Leipzig scare champs Bayern in nine-goal thriller

BERLIN: Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm conceded RB Leipzig gave the Bundesliga champions a fright before Arjen Robben’s 95th- minute superb solo goal sealed a 5-4 victory in the nine-goal thriller.

Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded Bayern, who were already confirmed as Bundesliga champions for the fifth straight year, were 4-3 down on 90 minutes in Leipzig before David Alaba and Robben netted late goals.

The 33-year-old Robben proved he had the legs to sprint clear of the tiring home defence as he capped a superb run with the winning goal in the top-of-the-table clash.

It was the first time Bayern took the lead having fallen behind after 65 seconds at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena.

Bayern’s last-gasp victory leaves them 13 points clear of second-placed Leipzig in the table with one game left.

“In the first half, it just went back and forward,” said Lahm, who will lift the Bundesliga trophy next Saturday for the eighth time in his career before retiring.

“For the spectators it was certainly a nice game to watch – but not for us.

“We’re used to playing very structured football, plenty of possession, compact and aggressive defending.

“But you could see from the back that we wanted to turn the game.

“Nevertheless, Leipzig showed they deserve to be up where they are.

“As for us, you could see our heads were already in the summer break.”

With both clubs having already qualified directly for next season’s Champions League, Ancelotti says Leipzig have proved they have a big future after an impressive first Bundesliga season.

“It was a crazy game and as expected, it was very open,” said Ancelotti.

“Both teams have achieved their goals in the Bundesliga.

“Leipzig started strongly but we were better in the end.

“Leipzig were a fantastic opponent this season and played surprisingly well.

“For them, this is only the start of a great period.

“They have young players, who are very motivated and playing in the Champions League next season will be a great experience.”

It was heartbreak for Leipzig, who were minutes from avenging their 3-0 defeat at Bayern’s Allianz Arena last December.

“Congratulations Bayern for this mad victory and congrats to those who were in the stadium to witness it,” said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl.

“We didn’t win any points today but won a few hearts and some sympathy.

“We looked like being the winners for a long time against the best team in Germany.

“It wasn’t enough, however, to just play well for the first 75 minutes, you have to take the last decisive step.” — AFP