The Best In the Business: Robert Lewandowski Is Playing At a Different Level

 

Leon Goretzka found himself marvelling at the enigma that is Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker delivered a masterclass against Chelsea in the Champions League last-16 tie, contributing two goals and two assists in the second leg, following his similarly dominant display in the first leg at Stamford Bridge. Bayern cruised to a 7-1 aggregate victory, with Lewandowski firmly at the heart of their triumph.

Yet, what left Goretzka stunned was the contrast between Lewandowski’s relaxed demeanour in training and his devastating performance on matchday. Speaking to Sport1, Goretzka shared his disbelief: 

 "He’s actually a phenomenon. When I saw how he trained last week, I thought to myself: ‘Should I talk to him about why he’s not running?’ But he only said: ‘Keep calm! Saturday is important.’”

The Phenomenon of Lewandowski

Lewandowski’s confidence and ability to switch gears when it matters most underline why he is regarded as the best striker in Europe right now. His numbers speak volumes. In the Champions League this season, he has averaged an astounding 1.85 goals per game—a level of efficiency that places him in a league of his own.

While Lazio’s Ciro Immobile claimed the European Golden Boot with 36 goals to Lewandowski’s 34, the comparison reveals a deeper truth. Immobile needed 37 games to achieve his tally, while Lewandowski managed his in just 31 matches. The Pole’s 1.09 goals-per-game ratio far surpasses Immobile’s 0.97. Furthermore, the Bundesliga’s shorter season, with 34 matches compared to Serie A’s 38, highlights Lewandowski’s superior consistency and impact.

A Quest for Records

Lewandowski’s brilliance extends to Europe’s elite competition, where he is chasing history. Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 17 goals in a single Champions League season, set in 2013-14, stands as the benchmark. With 13 goals already this season, Lewandowski remains in contention, though the single-leg format introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic may limit his opportunities to surpass the record.

Nevertheless, Lewandowski’s achievements this season place him among the all-time greats. He currently sits fifth in the list of top-scoring Champions League campaigns, behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo’s remarkable runs of 17 goals (2013-14), 16 (2015-16), and 15 (2017-18) continue to set the standard, while Messi’s 14-goal haul in 2011-12 remains another milestone. Lewandowski, with his 13 goals, is knocking on the door of this elite company.

A Season Without a Ballon d’Or

In a season where Lewandowski has been peerless, the decision to cancel the Ballon d’Or has sparked widespread debate. France Football’s reasoning, citing the disruptions caused by the pandemic, has denied the footballing world the chance to honour its finest performers. Alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Lewandowski has been the standout player of the season, and Neymar, if he maintains his form and composure, could join them on the podium.

The absence of the Ballon d’Or is a disservice to players like Lewandowski, who have redefined excellence this season. His dominance in domestic and European competitions makes a compelling case for why the award should have been held.

The Legacy of Lewandowski

Goretzka’s anecdote encapsulates the essence of Lewandowski—a player whose calm confidence belies his ferocity on the pitch. As Bayern Munich continue their pursuit of the treble, Lewandowski remains their talisman, embodying the blend of skill, intelligence, and clinical precision that defines the modern striker.

This season may not end with a Ballon d’Or for Lewandowski, but it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the finest campaigns in the history of European football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bayern Munich: A Juggernaut in Motion

“We want to finish the job on Tuesday. That is our goal. We have an excellent run and want to continue our winning streak. The target is to win again in Bremen. We want to just seal the deal.”

Hansi Flick’s words ahead of Bayern Munich’s decisive clash against Werder Bremen carried the precision of a tactician and the resolve of a leader who understood the stakes. For Flick, there was no room for theatrics or complacency—only the singular focus of securing glory. And secure it they did. 

In a tightly contested but unremarkable match by their lofty standards, Bayern Munich clinched their eighth consecutive Bundesliga title, thanks to a decisive strike from the ever-reliable Robert Lewandowski. The victory, though not flamboyant, underscored Bayern’s relentless efficiency—a hallmark of their dominance. 

With the domestic title now in the bag, Flick and his men can shift their gaze toward a grander ambition: conquering Europe. 

A Season of Transformation 

Under Niko Kovač, Bayern Munich had faltered, their performances marred by inconsistency and tactical confusion. The appointment of Hansi Flick in November 2019, initially as an interim solution, proved to be a masterstroke. Flick not only steadied the ship but transformed Bayern into a fearsome juggernaut. 

His tenure began with a bang—a commanding 4-0 demolition of Borussia Dortmund in Germany’s most anticipated fixture. That victory set the tone for what was to come: a Bayern side that blended tactical discipline with an unyielding attacking philosophy. 

In 2020, Bayern Munich emerged as an unstoppable force. Their Bundesliga campaign was a procession, but it was their performances on the European stage that truly signalled their resurgence. A ruthless 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League Round of 16 was a statement of intent. Bayern’s efficiency and precision left the Blues demoralized, and with the second leg still to come at the Allianz Arena, the outcome seemed inevitable. 

The Flick Effect 

Bayern’s transformation under Flick has been nothing short of remarkable. Since January, the team has scored four or more goals in seven matches, and their season tally of 132 goals shattered a club record set in the 1972-73 campaign. Flick’s philosophy revolves around high-intensity pressing, quick transitions, and positional fluidity—a system that has turned Bayern into a well-oiled war machine. 

