Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski eyes all-time Bundesliga home goalscoring record
Robert Lewandowski has his sights set on breaking the Bundesliga’s all-time record for scoring in consecutive home matches when Bayern Munich welcome Hertha Berlin to the Allianz Arena on Matchday 24.
The prolific Pole opened the scoring in the league leaders’ 2-1 victory over Schalke on Saturday, becoming the only player in German top-flight history other than Jupp Heynckes to have netted in 11 successive home games since the beginning of a season.
“I’m really happy to have moved level with Jupp,” a delighted Lewandowski told reporters following the narrow victory over the Royal Blues. “It’s a great feeling to have equalled his record, but now I want to score another in our next home game!”
It would certainly take a brave man to bet against Lewandowski making the record his own on 24 February. The 29-year-old has made the scoresheet in his last two league appearances against the Old Lady, although both those games took place at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
“I hope the coach doesn’t get jealous and decides not to play me from the start,” added Bayern’s number nine with a grin. “Seriously, though, he was a great player and a great striker. I’m really happy to work with him. We often talk about certain situations and he always tries to help me if he thinks I can improve.”
Watch: Heynckes vs. Lewandowski - Bundesliga record-breakers
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Heynckes himself was unable to attend Saturday’s game through illness, but the 72-year-old was quick to congratulate his players following the narrow win over Domenico Tedesco’s charges, sending assistant coach Peter Hermann a text message within minutes of the final whistle.
“He must have been incredibly nervous watching on the telly,” Hermann told fcbayern.de. “He sent me a short text immediately the game, so I gave him a ring back. He said ‘well done’ for holding on to the three points. It was a very difficult game.”
Thankfully, Heynckes is fully expected to be back in the Allianz Arena dugout for the clash with Hertha in just under a fortnight’s time. Should Lewandowski surpass the former Bayern and Borussia Mönchengladbach striker’s long-standing record on Matchday 24, he will be able to congratulate the current Torjägerkanone frontrunner in person.