This man simply has an instictual eye for goal. In the first leg of the Last 16 away at Lazio of Rome (a 4-1 win), Robert Lewandowski once again demonstrated his finishing qualities. The 32-year-old scored the all-important opener in his 31st competitive match this season - no other striker in Europe's top five leagues has scored as many so far this season!
A nose for goal
Eight minutes had been played when the Pole proved his nose for goal. Bayern’s number 9 sniffed his chance when Mateo Musacchio mishit a back pass during Lazio’s build-up play. Lewandowski got hold of the ball, rounded his former teammate Pepe Reina and tapped in, scoring the opener thanks to his predatory instinct.
Lewandowski has now scored 32 goals in 34 Champions League matches since the beginning of the 2017/18 campaign, more than any other player. On Tuesday the world’s best player took his tally to four goals in five matches this campaign, underpinning his legendary status in Europe’s elite club competition and overtaking Raul in the all-time scorer rankings. Lewandowski is now sole third on 72 goals, behind Lionel Messi (119) and Ronaldo on 134 goals.
Man of the Match
But on this spring evening at the Stadio Olimpico, it didn't take a look into the past to highlight Lewandowski's class. The Pole was often only stopped by fouls from Lazio's defensive line and took three shots, the most of all players. UEFA also rewarded this by naming the FCB striker their Man of the Match.
The match report from the first leg:
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