Robert Lewandowski dedicated his first competitive goal for FC Barcelona to a special addressee. “These are for my father, who is watching me from above,” said the world footballer after his two goals in the Catalans’ 4-1 win at Real Sociedad San Sebastián on Sunday evening. His father Krzysztof died of cancer when Lewandowski was 16 years old. On Instagram, the Pole wrote early Monday morning about his successful performance in San Sebastian: “What a night!”
The top scorer switched from FC Bayern Munich to Barcelona after a long transfer theater before the start of the season. He had a jam on the first day of the game, and Barcelona were only able to draw 0-0 against Rayo Vallecano at home. Now on his 34th birthday, Lewandowski entered the Primera División’s top scorers list for the first time. After just 44 seconds he hit the ball with his left foot, and in the 68th minute he was successful with his right.
After the game, Lewandowski praised “the hard work of the whole team and the will to win that we had after drawing in the first game of the season”. It is only a matter of time before the team develops a better understanding of each other. “It’s a great team with young players and others who have more experience and try to give advice,” said Lewandowski.
The other Barcelona goals in San Sebastian were provided by Ousmane Dembélé (66th) and Ansu Fati (79th), who was once employed by Borussia Dortmund. Alexander Isak (6th) had equalized in the meantime. In the table, Barcelona jumped up to fifth with four points.
The only concern for coach Xavi after the game was Jules Koundé’s situation. Unlike Lewandowski, who was registered shortly before the start of the season, the central defender has not yet been registered for the league due to the club’s tight financial situation and is not in the squad. “It bothers me that I can’t use Koundé. But it depends on many things, the transfer market is not closed before September 1st. Jules is training very well and would certainly have played today,” said Xavi.
According to Spanish media reports, there is even a threat of contract termination if Koundé is not registered by August 31. Income, which is necessary to register access from Sevilla FC, should bring in the departure of players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Memphis Depay, Frenkie de Jong or Miralem Pjanic.