Robert Lewandowski equals Gerd Muller's scoring record as Bayern Munich held

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:07 am

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski equalled Gerd Muller's 49-year-old German league goal record when he scored with a 26th-minute penalty in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Freiburg to take his season tally to 40 goals.

The striker, who netted for the 11th straight game in all competitions and could have scored more, is already second on the all-time scorers' list in the Bundesliga, with 276 goals, behind only Muller's 365. He has one more chance to break Muller's 1971-72 record, with one game left in the season.

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"This is a great honour for me and also for the modern history of the Bundesliga in Germany," the 32-year-old said. "I am very happy to be part of this legendary record."

Lewandowski revealed a shirt under his top with a picture of Muller and the writing "4ever Gerd" on it, after scoring his goal.

"What Gerd managed to achieve was amazing. I never thought I could come close and share a record with him," Lewandowski said. "I am very, very proud. I still cannot believe what has happened. I will need some time to realise it."

Bayern, who have already secured their ninth consecutive league crown, had their first good chance in the 20th minute when Lewandowski's shot from the edge of the box sailed wide.

He did it much better six minutes later, sending keeper Mark Flekken the wrong way to equal the record.

"We brought him to Bayern seven years ago on a free transfer [from Borussia Dortmund]," club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. "He became one of the most valuable players in our club history.

"I played with Gerd Muller and I know he has wished for this day for Robert. Both are strikers who stand out in the history of football," Rummenigge added.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates with his Bayern Munich teammates following his goal.
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images

Freiburg levelled three minutes later with Manuel Gulde's header but Bayern went back in front with Leroy Sane sliding in to connect with a Thomas Muller cutback in the 53rd.

Lewandowski missed a chance in front of goal in the 78th minute and also had an 83rd-minute header saved by the keeper after Christian Gunter had drawn the hosts level.

But the result will matter little on the day as Lewandowski was showered with praise, with the German Football League (DFL) hailing it as an "historic" achievement.

"Almost half a century after the unique Gerd Muller set the record, Robert Lewandowski equalled it today," the DFL said. "Congratulations for this outstanding and historic performance."

Bayern play Augsburg in their final game of the season next Saturday.