Lewandowski bags brace on Chicago Fire home debut to announce MLS arrival

Robert Lewandowski made his home debut for MLS side Chicago Fire against Charlotte FC on Saturday, and showed his new fans just how great of a goalscorer he is. The former Barcelona striker delivered a devastating brace to overturn an early deficit and give the Fire all three points in front of their own supporters.

A slow start, then fireworks

Charlotte took the lead early, but Lewandowski responded right away with a goal he has scored hundreds of times in his career: a low-driven shot to the near post from the edge of the box. It was the kind of clinical finish that has defined his two decades at the highest level, and it immediately settled any nerves inside the stadium.

The second was world-class. A gorgeous dummy, a nice first touch, and a sweet finish over the keeper completed the comeback and handed the Fire all three points at home.

A statement after a slow start

Lewandowski is finally off the mark after going scoreless in his first two appearances away at Inter Miami and NYCFC, but the comforts of his new home were all he needed to show MLS he's ready to dominate. At 37, some wondered whether the Polish marksman could still produce at the highest level on a regular basis, and the Chicago faithful were treated to some much-needed reassurance in this outing.

Chicago currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, and will hope Lewandowski is the missing piece for a playoff push.

And given Barcelona's current striker situation, it seems LeBron supporters are already feeling his absence.