In a remarkable display of skill and precision, Robert Lewandowski netted three goals for Barcelona in their 3-0 victory over Alaves in La Liga. This achievement marks the 35th hat-trick of his illustrious career and further cements his status as one of the greatest strikers of all time. Lewandowski’s exceptional performance not only contributed to his team’s success but also brought him closer to a historic milestone.
Quick Fire Hat-Trick
Lewandowski showcased his goal-scoring prowess by completing a classic hat-trick in just 25 minutes, finding the net in the 7th, 22nd, and 32nd minutes of the match. This rapid-fire achievement ranks as the fourth-fastest hat-trick in Barcelona’s La Liga history, trailing only behind legends like Samuel Eto’o, Justo Tejada, and Lionel Messi. Unlike these greats, however, Lewandowski accomplished this feat in an away match, adding another layer to his already impressive record.
A Legacy of Hat-Tricks
The Polish international has consistently delivered extraordinary performances throughout his career, with at least one hat-trick recorded each year since 2011. In 2017 and 2021, he even managed to score four hat-tricks in a single year. The latest hat-trick against Alaves follows a similar feat against Valencia in April, illustrating Lewandowski’s relentless goal-scoring ability.
Chasing Historic Milestones
While Lewandowski’s achievements are impressive, the debate about who holds the record for the most hat-tricks continues. Legends like Josef Bican, Erwin Helmchen, and Ferenc Deak are often cited, with varying statistics reported. According to Guinness World Records, Pelé is recognized for 92 hat-tricks, but in the realm of modern football, Lewandowski trails only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with 57 and 66 hat-tricks, respectively.
Following his latest triumph, Lewandowski has now scored a total of 697 official goals. He is just three goals away from reaching the remarkable milestone of 700 career goals. Given his current form, another hat-trick may not be out of reach, further solidifying his legacy in football history.
