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The incredible rise of Robert Lewandowski

Germany Soccer Champions League

Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski, from Poland, celebrates after scoring his fourth goal during the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 24 2013. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

AP

Robert Lewandowski put Real Madrid to the sword in Borussia Dortmund’s incredible 4-1 win last week.

The towering Polish international scored four times, the first man ever to score four in a Champions League semifinal, to cement his place in the history books.

But is hasn’t always been like this.

Lewandoski’s tale is one of perseverance, dedication. His rise to stardom from the third-tier of Polish soccer has been a rapid one. With Znicz Pruszków he became the top scorer in the third division, then the second and then led the way for Lech Poznan in the top flight.

68 goals in 117 league games over four seasons in three different leagues is quite an impressive record.

More: Manchester United up massive bid for Lewandowski

How many of Europe’s other elite forwards can say they’ve been the top scorer in every division in their homeland?

One coach recalls how Lewandowski slight frame was of concern in his early playing days. “He was very thin, his legs were like sticks and I was always scared that others would break them,” Krzysztof Sikorski, told UEFA.com. “I wanted him to be physically stronger and even advised him to eat more bacon!”

So there you have it folks, you want to score four against Real Madrid? Bacon is the answer.

Joking aside, Lewandowski’s form has been sensational this season. The 24-year-old is the leading scorer in the Bundesliga with 23 and has scored 10 goals in the UCL.

More: Video of Lewandowski’s four goals vs. Madrid

But can he produce one more stunning display to see his side into the UCL final in May? You bet.

Teams don’t know how to mark him. He is huge, yet his movement is reminiscent of a smaller forward who likes to play on a defender’s last shoulder. The way in which he darts in at the back post to latch onto and finish the many probing crosses Dortmund’s midfielders deliver is quite sublime. You simply cannot teach that knack of edging away from the danger area then attacking the ball instinctively while it’s in the air.

The “Big-Lewandowski” is sure to give Madrid another tough time tonight. He doesn’t have to, his side are all but assured of their place in the UCL final thanks to his four-star display.

But knowing his background, the relentless goals scorer won’t want to wait in the shadows. It’s crazy what a few strips of bacon can do for you...