5 players who single-handedly defeated Real Madrid

2. Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski - Champions League - April 2013

With Robert Lewandowski scoring goals left, right and centre for Bayern Munich, one could be forgiven for forgetting that he starred for Borussia Dortmund first. His five-goal haul in 9 minutes is exciting, but his most iconic performance may just be this one against Real Madrid.

When the semi-final draw was made, the Spanish giants were up against the German duopoly. Barcelona were in bad shape due to Tito's illness with Jordi Roura in charge, but were expected to progress against Bayern Munich whereas Madrid were expected to defeat Dortmund to set up an El Clasico final, a first in history. However, Barcelona were mauled 4-0 at the Allianz Arena in Munich and all eyes were in Dortmund the following evening with Madrid set to visit.

Lewandowski blew away Los Merengues as he scored all 4 goals in a thumping 4-1 victory with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a consolation goal. Klopp's heavy metal football proved to be too much for Mourinho's Madrid as they could barely keep up with such an attacking set-up. A volley from the far-post eight minutes in from a Gotze cross set the tone for Lewandowski and Dortmund. Going into halftime at 1-1, he took matters in his own hands as two lethal finishes off his right foot and a commanding & authoritative penalty put the game to bed. Had it not been for Diego Lopez in goal, it could have been much more.

Klopp was gushing in his post-match interview.

"This performance will definitely go down in history. There are always the same films in the Borusseum [the club's museum]. You will see Lewa's four goals there soon."

It was enough to for a spot in the final as Madrid could not overturn the deficit in the second leg. While Dortmund ended up losing the final, it was one of those Champions League runs which fans can only dream of.

Unfortunately, Dortmund went on to lose Lewandowski on a free transfer, to their arch-rivals no less. Whatever the equation may be currently, he gave them an unforgettable night which is still spoken about with a hint of disbelief.