The bitter memory of Lewandowski in Bruges

The Polish forward, who reappeared against Elche after three weeks out due to injury, will reunite with the Jan Breydelstadion, where he experienced one of the most painful moments of his early years as a professional footballer.

A premature elimination in his youth

At just 21 years old and wearing the jersey of Lech Poznan, Lewandowski suffered a bitter elimination against Bruges in the qualifying round of the Europa League, falling in penalties. The first leg was played on August 20, 2009, just a day before his 21st birthday. On that occasion, the young forward, who was in his second and final season with the Polish team before signing with Borussia Dortmund, started wearing the number 8 jersey and formed a striking partnership with Rengifo. He played 89 minutes before being substituted, and interestingly, three minutes after his departure, Lech Poznan scored the goal that gave them the victory.

A return to forget

The return match, held at the Jan Breydelstadion, was decisive. The Lech Poznan coach, Jacek Zielinski, opted for a more defensive lineup with the intention of preserving the favorable result. Nevertheless, Lewandowski, who had scored 20 goals in his debut season, was once again a starter. In the 54th minute, with the score tied at zero and Bruges dominating the game, the current Barça forward had a golden opportunity: a one-on-one that could have sealed qualification for his team. However, his shot ended up in the hands of goalkeeper Stijnen, wasting the clearest chance of the match. Minutes later, in the 80th, the Belgian team managed to equalize the tie, taking the match to extra time and subsequently to penalties. Against all odds, Lewandowski did not participate in the shootout, as he was substituted in the 116th minute despite being a specialist from the spot. The decision did not pay off: Lech Poznan lost 5-3 in penalties and was eliminated from the competition.

The return to a historic stadium

Now, sixteen years later, Lewandowski returns to the same stage with FC Barcelona, ready to close a circle opened in 2009. With his future at the Catalan club still uncertain, the forward seeks to leave that bad memory behind and show his best version at the Jan Breydelstadion, the stadium where one day the most human side of the third highest scorer in the history of the Champions League was seen.