Mueller anchors Bayern’s victory

Berlin, Dec. 3: Thomas Mueller marked his return from five weeks out with injury by creating two goals as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich went six points clear with a 3-1 win over Hanover on Saturday.

Germany forward Mueller provided the cross which Arturo Vidal headed home, then set up Kingsley Coman to put Bayern 2-1 up at the Allianz Arena after Charlison Benschop had equalised for Hanover.

Robert Lewandowski, the Bundesliga’s top scorer, converted a late penalty to claim his 14th goal in as many games for Bayern this season.

“We had plenty of chances to score, which unfortunately we did not use, but I think the victory is deserved,” said Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes.

“Thomas Mueller played again after a long time out, Kingsley Coman was injured for two weeks and Jerome Boateng is slowly returning to form, so I am optimistic for the rest of our games (in 2017),” he added.

The victory restored Bayern’s healthy cushion at the summit after their shock defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach. It also boosts confidence before Tuesday’s home Champions League showdown against Paris SaintGermain, who the Germans must by four goals to win their group.

Leipzig crash

Bayern extended their lead over second-placed RB Leipzig, who suffered a club record 4-0 defeat at Hoffenheim.

Midfielder Nadiem Amiri scored on 13 minutes, with Germany winger Serge Gnabry netting Hoffenheim’s second on 52 minutes after the Leipzig defence was caught napping.

Gnabry added Hoffenheim’s third on 62 minutes with a stunning long-range effort from near the centre circle, firing into an empty net with Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi off his line, before Mark Uth added a late fourth.

“I saw a lot today, but not much was good and certainly not enough to win,” grumbled Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl. —