Robert Lewandowski could make or break Barcelona’s Champions League hopes

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 04: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates a goal during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on April 04, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images

FC Barcelona needed a goal against Atlético Madrid in a tense La Liga game. Hansi Flick looked at his bench, and he knew he had the perfect answer on the bench. On came Robert Lewandowski. And like so many times in the past, the Polish striker scored.

It was far from a beautiful goal. João Cancelo’s moves were great, cutting twice to open up space for a shot that was parried away by Juan Musso in goal. Lewandowski simply had to be in the right place, at the right time, and get the right contact on it. It was a reflex to bounce the ball back in with his shoulder. And you could even call it a “tap-in” goal.

It’s precisely that instinct, however, that makes Lewandowski great. Nearing 38, the forward is not beating many with pace and he does not have the stamina to press as consistently as someone like Ferran Torres. However, he has a knack for being in the right place and at the right time, and the skills to finish off chances.

It has not been a banner year for Lewandowski. Due to factors such as injuries, he has been a substitute almost as often as he has been a starter. On the other hand, it’s not been anything close to a disaster, either, scoring 17 goals for the Catalans this season.

Barça have called upon Ferran Torres frequently this season. He is in many ways, Lewandowski’s opposite. Fast, with good stamina, and also a reputation for missing too many chances. Like Lewandowski’s season, it would be wrong to call Torres’ season a bad one. He has 16 goals so far in all competitions. The Shark allows Barcelona to spell Lewandowski with a more natural fit than having to rely on Dani Olmo or Marcus Rashford to moonlight as a #9.

As much as Barcelona see Torres as a viable option to turn to, Lewandowski is still the starter as of now. One of the Champions League’s greatest legends — he has more career goals in Europe’s elite competition not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Does he have enough left in the tank for one last great run to the trophy?