New Era

All-star Bayern beat Schalke to go into top spot

- - Supersport.com

Champions Bayern Munich eased past Schalke 04 2-0 on Saturday to make sure of top spot going into the World Cup break as they hunt a record-extending 11th straight Bundesliga crown.

The Bavarians, who fielded a starting line-up consisting entirely of World Cup-bound players, scored once in either half with Serge Gnabry and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and with Germany internatio­nal Jamal Musiala delivering both assists.

Bayern’s sixth consecutiv­e league win -- and 10th across all competitio­ns -- lifted them to 34 points, six ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig, 2-1 winners at Werder Bremen. Freiburg and Union Berlin, both on 27, faced each other yesterday. Bayern had the upper hand from the start, but it was not until Musiala, who at 19 is the youngest Bayern player to reach 100 matches, combined well with Germany team mate Serge Ganbry for the lead in the 38th minute.

“Jamal has played an outstandin­g first half of the season, and will hopefully play even better at the World Cup and the second half of the season,” coach Julian Naglesmann said of his attacking midfielder.

“He listens well, and he wants to develop. He just has a lot of talent. He also has improved defensivel­y,” he observed.

The teenager, who also has nine league goals, delivered his sixth assist of the season for Cameroon forward ChoupoMoti­ng, who had earlier come close with a glancing header, to tap in seven minutes after the restart and leave Schalke in last place, following their eighth loss in the last nine matches.

The 33-year-old forward is himself in fine form going into the World Cup with 11 goals in all competitio­ns, including six in the league. The Bundesliga goes into a prolonged break following this weekend’s matches due to the start of the World Cup in Qatar next weekend, and will resume on 20 Jan.

 ?? Photo: Flashscore ?? On top… Bayern Munich climbed to the top of the Bundesliga ahead of the World Cup break after beating Schalke 04.
Photo: Flashscore On top… Bayern Munich climbed to the top of the Bundesliga ahead of the World Cup break after beating Schalke 04.

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