Barcelona hitman Robert Lewandowski talks up pichichi race with Real Madrid's Bellingham

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has expressed belief and hope that he will defend the Pichichi for the 2023/24 season.

Lewandowski picked up the coveted award last season after he finished as top scorer but now sees a legitimate bulwark in Jude Bellingham in his bid to land the trophy for a second consecutive season. 

The former Bayern Munich star won the trophy last season after seeing off competition from another Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

Lewandowski finished as the top scorer in the LALIGA in what was his first-ever campaign with Barcelona, leading the club to their first league title under Xavi Hernandez.

However, the 35-year-old is facing a stern test in his second season from another debutant, Bellingham, who has had a fine start to life at Real Madrid. 

The 20-year-old sits at the top of the league’s scorer’s chart, with ten goals, three more than the Polish superstar, who believes while Jude is a threat, there is enough time to decide the winner. 

“The season is still long, but Jude is here a very good player,” he said per Barcablaugranes. 

Lewandowski and Barcelona are back in action in the LALIGA this weekend after the international break.

The defending champions are in the capital to face Rayo Vallecano at a ground where Xavi’s men have failed to get a result in the last four visits.

Lewandowski will be looking to add to his tally this season to help Barcelona close the gap between them and leaders Girona and also to put pressure on Bellingham in the race for the pichipchi.