Wednesday was an eventful day in the Champions League group stage.
Already on the brink in Group C behind Bayern Munich and Inter, Barcelona entered Wednesday’s matchup with, ironically, Inter (+575) needing at least a tie to stave off an unfortunate (and probably unforeseen) relegation to the Europa League. And after roughly 63 minutes of play, matters weren’t looking promising for the “Blaugrana.”
With Barcelona fighting for its life, Inter got off to what seemed like a commanding 2-1 lead following goals from Nicola Barella and Lautaro Martinez. A relegation seemed all but inevitable for Xavi’s talented and a little bit flawed bunch.
But then, in the 82nd minute … my goodness, that’s Robert Lewandowski’s music!
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI 🔥
A LIFELINE FOR BARCELONA. 👀 pic.twitter.com/PVVHpWJmH7
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 12, 2022
What a strike and what a moment for Barcelona. While a win would certainly make things easier on it as it would still control its own destiny, it’d still take hanging on for the tie in the final few minutes.
That’s when Robin Gosens buried the apparent dagger in the 89th minute to give Inter a 3-2 lead:
What a game! Robin Gosens scores in the 89th minute for Inter!
(via @TUDNUSA)pic.twitter.com/kYpt7U58pc
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) October 12, 2022
Oh, man. What a brutal way to be relegated.
(Holds hand to earpiece)
Is that the prolific Lewandowski again?
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI AGAIN. BARCELONA ARE STILL IN THIS 🍿 pic.twitter.com/e3lSiIiUFC
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 12, 2022
What a pass, and what an even better finish from one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of soccer. With his heroic two-goal effort preserving a final 3-3 tie to (temporarily) keep Barcelona from being relegated, Lewandowski also made some Champions League history.
He officially joined Cristiano Ronaldo (140) and Lionel Messi (127) as the only players to ever 90 at least goals in the Champions League:
Robert Lewandowski becomes only the 3rd player to score over 90 Champions League goals:
🥇 Cristiano Ronaldo – 140
🥈 Lionel Messi – 127
🥉 ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI – 91An all-timer. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/XYkYvCIXbf
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 12, 2022
Unfortunately for Lewandowski, his individual prowess probably only staved off Barcelona’s inevitable relegation. If Inter defeats Viktoria Plzen at home later this month, Barcelona will officially step down to the Europa League.
For now, Lewandowski played hero and once again reminded everyone he’s one of the all-time best in the goal box.
Soccer fans were appreciative of Lewandowski's last-minute heroism for Barcelona
We are not giving this man the respect he deserves..
ladies and gentleman! this is Robert Lewandowski .. pic.twitter.com/Ws1muSjNS1— Mustapha (@EllafiMustapha) October 12, 2022
Robert Lewandowski se ha entregado y ha luchado más por el Barça en tres meses que muchos de los capitanes en años. #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/T4KzboIiLp
— Miquel Blázquez (@BlazquezFont) October 12, 2022
Robert Lewandowski is too good for Barcelona. But you already knew that.
— Stefan Bienkowski (@SBienkowski) October 12, 2022
Honor a Robert Lewandowski.
— Iniestazo (@INIE8TAZO) October 12, 2022
LewanGOATski https://t.co/QJMXE3Mxkb
— linocappuccino (@linocappuccino) October 12, 2022
Insane goal https://t.co/DgwCEPAPAj
— Tom Lovsey (@TLuv_66) October 12, 2022
crazy header https://t.co/Uh9FQ32l76
— mallory (@mallofooty) October 12, 2022
That was meanest goal I seen in a while 💪👏🔥 https://t.co/64kpKUtaN1
— Dado (@Dado3615) October 12, 2022
