Robert Lewandowski equals Lionel Messi's historic Champions League record as FC Barcelona march on

The 37-year-old has become the symbol of longevity at the top level. (Image credits – Heute, Licence Details)

Robert Lewandowski has once again proven why he's one of the greatest goal scorers of all time, as he equalled Lionel Messi's historic Champions League record.

On Wednesday’s crucial 4-1 victory over Copenhagen in the final game of the Champions League league stage, Lewandowski scored the equaliser for Hansi Flick's side, who trailed at half-time. This goal not only sparked yet another ‘remontada’ but also added to the Polish striker’s tally of milestones in the competition.

The 37-year-old has now tied Lionel Messi in scoring against the most different teams in Champions League history. Copenhagen became the 40th different club against whom the Polish international has bagged a goal.

The Argentine held this record for so many years and had achieved this feat while playing for FC Barcelona and PSG. Cristiano Ronaldo is third in the list, having scored against 38 different teams.

Lewandowski, even at this age, continues to prove his mettle amongst the all-time greats who've graced this competition. His UCL goal tally has now reached 107 and is only behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the list.

Although most of his goals in the competition came while playing for Bayern Munich, the Poland international has bagged 21 goals in the competition for Barça. He has scored the same amount of goals as Neymar and Patrick Kluivert for the Blaugrana.

Who will FC Barcelona face in the RO16?

FC Barcelona executed their job perfectly and made a remarkable comeback to win 4-1 against Copenhagen at home on Wednesday. Hansi Flick's side ended the league stage campaign with 16 points, winning 5 games, drawing 1 and losing 2.

Since the Blaugrana finished fifth in the table, it means they will face meet the winners of the playoffs between the teams which finished 11th and 12th or 21st and 22nd. As per the standings, Lewandowski and co. will face one between Monaco, Newcastle, PSG and Qarabag.

The playoffs draw is set to take place on Friday to determine which teams will face each other in the next knockout round. On 27th February, the RO16 draws are set to take place, which will ultimately decide whom Hansi Flick's side are going to face up next.