Bayern back on top
BERLIN, Germany (AP): IT WAS far from convincing but Bayern Munich did enough to return to the top of the Bundesliga on goal difference with a 3-1 win at Mainz yesterday.
Robert Lewandowski scored two goals against his favourite Bundesliga opponents with Arjen Robben grabbing the other as Bayern joined promoted Leipzig on 30 points. The defending champions are three goals better off before Leipzig’s game at home against Schalke today.
“I’ll be relatively relaxed watching the game,” Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. “I mean, it’s up to Bayern. If we keep delivering then we’ve every chance of being Bundesliga champions.”
Rummenigge’s side suffered an early setback when Jhon Cordoba fired Mainz ahead in the fourth minute. The Colombian easily eluded Javi Martinez’ weak challenge and fired beyond the despairing Manuel Neuer inside the far post.
Lewandowski equalised just minutes later, however. Robben set him up with a simple pass after Philipp Lahm broke up an attack with a finely timed challenge on Yunus Malli to start a counter.
“You can see that he got me first and then the ball,” said Malli, unhappy that the referee waved play on.
Mainz continued attacking and was enjoying the lion’s share of possession but Robben made the difference. The unmarked Dutch winger headed Bayern in front in the 21st, when Thomas Mueller chased down Franck Ribery’s wayward cross and produced a fine cross.