"Always playing hard and strong" - Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski says playing against Real Madrid legend was 'a huge challenge'

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has claimed that playing against Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos was one of the toughest challenges he faced in his career. The Spanish defender is one of the most accomplished defenders in the sport's history and has won every major prize available.

Ramos joined Los Blancos in 2005 from Sevilla for a reported fee of €27 million. He remained in the Spanish capital for 16 years before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He made 671 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 101 goals and providing 40 assists. Ramos helped the team win four UEFA Champions Leagues and five LaLiga crowns, establishing himself as a true club legend.

During a recent interview with FIVE UK, Lewandowski discussed his most formidable opponents and picked the combative Spaniard. He said (via Madrid Xtra):

“My most favorite and difficult battle? Against Sergio Ramos. Playing against him was a huge challenge, he was always playing hard and strong. He always wanted to be close to me, and that for me was wow.”

Robert Lewandowski faced the Real Madrid legend 11 times in his career while representing Poland, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, or Barcelona. He scored seven goals in those games, winning five, losing four, and drawing two.

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“Ancelotti is like a father, or an uncle" Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski on time with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti

Robert Lewandowski also discussed his time with current Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern Munich. The Polish striker played 57 games under the Italian manager in Bavaria, scoring 54 goals and providing 15 assists.

Ancelotti is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the sport's history. The Italian tactician has won a league title in each of the top five European leagues, along with five UEFA Champions League titles.

During a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand presents FIVE, the Polish striker said (via Yahoo Sports):

“Ancelotti is like a father, or an uncle. He can come to you, he can say why are you not happy, he can talk about everything. You know Klopp, amazing guy, he can talk to you and he knows when to be more tough, and when he should be more like a friend.”

Robert Lewandowski and Carlo Ancelotti are now opponents in Spain, with the Polish striker lining up for Barcelona while the Italian tactician manages their eternal rivals, Real Madrid.