Robert Lewandowski made his return to the starting lineup in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Real Betis, but his comeback failed to deliver the anticipated results. The experienced Polish striker ended the match without finding the back of the net, largely due to a lack of clear-cut opportunities.
While Barcelona controlled many aspects of the game, their inability to create concrete chances in front of goal left Lewandowski visibly frustrated.
Reports from the Spanish outlet El Nacional revealed that Lewandowski was left on the bench in the previous Copa del Rey match, a surprising move. Nevertheless, manager Hansi Flick gave him a chance to start again in the La Liga fixture. Despite this, the match didn’t unfold in Lewandowski’s favor. He struggled to get into dangerous scoring positions, and even when he did, they were often in awkward or overly complicated scenarios.
Though he continued to contribute through his pressing and defensive efforts, his expressions and gestures on the field hinted at rising discontent, especially toward teammate Lamine Yamal.
Lewandowski and the 17-year-old Yamal had formed a promising connection earlier in the season. Yamal, known for his quick runs and sharp decision-making, had frequently assisted Lewandowski in front of goal. However, that chemistry was absent against Betis.
Yamal appeared fatigued, often opting for individual dribbles instead of passing to the striker, which disrupted the attacking flow and led to Lewandowski’s clear frustration. Cameras caught the striker gesturing, showing disbelief, and even offering critical comments to the young winger during the game.
The lack of impact from Yamal may be attributed to the heavy workload he has endured throughout the season. Despite his undeniable talent, the physical demands seem to be catching up with him.
Flick acknowledged the need to manage the teenager’s minutes, but also understands Yamal’s value as a creative force on the wing. Unfortunately, against Betis, the winger was off his game.
Coach Flick is now expected to reassess his offensive setup in the coming fixtures. Adjustments in player rotation and roles may be necessary to optimize the team’s attacking efficiency.
While Lewandowski remains Barcelona’s most reliable goal scorer, he cannot succeed without better service from those around him. The match against Betis served as a wake-up call: unless Barcelona improves up front, more points may be dropped—and Lewandowski’s growing dissatisfaction is a sign of deeper issues in the attack.
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