Lewandowski back for Barca ahead of potential title-clinching clash

Barcelona’s hopes of clinching the LaLiga title against Espanyol on Thursday have been boosted by the return of Robert Lewandowski to their ranks.

Hansi Flick’s team know a victory at the RCDE Stadium will ensure a 28th top-flight crown, though they could win the title before a ball is kicked.

Real Madrid, who are seven points behind their Clasico rivals, face Mallorca on Wednesday, and should they fail to win, the title will be Barca’s with two games to spare.

Lewandowski has missed Barca’s last three league games and was also absent from their Copa del Rey final win over Madrid on April 27 due to a muscle injury.

The Pole has scored 25 goals in 31 league appearances for the Blaugrana this season, behind only Kylian Mbappe (27) in the race for the division’s Golden Boot.

“Lewandowski is doing good and of course he is ready to play,” Flick told reporters on Wednesday.

Lewandowski featured for 30 minutes in Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final second-leg defeat to Inter, also missing their 4-3 win over Madrid last Saturday.

Following their Clasico win, Barcelona have beaten Madrid in all four encounters across all competitions this season.

Indeed, Flick became the second Barcelona manager, after Pep Guardiola (five) between 2008 and 2010, to record four or more consecutive wins against Los Blancos.

But the Barcelona boss was quick to laud his players for their display rather than taking the credit himself.

“We played 24 minutes with no from Real in our half, so it has something to do with the pressing, it has something to do with the right structure we had,” he said.

“How we started to press them when they had the ball was unbelievable. When I heard this stat, I thought it was really great. We can be very proud of that.

“I’m happy for the fans, for the club, because I know that’s very important for them.”

Flick was also asked about Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and his decision to the Brazil national team at the end of the season.

“I think he (Ancelotti) did a fantastic job in Madrid. He’s a gentleman and one of the best and most successful coaches in the world,” Flick said.

“I wish him all the best for his new job. I think he will find a great team there, and he can follow success there.”