Robert Lewandowski has officially joined one of football’s most exclusive clubs. In Barcelona’s decisive 3-0 Champions League win against Brest, the Polish striker scored his 100th and 101st goals in the competition. This incredible achievement places him alongside only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the third player ever to reach the century mark in Europe’s top tournament.
A Historic Night for a Prolific Striker
The night belonged to Lewandowski from the start. He calmly converted an early penalty to score his 100th goal, setting the stage for a dominant Barcelona performance. As if one milestone wasn’t enough, he added another goal in stoppage time, bringing his total to an impressive 101.
It was a night that solidified his legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers of his generation. Lewandowski expressed his joy after the match, saying, “I am very happy; it’s a lovely number to bring up.” He also joked about joining the other two legends, noting, “To join Messi and Ronaldo… I guess they are good, right?”
For Lewandowski, personal records are secondary to the team’s success. He emphasized that his primary focus remains on helping Barcelona achieve its goals.
Joining an Elite Group of Legends
Reaching 100 Champions League goals puts Lewandowski in the company of two of the game’s all-time greats. Only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 140 goals, and Lionel Messi, with 129, have scored more. The Polish forward’s consistency over the years has been remarkable.
What makes this season interesting is that neither Ronaldo nor Messi is currently playing in the Champions League. This leaves Lewandowski as the active top scorer in the competition, adding a new dynamic to the race for the golden boot. Here is a look at how the three legends compare in reaching the 100-goal milestone.
| Player | Matches to 100 Goals | Total Champions League Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 137 | 140 |
| Lionel Messi | 123 | 129 |
| Robert Lewandowski | 125 | 101 |
Barcelona’s Crucial Win in the New League Format
The 3-0 victory over Brest was more than just a platform for Lewandowski’s heroics; it was a vital result for Barcelona. After a couple of disappointing results in LaLiga, this win provided a much-needed morale boost and pushed them into second place in the Champions League’s new single-league table.
This win could be a significant turning point for their season. Under the new format, securing a high rank is more important than ever.
- The top eight teams in the league phase advance directly to the round of 16.
- Teams finishing from 9th to 24th will enter a knockout playoff round.
Coach Xavi praised the team’s complete performance, stating, “We defended well and attacked well.” The cohesion on display suggests the team is adapting well to the new challenges.
Xavi Praises Lewandowski’s Leadership
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández was full of admiration for his star striker. “What he’s done tonight is extraordinary,” Xavi said after the match. He highlighted that the entire team is behind Lewandowski and celebrates his individual achievements.
However, the coach was quick to point out that Lewandowski’s contributions go far beyond finding the back of the net. “He’s not just a scorer; he’s a leader on and off the pitch,” Xavi remarked. He stressed the importance of the collective effort and the need to build on this positive result in the coming weeks.
Tough Fixtures Await on the Road Ahead
While the team and fans celebrate this victory, they know the path forward is challenging. Barcelona has a tough schedule of matches on the horizon, with games against Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, and Atalanta.
The primary goal is to finish in the top eight to secure direct qualification for the round of 16 and avoid the unpredictable playoff round. “We have to keep our focus,” Lewandowski said. “Every game matters in this new format.” With their star striker in top form, Barcelona looks ready to face whatever comes their way.
