Bayern Munich vs. Wolfsburg: Score and Reaction from 2015 Bundesliga Match

Robert Lewandowski redefined the role of super-substitute on Tuesday evening after bagging a monstrous five goals in under 10 minutes as Bayern Munich came back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to thrash Wolfsburg 5-1.

The Allianz Arena was left in awe of the prolific Pole, who pushed Bayern to the top of the Bundesliga after coming on as a half-time replacement and proceeding to run rampant against the Wolves defence.

Dieter Hecking's side will be severely disappointed with the defeat considering Daniel Caligiuri's 26th-minute strike had put them in such a strong position at the break.

However, Lewandowski was in unplayable mood after coming on at the break, capitalising on a string of Wolfsburg lapses in defence, with OptaFranz outlining his achievement as a unique Bundesliga occasion:

Wolfsburg were always set up to deal with their fellow top-of-the-table contenders on the counter, and it worked to good effect with manager Pep Guardiola's goal machine sitting on the bench.

Bleacher Report's Stefan Bienkowski took note of the visitors' fine defensive display when Thomas Muller was leading Bayern's line:

The absorption of pressure paid dividends after 26 minutes, when Julian Draxler floated a pass cross-field to Caligiuri, who proceeded to embarrass Germany No. 1 Manuel Neuer at his near post.

Wolfsburg managed to tentatively maintain their 1-0 lead until the break, and Squawka Dave illustrated Caligiuri's fine first-half performance that might have had him on course for Man of the Match honours:

It was at this point that the game turned on its head, however, as Lewandowski rose from the bench not for the first time this season, hoping to turn his team's fortunes and sustain their stride for domestic glory.

Thiago Alcantara made way for the striker, and his first six minutes on the pitch were almost made to look lazy in comparison to what we now know came next, with his first goal of the night coming at the 51-minute mark.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Lewandowski's elusiveness proved key as Muller turned into his more favoured role of provider, sending the more natural frontman through on goal to beat Diego Benaglio and draw Bayern level.

As if Hecking weren't stunned enough by that quick impact, his woes worsened severely after it took Lewandowski just another minute to beat the offside trap and leave Benaglio rooted from outside the box.

The hat-trick was confirmed four minutes after Bayern's first of the night, and Squawka's Greg Johnson illustrated just how unique a talent Wolfsburg were being tormented by:

The best was still to come, though, as the travelling outfit gifted the predatory Lewandowski far too much space before he added a fourth, converting Douglas Costa's cross on the half-volley.

And if fans thought that was impressive, the 27-year-old thundered home an early Goal of the Season contender to wrap up his fifth on 60 minutes, blasting Mario Gotze's cross past Benaglio with the most venomous of volleys at the edge of the penalty area.

ESPN FC's James Tyler pointed out just how swiftly the referee chose to bring an end to proceedings, putting Wolfsburg out of their misery after a dejected second-half display:

Deposed table leader Borussia Dortmund don't face Hoffenheim until Wednesday evening, leaving Der FCB to enjoy their three-point cushion for now as they look to clinch a fourth successive Bundesliga crown.

For Hecking's Wolfsburg, meanwhile, the priority lies in how to recover from such an embarrassing defeat, with Saturday's home tie against Hannover their next opportunity to climb back into the title race.

Post-Match Reaction

Daniel Maurer/Associated Press

It was a night when all eyes rightly fell on the majestic finishing quality of Lewandowski, who surely cemented his place as one of the world's best finishers—if not the best finisher.

And there are few who were left in greater awe than Guardiola, who lauded a scintillating nine-minute show of devastating force from his first-class forward, per Squawka News:

It's the second time the striker has come off the bench to save his side's skin this season, having risen to complete another comeback result against Hoffenheim back in August.

Guardiola can only hope Bayern can continue to distance themselves from the rest of the pack, with anticipation growing for the high-stakes clash against Borussia Dortmund on October 4.