slightly more than Messi's 123 but hugely fewer than Ronaldo's 137. Despite trailing Ronaldo's 140 goals and Messi's 129, Lewandowski's achievement is a testament to his consistent performance and goal-scoring ability.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Lewandowski expressed his delight, stating, "I am very happy, it's a lovely number to bring up. Years ago I did not think I could score more than 100 goals in the Champions League. To join Messi and Ronaldo ... I guess they are good, right?".
Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick, who previously worked with Lewandowski at Bayern Munich, praised the striker's contribution to the team. "I know him also two years from Munich; there he also broke every record you can break. Now he's also scoring. It's important for us. But the whole team is supporting him. The other players will help him score the goals," Flick remarked.
As Barcelona continues its Champions League campaign, Lewandowski's form remains crucial. With upcoming matches against formidable opponents like Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, and Atalanta, securing a top-eight finish in the new single-league format is a priority for the team. Flick emphasized the importance of these games, noting, "When we start the new Champions League, the new format, it was our goal to reach the top eight because then you have two weeks more [off] in February."
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