Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Barcelona striker, faced a mixed reception on his return to Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park during the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Polish star, who scored 103 goals in 187 games for Dortmund between 2010 and 2014, was met with boos from sections of the home crowd, a reaction that appeared to weigh heavily on the former Dortmund hero. Despite the jeers, Lewandowski spoke out post-match, expressing a mix of disappointment and gratitude while reflecting on his time at the club.
The match itself was a formality for Barcelona, who carried a commanding 4-0 lead from the first leg, where Lewandowski scored twice against his former club. In the second leg, Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory, with Lewandowski not finding the net but playing a pivotal role in the attack. However, the story of the night was the frosty reception from some Dortmund fans, who had not forgotten Lewandowski’s move to rivals Bayern Munich in 2014 after his successful stint with BVB.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Lewandowski addressed the boos with a measured but emotional response. “I understand the passion of the fans here; it’s what makes this club special,” he said. “I gave everything for Dortmund when I was here, and those years helped shape me into the player I am today. It’s tough to hear the boos, but I respect the fans’ feelings. I will always carry Dortmund in my heart.” His comments reflected both his professionalism and the deep connection he still feels to the club where he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final.
The booing began as early as the warm-ups and intensified when Lewandowski’s name was announced in the starting lineup. Social media posts on X captured the moment, with some fans trending discussions about the polarized reception, noting that while some Dortmund supporters clapped in appreciation, others were vocal in their disapproval. One user posted, “Lewandowski gave Dortmund everything, but the Bayern move still stings for some. Mixed feelings at the Yellow Wall tonight.” These sentiments highlight the lingering bitterness among some fans, particularly due to Lewandowski’s subsequent success with Bayern, where he scored 344 goals in 375 games.
Despite the hostile atmosphere, Lewandowski’s performance remained composed, and he nearly reached a historic milestone. He is just one goal shy of 100 goals for Barcelona, a target he had hoped to achieve against Dortmund. In the first leg, he made Champions League history by becoming the first player to score 10 goals in a single season for three different clubs—Dortmund, Bayern, and Barcelona. His coach, Hansi Flick, praised his resilience, saying, “Robert is a professional through and through. He felt the emotion of returning, but he stayed focused. He’s a leader for us.”
Dortmund coach Niko Kovač also weighed in, acknowledging Lewandowski’s impact. “He’s a world-class player, and we knew he’d be dangerous. The fans have their emotions, but Robert’s legacy at Dortmund is undeniable,” Kovač said.
The match saw Barcelona advance to the semi-finals with a 6-1 aggregate score, setting up a clash with either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. For Lewandowski, the return to Dortmund was a poignant reminder of his roots, even as he continues to chase glory with Barcelona. “I’ve a dream, and it’s reaching 100 goals with Barcelona,” he reiterated post-match. “But tonight, it was about the team and moving forward in this competition.”