After scoring a brace during Barcelona's huge victory over Red Star (5-2), Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is one goal away from reaching 100 goals in the Champions League.
Lewandowski scored two goals for the Catalan team in the 43rd and 53rd minutes, raising his tally to 99 goals in the Champions League.
But the German coach was not aware of this when he decided to replace him in the 79th minute with young Pau Victor (22 years old), preventing him from reaching his 100th goal.
The German said in a press conference after the match, “If I had known that before, I probably would not have replaced him. It is my fault but we also have to think about the next match. Today he scored two important goals, especially the first goal that gave us a 2-1 lead. It was important.” “Very much for us.”
He added, “Wouldn't it be better if he reached the 100th goal in our stadium? Frankly, I don't think about these things. We need players in their best condition. We will play again on Sunday.”
Robert Lewandowski needs just one goal to enter the exclusive Champions League 100 club ⏳💯 pic.twitter.com/udH2Lq6U2m
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) November 7, 2024
With 99 goals, Lewandowski ranks third among the top scorers in the history of the Champions League, behind Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (141 goals) and Argentine Lionel Messi (129), ahead of Frenchman Karim Benzema (90) and Spaniard Raul (71).
Barcelona achieved its third victory in a row, raising its score to 9 points and advancing to sixth place in the overall Champions League standings.