Barcelona hosted Osasuna in a rescheduled La Liga encounter at Camp Nou, which was initially planned for two weeks earlier.
A member of Barça’s medical team experienced an unexpected medical emergency, which led to the postponement.
The game was moved to midweek due to the club’s hectic schedule, which annoyed Barça but ultimately didn’t affect their performance.
The Catalan giants won 3-0 with ease, keeping their cool and winning all three points.
Major Rotation, No Issue: Barça Manage the Game from Beginning to End
For this game, Barça manager Hansi Flick made significant changes to the starting eleven.
Robert Lewandowski, the game’s top scorer, started the match on the bench, and Raphinha, another important offensive player, was completely omitted off the roster.
The home team may have been alarmed by their absence given how important the two have been this season.
But when it counted, backup attackers Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo came through. Both goals were scored in the first half, giving Barça a 2-0 lead early on and establishing the tone for a dominant performance.
Lewandowski equals his personal La Liga record
Ferran Torres, who had put in a good performance, was replaced in the 68th minute by Lewandowski. The Polish attacker made his imprint just nine minutes later.
Barça counterattacked in the 77th minute. Fermín scooped up the ball on the right side and crossed the ball into the area with precision.
Lewandowski extended the lead to 3-0 by timing his run flawlessly and rising above the defense to head the ball into the net.
Lewandowski’s leap onto Fermín’s back during the ensuing celebration demonstrated how much the goal meant to him.
He tied the personal mark he achieved in his first La Liga season in 2022 (23 goals in 34 games) with his 23rd goal of the season.
He has made just 27 appearances this season, which is impressive and shows his improved form and clinical effectiveness.
Red-Hot Form: Lewandowski, 36, Is Returning to His Best
Lewandowski is a superb player outside of the local league. He has played 41 games this season in all competitions and scored an incredible 36 goals.
The 36-year-old’s performances this season indicate that he has recovered his peak, in contrast to last season when he appeared to be slowing down.
Lewandowski is on track to reach 40 goals for the season, which would further solidify his legendary status, with at least 10 La Liga games, two Champions League games, and one Copa del Rey encounter remaining.
Chasing the Quadruple—and the Ballon d’Or
Barcelona is presently leading La Liga by three points over bitter rivals Real Madrid, and they have already won the Spanish Super Cup.
They are also in the Copa del Rey semi-finals following an exciting 4–4 first-leg tie, and they will play Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals.
To put it briefly, Lewandowski is essential to Barça’s quest for a historic quadruple. His ability to lead and score goals has become the cornerstone of the team’s aspirations.
Lewandowski would be among the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or if he guided Barça to a quadruple, particularly in a year without significant international competitions.
The Ballon d’Or has consistently eluded him despite a stellar career that included multiple Golden Boots and a FIFA Best Player title.
This year’s favorable circumstances suggest that 2024 would be his best—and perhaps last—real chance.
Strong Ballon d’Or Competition Is Coming—Lewandowski Needs to Remain Alert
Nevertheless, there is always competition for the Ballon d’Or. Others are still fierce competitors, but Mohamed Salah has probably left the race with Liverpool’s early Champions League loss.
With PSG, Ousmane Dembélé is having his best season yet and is vying for both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé are also playing fantastically, leading their teams in both Europe and their home leagues.
Lewandowski’s own colleague Raphinha, who has emerged as one of the season’s biggest surprises, should also not be disregarded.
The Brazilian winger, who has made 42 appearances and recorded 27 goals and 18 assists, has been instrumental in many crucial games and might be a dark horse in the Ballon d’Or discussion.
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Lewandowski needs to continue playing at his best and guiding Barça to victory in order to remain competitive in this sector.
A Legendary Adventure Proceeds—The Ballon d’Or Is Near
Robert Lewandowski has already written a remarkable career, going from a young Polish prodigy to a Bundesliga superstar and now Barcelona’s talisman.
However, 2024 may be the year he wraps up the tale with the most coveted individual football award.
He may now be able to win the Ballon d’Or—no longer a far-flung dream but a just reward for his excellence—if he can keep scoring goals and lead Barça to a season full of trophies.
Lewandowski’s comeback gives Barcelona the self-assurance and firepower they need to pursue greatness on all fronts.
For Lewandowski, it’s the perfect chance to prove to the world that he is still among the best strikers of all time, even at the age of 36.
