Why Lewandowski and Barça Are Struggling to Finish Their Chances

Lewandowski’s recent struggles in front of goal mirror Barça’s broader inefficiency problem

It’s hard to ignore the glaring issue that has been haunting Barça this season: finishing. And at the center of this challenge lies Robert Lewandowski, a player whose name has been synonymous with goals for over a decade. Yet, something feels off. The clinical edge that once defined Lewandowski seems dulled, and as he himself admitted, confidence and composure in the box are lacking. Barça’s results, unsurprisingly, have mirrored this decline.

Lewandowski’s current form is a stark contrast to his blistering start in the 2022-23 season. Back then, he was unstoppable, racking up 14 goals in his first 11 games. Fast forward to now, and he’s managed just two goals in the last eight matches. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a picture of inefficiency. While opportunities have been plentiful, the finishing touch has been absent. This isn’t just a Lewandowski problem; it’s a collective issue for Barça. However, as the team’s primary striker, the spotlight inevitably falls on him.

In the recent defeat to Atlético Madrid, Lewandowski’s post-match reflections were strikingly candid. He admitted to a lack of calmness and self-belief in the box, a rare show of vulnerability from a player of his stature. But beyond the personal struggles, his comments also highlighted a broader tactical naivety within the team. Barça’s inability to manage games, particularly when chasing a result, has cost them dearly. Playing as if every match is a final, as Lewandowski described, has led to defensive lapses and missed chances that are proving costly.

What’s most concerning is the sense of déjà vu. Last season, Lewandowski’s form took a hit post-World Cup, and Barça struggled to compensate. This time, there’s no such excuse. The team has been creating chances, arguably playing better football overall, but the final product has been lacking. It’s a frustrating pattern that fans and players alike are desperate to break.

So, what’s the solution? For Lewandowski, it’s about rediscovering the mental sharpness that has defined his career. At 36, he’s not the same player he was a decade ago, but his instincts and experience should still make him one of the most reliable finishers in the game. For Barça, it’s about learning to adapt. Whether that means tweaking tactics to create higher-quality chances or finding alternative sources of goals, something needs to change.

There’s no doubt that Lewandowski’s struggles are emblematic of a larger issue within the team. But with the right adjustments, both tactically and mentally, there’s every chance that he and Barça can bounce back stronger. For now, though, the finishing problem remains a thorn in their side.

References: Lewandowski: “Me está faltando tranquilidad y confianza dentro del área”