Robert Lewandowski Stuns Fans: Inside the Record-Breaking Night That Redefined Barcelona’s Season

Robert Lewandowski fired FC Barcelona to an early two-goal lead at San Mamés on Sunday night, scoring his 100th goal for the club and underlining why the reigning Spanish champions still lean on their veteran No. 9. The Polish striker struck in the 15th minute with a delicate chip from Fermin López’s through ball, then climbed highest to head in a Raphinha corner six minutes later, stunning Athletic Club and instantly silencing the Bilbao crowd. Lewandowski Hits the Century Mark Barcelona’s talisman needed just 135 matches in all competitions to reach a century of goals, a landmark previously achieved only by club legends Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Samuel Eto’o in the modern era. The milestone arrives less than three seasons after his switch from Bayern Munich and reinforces his reputation as Europe’s most reliable finisher. Brace Keeps Golden Boot Dream Alive Even after missing four matches with a hamstring strain in April, Lewandowski’s latest double lifts him to 27 league goals—closing the gap on Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé, who sits on 33. With one fixture left, Lewandowski still has an outside shot at claiming the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe, trophies he last lifted in 2021. Hansi Flick’s Rotation Gamble Head coach Hansi Flick promised to rotate in the final week of a title-winning campaign, yet he retained his preferred front three of Lewandowski, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The decision paid immediate dividends: Yamal’s direct running pinned back Athletic’s full-backs, while Raphinha’s set-piece delivery produced Lewandowski’s second. Expect Flick to preserve that chemistry when Barça face Inter in next week’s Champions League semi-final return leg. The San Mamés Specialist Sunday’s brace means Lewandowski has now scored in each of his three league trips to San Mamés, adding to a Copa del Rey strike in Bilbao last season. Athletic’s high defensive line continues to suit the Pole’s movement, and he has punished the Basques with six goals in five career meetings. What the Numbers Say • 100 club goals for Barça in 135 games • 27 La Liga goals this season; 57 overall for 2024/25 • 12 headed goals in league play—more than any other striker in Europe’s top five divisions • Average of 0.86 goals per 90 minutes since returning from injury in May Why It Matters for Barcelona With domestic silverware already secured, Lewandowski’s form is peaking just as Barça chase a first Champions League final since 2019. His clinical edge not only keeps individual accolades in sight but also provides the cutting edge Flick needs against Europe’s elite. If the 36-year-old maintains Sunday’s ruthlessness, Barcelona’s quest for a treble could still become reality.