Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski left supporters and pundits alike in disbelief on Tuesday night after skying what has been dubbed "one of the worst penalties in La Liga history" during a crucial match against Atletico Madrid.
A Moment of Astonishing Profligacy
The incident occurred with the score delicately poised at 1-1 at Barcelona's renovated Camp Nou. With a chance to put his side ahead, the 37-year-old Polish international sent the ball soaring high into the stands, prompting widespread shock. Spanish newspaper AS led the criticism, while Marca called it "one of the worst penalties of the striker's long career." According to LaLiga expert MisterChip, the miss set an unwanted record, making Lewandowski the first Barcelona star to fail from the spot twice in a single league season.
Flick's Reaction and On-Pitch Redemption
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was visibly unimpressed on the sidelines, seen muttering to himself before taking a sip of water. Lewandowski nearly atoned for his error minutes later with a diving header, but was denied by an excellent save from Atletico's Jan Oblak. The blunder did not prove costly in the end, as Barcelona rallied to secure a 3-1 victory, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points over rivals Real Madrid.
Future in Doubt Amid Prolific Form
The bizarre moment has sparked debate about the veteran's future. Despite this high-profile error, Lewandowski's season remains statistically strong, with eight goals in 12 La Liga appearances. He has been a stellar servant for the Catalan giants, netting 109 times in 163 games. However, with his contract set to expire next summer, reports from The Athletic suggest he is unlikely to sign a new deal, potentially making this his final campaign with the club.
On social media, fans were quick to jest. One user on X quipped the ball was "sent to his brothers in Poland," while another posted an image of the moon, joking the penalty ball had been found there. Despite the stress for fans, Barcelona's comeback win ensures the focus remains on their title charge, even as questions linger over their star striker's rare moment of wayward finishing.
