Robert Lewandowski made history on Tuesday night, scoring his 100th Champions League goal as Barcelona secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Brest. The win lifted Barcelona to second place in their group, positioning them well for a spot in the knockout stages.
Lewandowski’s Record-Breaking Moment
The Polish striker opened the scoring in the 10th minute from the penalty spot after being fouled by Brest goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Calm and clinical, Lewandowski joined an elite group of players to have reached the 100-goal milestone in the Champions League, following only Cristiano Ronaldo (140 goals) and Lionel Messi (129 goals).
Reflecting on his achievement, Lewandowski said:
“Many years ago, I never thought I could score more than 100 goals in the Champions League. It’s a great honor, but what matters most is winning every game.”
He later added a second goal, bringing his Champions League tally to 101 goals and rounding off a dominant display by the Catalan side.
Barcelona’s Performance and Tactical Shift
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s coach, demanded a reduction in errors following recent struggles in La Liga. His side responded with a composed and controlled performance:
- Dani Olmo added Barcelona’s second goal in the 66th minute, displaying clever footwork before slotting past Bizot.
- Barcelona’s midfield, led by Pedri and Fermin Lopez, orchestrated the game, keeping Brest on the back foot.
- Despite Brest’s strong defensive efforts, Barcelona’s attacking trio, including Raphinha, constantly threatened.
Brest’s standout moment came when Mathias Pereira Lage scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside, dampening the spirits of their traveling fans.
Brest’s Form and Barcelona’s Next Challenges
Brest entered the match in fine form, having dropped only two points in their first four games and impressing with a 4-0 win over RB Salzburg. Despite the loss, they remain in contention for a play-off spot.
For Barcelona, the victory solidifies their pursuit of a direct qualification to the Champions League’s Round of 16. Their upcoming fixtures include:
- A trip to Borussia Dortmund, last year’s runners-up.
- Visits to Benfica and a home clash against Atalanta, where they’ll aim to maintain momentum.
Lewandowski’s form has been crucial to Barcelona’s success this season, with the 36-year-old already netting 22 goals in 19 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League. Flick praised his star striker and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as they approach the busy holiday period.
“We have to win every remaining game before Christmas,” Lewandowski stated, signaling the team’s determination to close out the year on a high note.
