Barcelona forward just one step away from matching Messi’s Champions League record

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski finally opened his account in this season’s UEFA Champions League , and the goal could carry far more weight than it appears.

Beyond ending his European drought, the strike has brought the Polish forward to within touching distance of one of Lionel Messi’s most remarkable records in a Barcelona shirt.

To begin with, it must be brought to light that Lewandowski has now scored in 16 different editions of the Champions League, placing him level with Cristiano Ronaldo and former Bayern Munich teammate Thomas Muller.

As such, only Messi and Karim Benzema sit above him on that particular list.

Furthermore, there is also a very specific piece of history within reach.

To put things in perspective, Messi managed to score against 40 different teams while wearing the Barcelona shirt.

Lewandowski was on the scoresheet against Slavia Praha. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)

As per Mundo Deportivo , Lewandowski currently sits on 39 , meaning the upcoming clash against Copenhagen on the final matchday of the first European phase could see him draw level with the Argentine icon.

This campaign has been unusual for Lewandowski in other ways too. Unlike previous seasons, he has shared the role of starting striker more frequently with Ferran Torres, leading to rotation at the top of Barcelona’s attack.

Despite that, his numbers remain solid. He has scored 11 goals and registered two assists in 23 appearances out of a possible 31 matches so far.

Those goals are particularly significant when viewed in context, as his current average keeps him close to the output he delivered during his first year at the club, a season that many considered the benchmark for his Barcelona spell.

As discussions around squad planning and continuity intensify, Lewandowski’s performances are certainly strengthening his case.