Benjamin Pavard summed up the squad’s ethos: “We are performing well in the cup and in the Bundesliga. Bayern must win the championship and the cup every year. The Champions League? We dream of it and we want to do the treble.”

Bayern’s dominance often appears effortless, but their success is rooted in meticulous preparation. As Kingsley Ehizibue observed, “At Bayern, they think 10 steps ahead. I don’t know what they’re doing in Munich, but they’re like robots.”

A Super Team 

The plaudits have come from all quarters. Former Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger lauded the team’s potential to win the Champions League, particularly with Liverpool already eliminated: “In a European comparison, it is a super team.”

Indeed, Bayern’s strength lies not just in their individual brilliance but in their collective synergy. Whether it’s Lewandowski’s clinical finishing, Alphonso Davies’ blistering runs, or Joshua Kimmich’s tactical intelligence, every cog in the Bayern machine functions with precision. 

Even on an off day, Bayern’s resilience ensures they find a way to win. Their ability to adapt, anticipate, and execute sets them apart. Flick has instilled a mentality that transcends mere skill—it’s a mindset of inevitability. 

The Road Ahead 

With two Bundesliga games remaining, the German Cup final on the horizon, and the resumption of the Champions League, Bayern Munich stands on the cusp of a historic treble. Flick’s men have already proven themselves domestically, but Europe beckons as the ultimate test. 

In an era of unpredictability, Bayern Munich has emerged as a symbol of consistency, efficiency, and excellence. They are more than a football team—they are a blueprint for domination, a modern-day colossus striding across the European stage. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

Football's Powerful Stand: Players Unite for Justice and Equality in the Wake of George Floyd's Tragedy

The Der Klassiker may have slipped from Borussia Dortmund's grasp, but the team quickly regained its ruthless edge, dispatching Paderborn with a resounding 6-1 victory. While the first half was a rather tepid affair, the second was a showcase of attacking brilliance, with Jadon Sancho marking his return emphatically by scoring a hat-trick. The result not only silenced the critics but also reaffirmed Dortmund's ambitions for Champions League qualification.

Sancho’s return to the starting lineup came after a disheartening midweek defeat to Bayern Munich, a loss that had cast a shadow over manager Lucien Favre's future. However, the English winger’s performance was a timely reminder of his value to the side. Dortmund's attacking dynamism came to the fore in the second half, with Thorgan Hazard breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute. Sancho quickly followed up with a second, and despite a brief resurgence from Paderborn, led by Uwe Hunemeier's goal, the floodgates had opened. Achraf Hakimi and Marcel Schmelzer each added to the tally, and Sancho capped his hat-trick with a swift counter-attack goal in the dying seconds of the match.

Yet, the events of the Bundesliga weekend transcended the on-field spectacle. It was not just the thrilling displays of football that captured the attention, but the powerful messages of solidarity and justice conveyed by players in their goal celebrations.

Sancho’s second goal was marked by an evocative gesture. As he removed his shirt, the undershirt revealed a message: “Justice for George Floyd.” This was not an isolated act. Achraf Hakimi, his Dortmund teammate, echoed the sentiment in the 84th minute, lifting his shirt to reveal the same message. This display of unity was mirrored in France, where Marcus Thuram of Borussia Mönchengladbach took a knee after scoring in a 4-1 victory over Union Berlin. Thuram, the son of former French footballer Lilian Thuram, joined the growing movement of athletes using their platforms to speak out against racial injustice.

These acts of protest were not merely symbolic gestures. They were a powerful continuation of the movement sparked by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who had first taken a knee during the national anthem in protest of racial inequality and police brutality. Kaepernick's courageous stand had cost him his career, but his message continued to resonate, as seen in the actions of footballers like Weston McKennie, who wore an armband with the words “Justice for George” during Schalke’s match.

The death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, was a tragic event that reverberated across the globe. Floyd’s death, captured on video by bystanders, showed a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, even after Floyd had stopped breathing. The incident sparked mass protests not only in the United States but also around the world, as people from all walks of life united in their demand for justice and an end to systemic racism.

The subsequent outpouring of support from the football community underscored the power of sport as a platform for social change. The players’ actions were not just about calling for justice for George Floyd, but also about standing against racism in all its forms. Football, as a global language, once again proved its ability to unite people and deliver a message that transcends national borders and political divides.

In the wake of Floyd’s death, the world was reminded that the fight for equality and justice is far from over. The actions of footballers, taking a knee or displaying messages of solidarity, are part of a broader movement that seeks to eradicate hatred and division. Public figures, especially athletes who are often idolized by millions, have a unique responsibility to lead by example. In this case, the footballers’ actions have shown that they are not just role models on the pitch, but also advocates for a better, more just world.

As we reflect on the events of the past year, it is clear that the struggle for justice is a collective one. Football, with its immense global reach, has proven to be a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring change. But the responsibility to create a world free from racism and hatred lies with all of us, and it is through the courage and leadership of figures like Sancho, Hakimi, Thuram, and McKennie that we are reminded of the importance of standing up for what is right. The fight continues, but with every act of solidarity, we move closer to a world where love and equality prevail.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar