Spanish media hail Lewandowski after Chicago Fire brace

Robert Lewandowski’s first goals for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer have quickly become a talking point well beyond the United States. The Polish striker scored twice in a 2-1 win over Charlotte FC, with his display earning praise from head coach Gregg Berhalter and prominent coverage in the Spanish press.

Lewandowski makes immediate impact in MLS

The former Barcelona forward opened his MLS account with a brace, helping Chicago Fire to victory over Charlotte FC. It was a significant moment for Lewandowski, who said after the match that first goals always matter when he joins a new club.

Lewandowski said it was important for him to show his presence, score and help the team win, adding that doing so makes the next step easier for both the side and for him personally. He also spoke warmly about his early experience in Chicago, saying he was happy to be there and had been struck by the welcome he had received from people at the club, in the dressing room and around the city.

Berhalter praises quality and intelligence

Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter highlighted not only the two finishes but the broader quality of Lewandowski’s performance. Berhalter described the striker as dynamic, intelligent and clever, and pointed to his reading of the game as a major asset.

That assessment underlined why Lewandowski’s arrival has generated such attention. Even in the early stages of his time with Fire, his movement, awareness and decision-making appear to have made an impression.

Spain still watching closely

After four years at Barcelona, Lewandowski remains a figure of strong interest in Spain, and his performance for Chicago Fire did not go unnoticed. Mundo Deportivo framed the outing as a star debut, noting that more than 32,000 supporters attended and that his two goals helped set up Fire’s comeback. The newspaper also said his display had helped Chicago reduce the gap to the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.

Catalan outlet Sport was similarly emphatic, describing Lewandowski’s start as remarkable and arguing that he is already making a difference. The paper also pointed to the 37-year-old’s enduring scoring instinct and said he is beginning to leave his mark in the United States.

Leagues Cup next for Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire now turn their attention to the Leagues Cup, the competition featuring clubs from the United States, Mexico and Canada. The coming days will offer another early test of how quickly Lewandowski can build on his promising start.

• Necaxa — 07.08, 02:30
• Santos Laguna — 10.08, 02:00
• Cruz Azul — 14.08, 03:00

For now, though, the immediate takeaway is clear: Lewandowski has delivered the kind of opening statement Chicago Fire hoped for, and the reaction from Spain shows his performances are still being followed with close attention.