If a goalkeeper wants to have his picture taken with the forward who's just scored past him, the forward has achieved something great. Robert Lewandowski made history when he rounded off the 5-2 scoreline against FC Augsburg. It was his 41st goal this campaign, more than any other player in Bundesliga history. It goes without saying that Lewandowski was presented with the cannon-shaped trophy awarded to the top scorer after the match – for the fourth time in a row, another record. Lewandowski has won the trophy for a total of six times, and only Gerd Müller has won it more often (seven times).
“It’s an incredible feeling, I’m overjoyed,” the record goalscorer said after the final whistle: “It’s a very special moment, a historic moment in my career.” After equalling Der Bomber’s record of 40 goals in the 1971/72 campaign, he absolutely wanted to add to his tally in the season finale. The world’s best player had a number of chances but saw his efforts blocked or saved by keeper Rafal Gikiewicz. Shortly before the final whistle, even Hansi Flick did not believe Lewandowski would get number 41: "At one point I told Tapa [Toni Tapalovic] I didn’t think he’d get it. But he’s a goal-getter. That’s what marks him out," said the coach.
The decisive moment: Lewandowski lurking and being on hand to mop up
But in the 90th minute Lewandowski finally beat his compatriot. After a Leroy Sané effort the striker was on hand to mop up the rebound, sending Bayern into raptures. "I played 90 minutes and it just didn’t work, and then I scored with the last kick of the game. It was like science fiction," a relieved Lewandowski commented.
Lewandowski thanks the team
"Thanks to my team, because they were always looking for me today so that I could score a goal. The team are also responsible for this record," said Lewandowski, thanking his teammates, without whom this achievement would never have been possible. And now 41 is in the history books. "This is unbelievable. I don't think this record will ever be broken. The number of goals is phenomenal," marvelled Joshua Kimmich, himself a goalscorer against FCA. "If anyone can do it again, it's Robert," the Germany international added.
"You're a legend, Robert Lewandowski. RESPECT", Rafał Gikiewicz commented on Instagram.
"We were all happy. You could also tell that everyone around him was happy. It's an outstanding achievement what he's done. The last two seasons were the best he's had. We're all proud to have been a part of this story," Hansi Flick said. And in a way Rafał Gikiewicz was also part of this story. That's why he made his way onto the pitch once again after he'd already been in the dressing room. He was determined to capture this historic moment with a joint photo with his fellow countryman. Alongside the league trophy, Lewandowski was the most popular photo-op on the day.
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