Stats show why Flick must trust veteran forward over youthful energy against Valencia | OneFootball

Robert Lewandowski has had a slow start to the 2025/26 season, but the Polish striker now looks ready to make his mark for Barcelona.

The veteran forward has been left out of the starting XI in each of Barça’s first three La Liga matches, something unusual for a player of his stature.

However, after regaining full fitness with the Polish national team, he is aiming to return to form just in time to face his favourite opponent – Valencia.

The 37-year-old missed the league opener through injury and was only given limited minutes against Levante and Rayo Vallecano.

But during the international break, Lewandowski appeared in Poland’s games against the Netherlands and Finland, proving that he is back to his sharpness.

Speaking with confidence after the matches, he said, “The two matches against the Netherlands and Finald were like a gradual re-entry for me.”

Numbers to back him his starting role

Lewandowski’s scoring record against La Liga teams. (Source: Transfermarkt)

If there is one team Lewandowski enjoys facing, it is Valencia. Since joining Barcelona, the striker has scored seven goals against Los Che, which is more than against any other La Liga side, except for Alaves, who have also conceded seven.

Last season, he was decisive in both fixtures against Valencia. At Mestalla, he scored twice in a 2-1 win, before adding another goal in the 7-1 thrashing at Montjuic.

The year before, he bagged a hat-trick at Montjuic in a 4-2 victory, and in his debut season, he scored the late winner at Mestalla in a tight 1-0 game.

Behind Valencia and Alaves, Lewandowski has also enjoyed success against Celta (5 goals), Girona (4), Valladolid (4), and Elche (4).

With his fitness back and confidence high, Barcelona will hope Lewandowski can repeat his scoring form when he steps onto the pitch this weekend.

For both the player and the club, the clash with Valencia could be the perfect moment to relaunch the season.