Following their controversy laden 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night, many Bayern Munich players attentions were focused on referee Victor Kassai. Real's players, meanwhile, were focused on recruiting one of their opponents.
The German champions were furious with Kassai, who harshly sent off Arturo Vidal just before extra-time and then allowed two of Cristiano Ronaldo's three goals to stand despite the Portuguese forward being in an offside position for both efforts.
While Bayern boss and former Real manager Carlo Ancelotti sought out Kassai after the final whistle and Franck Ribery plotted what reactionary message to post on social media, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was accosted by Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos.
Bayern's players were furious with referee Victor Kassai after a controversial slew of decisions. Image: PA
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However, the conversation between the trio wasn't one of back and forth condolences and congratulations, but rather an attempt by the 'Los Blancos' pair to lure the former Dortmund man to the Bernabeu on a permanent basis.
The Spanish league leaders have been long term admirers of the Poland captain and have been strongly linked with his signature for the past few years. With this in mind, Ronaldo and Ramos set about going the extra mile to convince Lewandowski to ditch Bavaria for the Spanish capital.
How would Lewandowski measure up to some of the Galacticos of the past?
In a column for AS, Guilleme Balague wrote, "It was one [a conversation] between Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, the two most influential players of the Real Madrid changing room who, after an exchange of compliments, they asked him, without reservation, to sign for Los Blancos. There was room for him."
Opponents on Tuesday night, Lewandowski and Ramos could be teammates, next season. Image: PA
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Real President Florentino Perez memorably approached the 28-year-old striker in 2013 after his four first leg goals helped dispatch of Real in the semi-finals of that season's Champions League. However, despite four years of wanting the Poland captain on his books, Perez has so far failed to snag his signature.
However, should Perez decide to make Lewandowski his priority target for this Summer (despite already reportedly wanting to bring Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois to the Bernabeu), he will be forced to part with a considerable chunk of change given the fact the 28-year-old only recently renewed his contract at the Allianz Arena, until 2021, becoming the highest paid player in the Bundesliga, as a result.
Lewandowski is enjoying another incredibly prolific season for Bayern, scoring 39 goals in just 41 appearances in all competitions.
Where would be the best location for the Polish goal machine to thrive next season, though? The Allianz Arena or the Bernabeu?
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(H/T AS)
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Topics: Sergio Ramos, Football, Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid