Robert Lewandowski is looking for his equally awaited return to the pitch. He’ll be donning the colors of FC Barcelona in Thursday’s pivotal LaLiga match-up with city rivals Espanyol. The Polish striker has found the net an incredible 25 times for his league outings this season. He’s just two goals shy of LaLiga top scorer Kylian Mbappe in the LaLiga Golden Boot race. Lewandowski’s absence from the squad has been felt deeply, especially after he missed Barcelona’s last three league matches due to a muscle injury.
The 34-year-old forward sat out Barcelona’s exhilarating 3-2 Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid on April 27. The Argentine was limited to just half an hour off the bench in last week’s second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan. His absence was felt even more during the club’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday. It illuminated exactly how important he is to the team’s offensive game plan.
Barcelona’s Title Aspirations
Indeed, Barcelona is the runaway leader in LaLiga right now with 82 points—seven clear of their closest challengers. Should Real Madrid lose to Mallorca on Wednesday, Barcelona would be able to win the title that same day. The stakes couldn’t be higher for either team! A win in their next derby with Espanyol would clinch the title for the Catalan outfit.
Hansi Flick, who since 2021 until 2023 coached Germany national team, assured Lewandowski’s readiness to come back. It also belied how lethal Lewandowski’s been for the side. The striker is looking to lead the ambition as they prepare to return to the ultimate title challenge.
“Lewandowski is doing good and of course he is ready to play.” – Hansi Flick
Flick, a big advocate of intensity football, was particularly happy with his side’s press plan against nibble Real.
“We played 24 minutes with no contact from Real in our half, so it has something to do with the pressing, it has something to do with the right structure we had.” – Hansi Flick
Rivalry and Expectations
The Catalan derby Barcelona-Espanyol adds even more spice to this match. Expect an electric atmosphere, as both teams vie for bragging rights in the city! A victory for Barcelona would ensure they remain top LaLiga on goal difference. It deepens their age-old local rivalry with Espanyol.
Flick credited Carlo Ancelotti for making an impact on the talent that is Real Madrid. He recognized the harsh reality of the perennial powerhouses they face within their conference.
“I think he (Ancelotti) did a fantastic job in Madrid. He’s a gentleman and one of the best and most successful coaches in the world.” – Hansi Flick
While Barcelona prepares for this important meeting, fans continue to hope that Lewandowski’s return will help restore their title hopes. Just having him on the field can turn the tide in Barcelona’s favor. This means that the battle between the two makes the match an attractive matchup for the fans!
Looking Ahead
All attention, once again, will focus on Lewandowski as he settles into the group. With the championship title within reach, the roster is hungry to hoist some silverware! The stakes are indeed high as Barcelona gear up for their crucial Catalan Derby against Espanyol, where history could be made.
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