Lewandowski steers Bayern in win over Union. >23
Leaders Bayern brush Union aside on Bundesliga return
Cologne 2 Mainz 2, Union Berlin 0 Bayern Munich 2. Leading standings: Bayern Munich 58, Borussia Dortmund 54, Bor. Moenchengladbach 52, Leipzig 51, Bayer Leverkusen 47.
Robert Lewandowski bagged his 26th league goal this season as leaders Bayern Munich resumed their Bundesliga title chase with a 2-0 win at Union Berlin behind closed doors in their first match in two months.
Lewandowski netted a first-half penalty and defender Benjamin Pavard scored a late header for Bayern in Berlin.
The Bundesliga on Saturday became the first top European league to restart during the coronavirus pandemic.
Poland star Lewandowski, who missed two games with injury before the league was interrupted in midMarch, reached 40 goals for the campaign in all competitions as Bayern restored their four-point lead over Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund, who thrashed Schalke 4-0 in the Ruhr derby on Saturday, host Bayern in a pivotal fixture on May 26, another game that will be behind closed doors in line with the league’s strict hygiene guidelines.
“I have to say, each minute is very long when there are no fans and no noise,” said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer.
“It was a different atmosphere to what you would expect at the Alten Forsterei, but, okay, it’s about motivation and attitude.
“We still have a bit of work to do, but are happy to have dominated the game and can head home with the three points.”
Union had shocked previous leaders Dortmund and Borussia Moenchengladbach earlier in the season, backed by passionate home support at their Alten Forsterei stadium.
In Cologne, striker Mark Uth said that the absence of fans was no excuse for throwing away a two-goal lead in Sunday’s early game – a 2-2 draw with struggling Mainz.
“If you’re up 2-0, you have to finish things off – with or without spectators,” fumed goalscorer Uth.
The hosts took an early lead when Uth converted a penalty with just six minutes gone and Florian Kainz added a second when he headed home a cross with just over half an hour left.
Replacement striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who had only been on for five minutes, tapped home from close range for his first Bundesliga goal to give Mainz hope.
Cameroon midfielder Pierre Kunde then earned a point for Mainz when he beat two defenders and poked the ball past goalkeeper Timo Horn to equalise on 72 minutes.