Champions League: Barcelona's Lewandowski focused on future after 'tough evening' against Bayern Munich

Robert Lewandowski's reunion with his former team was ruined by Bayern Munich's 2-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League 2022-23 Group Stage clash, thanks to goals from Lucas Hernandez and Leroy Sane. The Polish icon departed the Bundesliga champions this summer and endured a tough night back at Allianz Arena after failing to make the most of several chances in the Group C match.

After a goalless first half, Julian Nagelsmann's team picked up the pace early in the second half. Hernandez headed in a corner from Joshua Kimmich, and then Jamal Musiala displayed excellent skill to set up Sane, who scored in the 54th minute to keep Bayern Munich at the top after two games.

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After this defeat, Lewandowski took to Instagram to send a strong message to his fans. "It was a tough evening. Now it's time to focus on the future. #ucl @fcbarcelona," wrote the Polish striker, warning that Barcelona will fight back in the Champions League campaign. Fans flooded the 33-year-old icon's post with comments like 'Respect', 'We will be back', etc.

Due to their strong start to the new season, Barcelona was considered the favourite going into the match, but they could not compete with their rival. On his return to the Allianz Arena, Lewandowski had a rough night, failing to make an impact despite his incredible goal-scoring form this season. The Polish striker appeared much below par with two easy chances to score in the first half. The setback only increases the pressure on Barcelona, who must play with more precision in what now seems to be a group of death that also includes Inter Milan.

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Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez stated that his team cannot afford to be wasteful in front of goal in a high-stakes competition like the Champions League, for which the Bavarians punished them. "We were better than Bayern in many aspects. We were better physically, and we dominated the first half. We cannot let [teams] off. I am annoyed because it was a day to win," the Spaniard said.

"The sensation is that it was very good, it was for winning, it is a lesson but it is hard, we did not score in spite of having seven very clear chances. You have to put them in. I am pissed off but proud. We were equal to them, we can say that we were better but this is about winning. The first from the corner and the second from not stopping counter-attacks. You have to do it. They are a complete team, but we are at the start. We have to improve these aspects in the areas," Xavi Hernandez concluded.

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