Lewandowski’s Season Kickoff: Barça’s Fresh push with Yamal’s rise

Lewandowski Returns as Barcelona Seek to Sustain Champions League Momentum

Robert Lewandowski declared his full readiness for Barcelona ahead of the Champions League clash with Club Brugge, confirming complete recovery from his knee setback and his eagerness to help the team keep winning in Europe.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, he described his physical condition since returning from injury, noting that he had only a few minutes against Elche, but his focus remains on aiding the side.

“Now begins my real season,” he said, adding that the last two to three weeks of hard work have raised his level and that when the team plays as one, they become dangerous and capable of winning titles.

Asked about his future renewal, Lewandowski stated he is not thinking about it now, that many things can happen in life, but he is happy at Barcelona and focused on scoring and winning trophies this season.

The veteran also explained why he rested during the international break with Poland: injuries have cost him minutes this campaign, so it was important to devote the break to physical work with the coaching and medical staff. He feels in excellent shape and ready to play at the highest level.

Regarding his young teammate Lamine Yamal, he declined to go into detail, saying the youngster needs calm and focus on development, and that it is better for him to talk about himself, not his teammate.

On the team's form this season, the Polish star added that injuries are part of football and every season is tougher; the squad must keep grinding to win, even if performances are not perfect.

As for the Brugge match, Lewandowski stressed the importance of the tie and the league system in the competition, noting that every point matters. The aim is to return to Barcelona with three points.

At the end of the press conference, he praised new teammate Marcus Rashford, saying he already showed his ability to score and create since his first day at Barça, strengthening the attack.

Barcelona's campaign in the group phase has already seen a 2-1 win over Newcastle, a 2-1 loss to PSG, and a 6-1 thrashing of Olympiakos in the third round; Lewandowski’s presence adds experience to the squad.

The report also notes that the Polish forward has rejoined the squad after the injury and that Dani Olmo is also in the group; the roster behind the starting line includes several goalkeepers and defenders as listed by the media.

With Rafinha, Gavi, Pedri and Ter Stegen out in various spells, Barça have balanced options as they prepare for a demanding schedule ahead of the knockout stages.

Injury watch around Rafinha remains positive, with Barça hopeful he is nearing full fitness. He has not yet played since his knee issue, and the club is monitoring his recovery closely under coach Xavi's plan.

Spanish outlets indicate Rafinha did not feature for Brazil during the current international window; medical updates suggest a cautious return rather than rushing him back.

Despite the ongoing absence from first-team training, the club believes the Brazilian is close to rejoining the group, although no precise return date has been set.

Rafinha did not make the Brugge trip, but there is talk he could travel with the squad to Vigo, provided his condition continues to improve and there is no risk in rushing him back.

Inside the locker room, there is strong confidence that the winger is near full readiness, and Barcelona remains hopeful he will feature again soon after the international break.

Rafinha’s absence from recent fixtures has been noted, but the club remains optimistic about his eventual return and his contribution to the rest of the season.

Thus, while Rafinha sits out a few more days, Barcelona maintains a cautious but hopeful stance as they evaluate the best moment for his comeback.

In summary, Lewandowski’s return is framed as a catalyst for Barça’s ambitions in Europe, while Yamal’s development continues to be a key storyline for the club’s long-term success.

Punchline 1: If Lewandowski keeps starting seasons like this, even the calendar will file a complaint for bias in favor of goals.

Punchline 2: And if Yamal keeps growing this fast, the ball might start asking for his autograph before the whistle even blows.