Sublime Lewandowski powers Bayern into German Cup semis
BERLIN: Robert Lewandowski took his season tally to 30 goals to inspire Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over tenman Schalke in the German Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Having hit a hat-trick in last weekend’s 8-0 mauling of Hamburg at home, Lewandowski’s rich form continued at the Allianz Arena as he was involved in all three Bayern goals, scoring twice.
He is the Bundesliga’s joint topscorer with 19 goals, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, having also scored six times in the Champions League and five in the cup.
“We managed to do everything we want to in the first-half and attacked well,” said man-of-the-match Lewandowski.
“Schalke couldn’t do much about it. We know one goal isn’t enough in the cup, which is why we wanted more.”
The Poland hot-shot gave holders Bayern the lead with just three minutes gone by deftly chipping Franck Ribery’s pass over Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann.
He the turned provider by supplying the cross for attacking midfielder Thiago Alcantara to head home on 16 minutes. Lewandowski then drilled Ribery’s pass into the Schalke net on 29 minutes for a seventh goal in his last four games.
Schalke defended well in the second half, but it was a miserable return to Munich for defender Holger Badstuber, on loan in Gelsenkirchen from Bayern until June.
The Germany centre-back was sent off late on for a second booking when he fouled Javi Martinez after pulling Arjen Robben’s shirt moments before.
Schalke shot-stopper Faehrmann said Bayern’s early goals were like a “punch in the face” for the Royal Blues.
Earlier, Borussia Moechengladbach booked their semifinal berth with a 2-1 win at Hamburg thanks to penalties by captain Lars Stindl and Brazilian striker Raffael.