Robert Lewandowski equals Ronaldo Nazario’s incredible record

Barcelona striker, Robert Lewandowski became the first player since Ronaldo Nazario to score 30 or more goals across competitions in his first season at La Blaugrana.

Lewandowski reached the mark on May 14 after scoring a brace in his side’s 4-2 win against Espanyol, in their 34th- round La Liga Catalan derby.

The Polish international has now netted 31 goals and registered seven assists in 42 matches across competitions for Barcelona this season, as reported by Transfermarkt.

Ronaldo Nazario, who joined the club from PSV Eindhoven at the start of the 1996-1997 season, took La Liga by storm. Then 20, the young Brazilian forward scored an astronomical and astonishing 47 goals and registered 12 assists in 49 games for the club in his first season.

Barcelona signed the forward for a then-world record transfer fee of €15 million. He was named the 1996 FIFA World Player of the Year, making him the youngest award recipient.

Meanwhile, Barcelona became the La Liga champions with four games to go this term, courtesy of their 4-2 win over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.

Xavi’s side now has 85 points from 34 matches and leads second-placed Real Madrid by 14 points.

Lewandowski vs Benzema: Pichichi battle
Lewandowski is in his first season at Barcelona, having upped sticks after 12 years of dominating the goal-scoring charts in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

He has quickly silenced those who wondered whether or not he could score goals in another country.

Granted, the Polish striker isn't operating at his previous goal-per-game level but according to 90min, his impact at Barcelona has been significantly felt with his efforts enough to see the club win La Liga ahead of Real Madrid.

Over in the capital, it's been business as usual for regular goal-getter and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, Karim Benzema. However, the Frenchman's campaign has been disrupted by the niggling injuries that often affect a player coming towards the end of their career.

Lewa and Benz are well clear of Spain's other regular goal-scorers and will now go head-to-head in the final stretch of the season to become the latest winner of Marca's famed Pichichi Trophy.