Lewandowski hits 50 UCL goal mark in quicker time than Ronaldo

The Bayern Munich striker was back on target during his latest outing against Benfica, becoming only the seventh man to reach a half-century

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski has reached 50 Champions League goals and has hit that mark in fewer games than Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry required.

The prolific Pole brought up his half-century during a clash with Benfica on Tuesday.

That outing was his 77th in Europe’s elite club competition, with his bow made back in 2011.

He has been a regular source of end product since then, with Bayern continuing to benefit from the 30-year-old’s considerable talent.

Lewandowski is now the seventh man to record 50 efforts in the Champions League, joining former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Henry on that mark.

The only players above him are Ruud van Nistelrooy, Karim Benzema, Raul, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.

Barcelona talisman Messi took 66 games to reach a notable milestone in continental action, while ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star Van Nistelrooy required just 62.

Lewandowski’s effort against Benfica was most welcome for Bayern, who have endured something of a domestic slump this season.

Niko Kovac finds himself falling under mounting pressure as a result, but his team are unbeaten in Champions League Group E.

Arjen Robben helped to preserve that record in midweek, with the former Netherlands international netting twice before Lewandowski got in on the act.

Only Van Nistelrooy (56) has more goals by a Dutchman in the Champions League than Robben’s haul of 31.

The hope will be that experienced figures continue to deliver the goods for Bayern, with it possible that continental action could provide the spark for a faltering Bundesliga campaign to be salvaged.