Robert Lewandowski: Barcelona star sent off vs Osasuna for stupid challenge | OneFootball

Barcelona played their final La Liga game before the 2022 World Cup break on Tuesday evening.

Going into the match away at Osasuna, the Catalan outfit sat top of the table after Real Madrid‘s 3-2 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening.

But things didn’t exactly go according to plan for Xavi Hernandez and his men at the start of the match inside the iconic El Sadar Stadium.

Just five minutes into the La Liga encounter, Osasuna went 1-0 up thanks to a goal by David Garcia from a corner kick.

There appeared to be a clear foul on Marcos Alonso in the build-up, but VAR refused to step in and disallow the goal – a very controversial call it must be said.

Then in the 31st minute, it all went horribly, horribly wrong for Barcelona.

Star striker Robert Lewandowski picked up his second yellow card of the game from referee Jesus Gil Manzano and the player can have no complaint about the decision whatsoever.

Lewandowski’s challenge while on a yellow was so, so silly

After being booked for a shirt pull 20 minutes prior, the Poland international decided to clatter into Garica near the middle of the pitch, leading with his elbow.

Lewandowski’s eyes were certainly not fixated on the ball and he absolutely clattered into his opponent.

The former Bayern Munich man tried to protest his innocence, but it was a yellow card all day long. To be honest, it could have been a straight red.

What on earth was he thinking?! The most reckless of tackles while already on a yellow, completely brainless from the goal scoring machine.

Here’s how fans have reacted to the moment of madness from Lewandowski…

It’s only the second time Lewandowski has been sent off in his professional career, the first occasion coming in 2013 when he was at Borussia Dortmund.

Manzano has now dismissed Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez from the field of play while refereeing Barcelona matches, which is quite a collection.

During the half-time break, Gerard Pique – who was an unused substitute at the time – was also shown a red card by Manzano for following the official down the tunnel and remonstrating with him.

Video: Pique was also sent off vs Osasuna

Quiz: Can you name all 30 of these ‘streets won’t forget’ players from World Cups?