Bayern chase a clean sweep
Al-Rayyan – Robert Lewandowski (above) says Bayern Munich are eager to claim their sixth title in a year after advancing to the Club World Cup final, as his goals sealed a 2-0 victory over African champions Al Ahly in Monday’s semifinal.
The European champions face Tigres in the final tomorrow after the Mexican club saw off Brazilian giants Palmeiras in Sunday’s other semifinal.
“It was a very good match and we’re ready for the final,” Bayern striker Lewandowski said.
He gave Bayern the lead with just 17 minutes gone at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, a host venue for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Poland star then headed home a pinpoint Leroy Sane cross four minutes before the final whistle to book Bayern’s place in the final.
Lewandowski, the Bundesliga’s top scorer, has now scored 29 goals in 27 club matches this season.
Bayern are bidding to become only the second team after Barcelona in 2009 to win all six domestic and international titles up for grabs in one season.
The German giants lifted the Bundesliga, German Cup, Champions League, German Super Cup and Uefa Super Cup trophies in 2020.
“We want to claim another title – title number six during this season. This is a World Cup, which is always something special.
“I hope we can play even better in the final and that we will have more goalscoring chances,” added Lewandowski.
The European champions ended Ahly’s 32-match unbeaten run in all competitions under their South African-born coach Pitso Mosimane.
“You understand why they are number one at this point in time in the world and in Europe also,” said Mosimane.
“They regained the ball quicker, they pressed us quicker, they’re more experienced. We could only do something on a break.”
The African Champions League winners struggled to get near the Bayern goal as the Germans enjoyed 70% possession.
Despite the efforts of two defenders lunging to block his shot, Lewandowski put Bayern ahead with a crisp finish from a Serge Gnabry pass.
Heavy snow in Berlin on Saturday meant Bayern had a seven-hour delay to their flight to Doha and the Germans’ tempo dropped after Lewandowski’s early goal. –