Bayern stretch their lead in Bundesliga
berlin — Champions Bayern Munich survived some late pressure to win 3-1 and end Bayer Leverkusen’s 12-game unbeaten league run as they stretched their lead at the top to 14 points on Friday when the Bundesliga resumed after the winter break.
Javi Martinez and Franck Ribery scored either side of the break for Bayern before Kevin Volland pulled one back for the hosts to set up a frantic finale.
The visitors, without top scorer Robert Lewandowski and central defender Mats Hummels, made sure of the points when James Rodriguez curled a free kick into the top corner in the first minute of stoppage time to lift them to 44 points.
“Tactically and defensively my team did it well for long stretches,” coach Jupp Heynckes told reporters. New Bayern signing Sandro Wagner, who made a late substitute appearance, set a club record with his league comeback for the Bavarians over 10 years after his previous Bundesliga game for them. The 30-year-old Germany striker joined from Hoffenheim.
Second-placed Schalke 04 are in action at RB Leipzig on Saturday while Leverkusen stay fourth on 28. Borussia Dortmund, in third also on 28 points, host VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Leverkusen initially showed the fine form they have displayed over the past few months with a strong start that saw them press Bayern high and launch lightning quick counter attacks with speedy wingers Leon Bailey and Karim Bellarabi. —