Robert Lewandowski joined Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of an all-time Champions League list after scoring twice in Barcelona’s 5-4 win over Benfica.
…Lewandowski equals Ronaldo
…Joint most penalty goals in the Champions League
…Barcelona beat Benfica in a nine-goal thriller
WHAT HAPPENED?
Lewandowski and Raphinha scored a brace each while Eric Garcia was on target as Barcelona registered a 5-4 win in a nine-goal thriller against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday. Both of Lewandowski’s goals came from the penalty spot as he went past Barca legend Lionel Messi’s total of 18 successful spot-kicks in the competition and equalled the all-time record set by Ronaldo, who scored 19 across his spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The thrilling encounter in Lisbon saw the hosts take a 3-1 lead at half-time. Barca then reduced the margin just past the hour mark as Raphinha found the back of the net. But within a few minutes, Ronald Araujo’s own goal restored Benfica’s two-goal lead. The visitors then staged a remarkable comeback as they scored three goals in the final 15 minutes of the match to secure a memorable victory.
DID YOU KNOW?
Lewandowski is currently third in the Champions League’s all-time goalscorers list with 103 strikes to his name. He is behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who scored 140 and 129 goals, respectively before leaving Europe in 2023.
WHAT NEXT FOR ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI?
The veteran forward will be back in action for Hansi Flick’s side on Sunday as they take on Valencia in a crucial La Liga fixture.
Goal
