Robert Lewandowski Makes More History as Bayern Crush Salzburg in Champions League

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Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw in Austria against Red Bull Salzburg in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie.

There was talk of Bayern Munich not being at their best this season and how Red Bull Salzburg could cause them big problems in the second leg in Germany.

However, Robert Lewandowski had other ideas and by the time the game reached the 23rd minute it was all over. Bayern Munich were 3-0 up and Lewandowski had bagged himself a hattrick.

Two of the goals came from the penalty spot but they were both earned by the Polish striker, who turned his man brilliantly in the box on two occasions to win the penalties. The third goal saw Lewandowski charge down the goalkeeper and as the ball rebounded back of the post, the striker was their to nudge the ball into the empty net.

It took Lewandowski just 11 minutes from the first goal to the third goal and he secured the fastest hattrick in the history of the Champions League. The previous record was held by AC Milan’s Marco Simone, who scored his hattrick in 24 minutes against Rosenborg in 1996.

Not only did Lewandowski break the record for the fastest hattrick in the Champions League, but he also moved to the top of the goal scoring charts in the competition this season.

In addition, the Pole has now scored over 40 goals this season, with 42 to his name at the time of writing and is highly likely to go on and score 50 plus goals this season, which is remarkable.

This will be the third season in succession Lewandowski has scored more than 40 goals for Bayern Munich in all competitions. The 2020 Ballon d'Or was cancelled because of COVID-19, with Lewandowski nailed-on to win the award.

Then, despite scoring 48 goals in the 2020/21 season, he was overlooked for the award, which was won by Lionel Messi. Many fans felt Lewandowski was robbed of the 2021 Ballon d'Or and even Messi himself felt the Pole should have received the award.

The Argentine spoke about Lewandowski after picking up the trophy and said, “You deserve your Ballon d'Or. Last year everyone agreed that you were the winner,” adding, "I think France Football should give you your Ballon d'Or. You have to have it in your house.”

With Messi and Ronaldo surely out of the running for the next Ballon d'Or, Lewandowski must be the front runner. The Bayern Munich striker is one of the most under-appreciated players outside of Germany in the game.

If he were playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona, he would be talked of as one the best strikers in football history but when the greats are discussed, Lewandowski’s name is often far down the list.

Lewandowski is without doubt one of the great strikers of all time. He has arguably been the best at what he does for a decade and only Messi and Ronaldo can match him for longevity.