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Pole-axed

Robert Lewandowski’s agent accuses Borussia Dortmund of deliberately injuring Bayern Munich star

Dortmund chief dismisses claims his team targeted former player ahead of Euro showdown with Real Madrid

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI'S agent has accused Borussia Dortmund of deliberately injuring the Bayern Munich striker ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Pole - who was a hero in Dortmund before his bitter 2014 switch to their arch-rivals - scored twice against his former club as Bayern triumphed 4-1 on Saturday.

 Lewandowski takes a tumble against his former club
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 Lewandowski takes a tumble against his former clubCredit: Reuters
 And another one...
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And another one...Credit: Reuters
 This is getting silly now...
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This is getting silly now...Credit: Reuters

But Lewandowski's brace came at a cost, as the 28-year-old was forced off after being repeatedly fouled.

Swiss goalkeeper Roman Burki delivered the decisive blow that injured the forward's shoulder.

"I got the feeling that Dortmund wanted to eliminate Robert at all costs," said Lewandowski's agent Maik Barthel.

 Lewandowski leaves the pitch clutching his shoulder
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Lewandowski leaves the pitch clutching his shoulderCredit: AP:Associated Press

But Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc gave Barthel's accusations short shrift.

"This is absolute nonsense," he said. "Of course, it was a foul from Burki, but we always tried to keep Robert out of the game in a fair way."

 The Pole had hurt his former team with this free-kick
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The Pole had hurt his former team with this free-kickCredit: Getty Images

Lewandowski's switch, as a free agent, between Germany's two biggest clubs left a bitter aftertaste in Dortmund.

Coached by Jurgen Klopp at the time, it followed Mario Goetze's £32million move in the same direction the year before.

The duo had been instrumental in helping Dortmund win successive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012.

Bayern have won the title four years running since Lewandowski defected, and are currently 10 points clear at the top, with Dortmund 18 points adrift in fourth.

 Burki takes out Lewandowski
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Burki takes out LewandowskiCredit: Getty Images
 This kind of thing probably didn't help
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This kind of thing probably didn't helpCredit: AP:Associated Press

It was feared Lewandowski would miss Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg in Munich against Real Madrid.

But after sitting out training on Monday, the Polish hotshot returned on Tuesday and appeared set to face the reigning champions.

However, reports from Germany later on Tuesday claimed Lewandowski only lasted 15 minutes in training, throwing fresh doubt on his participation on Wednesday.

The Bavarians are desperate for Lewandowski to play, such is his fine form.

He has scored 38 goals in 40 appearances this season, including seven in the Champions League.

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