Robert Lewandowski joins Lionel Messi in exclusive Barcelona club after scoring in 2-2 draw with Real Betis

The Poland international netted the opening goal of the game against Betis on Saturday, as he tapped home from close range. Barca would go on to draw the game 2-2 in disappointing circumstances, as they conceded an injury-time equaliser to Assane Diao, but Lewandowski has matched a record in the process, as he became the first player since Messi to score 16 goals in his first 16 league appearances of the season.

Lewandowski has been in remarkable form this season and has also scored seven goals in five Champions League outings. His run of form in La Liga saw him net seven times in three games in October, scoring back-to-back braces against Sevilla and Real Madrid after a hat-trick against Alaves. In 18/19, when Messi scored 16 in 16, he ended the season with 36 league goals.

Messi ended the 18/19 season with over 50 goals in all competitions, as Barcelona won La Liga and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. It remains to be seen if Barca can replicate that this season, or go one step further in Europe.

Barcelona face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek in an intriguing tie. They then face Leganes as they try to get back to winning ways in La Liga.