Reds round off derby week with victory

A mesmeric performance by Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski ensured Bayern prevailed in the second all-Bavaria derby of the week as the Bundesliga leaders beat FC Augsburg 3-1 away from home on Saturday. Both FCB forwards scored midway through the first half before Lewandowski added a third in the early stages of the second period, with Ja-Cheol Koo scoring a consolation goal for the hosts.

Bayern started with Manuel Neuer in goal behind a defensive unit comprising Philipp Lahm, Jérôme Boateng, Javi Martínez and David Alaba. Xabi Alonso filled the holding role behind Thiago and Arturo Vidal in midfield, with Robben and Douglas Costa out wide looking to serve lone striker Lewandowski. Martínez sustained a knock and had to be replaced by Mats Hummels on the half-hour. After a long spell on the sidelines Holger Badstuber made his Bundesliga comeback after the hour mark, taking over from Boateng. Joshua Kimmich came on for Robben, who was a devastating menace throughout, with 15 minutes to go.

After match official Christian Dingert whistled play underway, both sides signalled their intent from the off in an entertaining, up-tempo contest. Bayern were in control, but the hosts were dangerous on the break. The first chance fell to Dirk Schuster's troops, when FCA captain Paul Verhaegh warmed Neuer's gloves from 30 yards. Costa set up Lewandowkski with a pinpoint pass eight minutes into the contest, only for the Poland international's control to let him down.

Ten minutes later Robben raced down the right, cut inside in his trademark manner and set up Lewandowski, who controlled the the ball brilliantly this time, ghosted past the Augsburg rearguard and aced netminder Hitz. In a similar situation only two minutes later Hitz proved equal to a Lewandowski effort, but the Pole used the rebound to set up the Dutch ace who found the net.

The goals allowed Bayern to dominate proceedings fully now, but a third refused to come before half-time. Lewandowski missed a gilt-edged chance after a Robben cross before Koo tested Neuer with the half-time whistle imminent, but the Bayern keeper made a brilliant save.

Lewy wraps it up

After half-time the record champions picked up where they left off. It soon became clear that if Augsburg coach Dirk Schuster is to have a nightmare on Saturday, it will feature a Dutchman and a Pole. Robben picked up a bad pass by Augsburg's Kacar and sprayed a through-ball to Lewandowski, who calmly rounded Hitz and made it three. Midway through the second half Baier set up Koo to pull one back, the only blemish in an otherwise convincing display from a Bayern point of view. Bayern defenders were at the centre of attention in the dying stages of the meeting, Lahm and Hummels missing a couple of presentable chances.

The result means Bayern have 23 points from ten matches, two clear of surprise pursuers RB Leipzig. The German record champions next face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Tuesday and are back in Bundesliga action next Saturday, when they entertain Hoffenheim.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Gregor Salmen

FC Augsburg - FC Bayern 1-3 (H-T: 0-2)