Bayern Munich, 11/4 favourites to win the Champions League, were held to a goalless draw by Shakhtar Donetsk in their recent last 16 encounter, with striker Robert Lewandowski failing to earn a place in the starting line-up.
Bavarians boss Pep Guardiola opted to leave out his Polish poacher, instead starting with a pacey front three of Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben.
Such a decision proved to be costly as the German league champions were held to a shock stalemate in Ukraine, with the Munich manager eventually being forced to introduce Lewandowski into proceedings, with only 15 minutes left to play.
Like in many of his previous outings, the Pole was unable to make an impact as his side stumbled to their second draw in four matches.
The Poland international arrived at the Allianz Arena last summer from bitter Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer, after previously helping Jurgen Klopp’s side reach a Champions League final in 2012, where he tasted defeat at the hands of his eventual employers.
Despite his prowess in front of goal, Lewandowski has endured a frustrating year in Germany, scoring just once and being forced to play out of position in several games.
In Bayern’s recent 8-0 thumping of German opponents Hamburg, the Pole was deployed from an unfamiliar wide position, but still managed to net his only strike so far this calendar year.
The 26-year-old’s recent struggle, along with uncertainty over Guardiola’s long-term future, has led to suggestions that the former Dortmund hitman could depart next summer, joining other recent high-profile stars to have left such as Toni Kroos, Xherdan Shaqiri and Mario Mandzukic.
With several big names having previously set off to seek regular first-team action elsewhere, Lewandowski could soon become the next frustrated forward to go down that increasingly familiar road.
The clinical centre forward would provide Premier League outfits such as Manchester United or Liverpool with an astute attacking outlet, with his great goalscoring attributes.
United’s Dutch boss Louis van Gaal may require a new striker soon, with Radamel Falcao’s loan spell set to end, with a permanent deal looking very unlikely.
Brendan Rodgers’ Reds could also benefit from the Poland international’s abilities, with their current crop of forwards stuttering this term.
Despite not displaying his usual freescoring antics this season, Lewandowski has still managed to strike 14 times in 31 appearances.
Although, it seems the transition from Dortmund to Munich has been a tough test, with the forward having fired in 27 times last term and an incredible 36 in the previous campaign, proving there has been a slight decline in his form in front of goal.
However, The Warsaw-born star will aim to help fire Munich to further Bundesliga success this season, with his side also hoping to reclaim their European crown from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
