Jupp Heynckes: the difference between Ronaldo and Lewandowski

Posted Monday, April 23, 2018 by squawka.com

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes believes his striker Robert Lewandowski and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be compared, because of what they bring.

The pair will go head-to-head once more as the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions and the defending European Cup holders square off in a mouthwatering Champions League semi-final clash.

Both are their respective sides' leading goalscorers this season but, that similarity aside, Lewandowski (39 goals) and Ronaldo (42) are two different footballers according to Heynckes.

"I do not think you can compare these types of players," he told reporters (via Goal).

"Robert Lewandowski is a player who plays in front of the opposing goal, especially with his back to the opponent. He is always attacked and this is one of the big strength of a striker who plays in this position.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a player who often plays on the left side and moves between the lines.

"What he does outstanding - especially lately, but also during his whole career - is that he has a good nose for scoring chances in the centre-forward position and in front of the opposing goal. He finishes these chances as well."

"But you could cite the match on Tuesday [against Bayer Leverkusen] as an example: Lewandowski's goal-scoring rate is great. He scored the first two goals on Tuesday."

Lewandowski vs Ronaldo

The upcoming semi-final first-leg in Munich on Wednesday is set to be the seventh time Lewandowski and Ronaldo have faced each other.

Across the previous six meetings, Lewandowski's team (Bayern, Poland and Borussia Dortmund) have come out victorious on two occasions whilst Ronaldo's side (Real and Portugal) tasted three victories.

In those games Lewandowski has bagged seven goals, including four past Los Blancos whilst representing BVB in their 2013 Champions League semi-final first-leg clash, and Ronaldo has five to his name with three coming in last season's Champions League quarter-final first-leg.