Lewandowski hitting the high notes head of Bayern reunion

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Striker is in top form

August 14, 2020 was the nadir as far as Barcelona were concerned.

The lowest point in their history for 75 years came on that day. An 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in which Robert Lewandowski scored for the Bavarians, who were managed by Hansi Flick.

The Polish international has played for both sides since then, getting on the scoresheet again for Bayern but not yet for Barca against the Bundesliga giants.

Indeed, since that era-defining defeat, Barca haven’t even scored against the team from the Allianz Arena.

Indeed the Catalans have been beaten on three separate occasions by three goals to nil, and on the other occasion, Bayern were 2-0 winners.

At present, Vincent Kompany’s side lead the Bundesliga table, having scored 24 goals in just seven games but they’ve had mixed fortunes in the Champions League.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

A 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb was followed by a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa, Unai Emery’s side showing that if you get at this Bayern side, they’re there for the taking.

Barca themselves come into the match in brilliant form after another convincing showing against Sevilla.

Though in lower mid-table ahead of the fixture the Andalusians were in reasonable form, but they were blown away by a five-star showing in which Lewandowski was again irresistible.

His brace made it 12 goals in 10 La Liga games, double the amount of his nearest pursuers, Kylian Mbappe and Ayoze Perez.

12 - Robert Lewandowski is the first player to score 12 goals after his first 10 games of a LaLiga season since Lionel Messi in 2019/20 (12 goals also). Hunter. pic.twitter.com/vWHAho3CPN

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) October 20, 2024

Fortunately for Barca, it isn’t just the centre-forward that’s hit the ground running in 2024/25.

Hansi Flick already has his squad playing some of the best football seen in a while, which 33 league goals scored would attest to.

A Champions League loss to Monaco was regrettable and seeing off the challenge of Bayern and an in-form Harry Kane is going to be no easy task, however, they’ve not had as good a chance of doing so in years.

Flick will no doubt relish turning the tables, and with the likes of Gavi and Dani Olmo now back in contention, Barca aren’t far off full strength.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

It’s the perfect time for Lewandowski to continue his brilliant run of goals too, and give the Blaugranes a real boost in the new league table that UEFA have crafted for the competition.

Both clubs are neck and neck on three points, and placed 15th and 16th at present. Another defeat at this early stage certainly won’t be fatal to their chances of qualification, but it will make it that little bit more difficult.

If Barca can finally get the monkey off their back - they’ve not beaten Bayern home or away since the 2015 semi-final first leg when Lionel Messi memorably sent Jerome Boateng to the shops - it could well become a vintage campaign for Lewy and his team-mates.

Source: barcablaugranes.com