Robert Lewandowski was on fire in the first half of Bayern Munich's Champions League last-16 second leg clash with Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday evening.

After the first leg ended 1-1, Bayern would have wanted a fast start in the second leg at the Allianz Arena.

And they got just that thanks to their brilliant striker.

Bayern were given a penalty after just 12 minutes. Lewandowski stepped up and he made no mistake.

The German giants were given another penalty nine minutes later. Lewandowski was felled on the edge of the box and a spot-kick was given after a VAR review.

The Polish striker stepped up and once again made no mistake.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 08: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg Two match between Bayern München and FC Salzburg at Football Arena Munich on March 08, 2022 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 08: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen Leg Two match between Bayern München and FC Salzburg at Football Arena Munich on March 08, 2022 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

He completed his hat-trick in the 23rd minute. To say there was an element of fortune to the goal would be an understatement.

Salzburg's goalkeeper came rushing out and his clearance hit Lewandowski.

The ball then hit the post and fell kindly to Lewandowski, who put the ball in the empty net. View the goal below...

It's probably one of the most fortuitous goals Lewandowski has ever scored but he won't care one bit.

Per Opta, that was the earliest hat-trick scored in Champions League history.

He beat Marco Simone's record by a single minute. It took the Italian 24 minutes to net three times for AC Milan vs Rosenborg in 1996.

Just 10 minutes separated Lewandowski's first and third goals. He's now netted 40 or more goals in the last seven seasons.

What an incredible player he is. Lewandowski came so close to winning the Ballon d'Or in 2021 but 2022 may well be his year.

It would be a travesty if he does not win the award during his career.

Bayern went into the half-time break against Salzburg 4-0 up on the evening, with Serge Gnabry netting their fourth.

The ultimate Robert Lewandowski quiz: Can you get full marks on this quiz about the Bayern striker?