Rampant Reds thrash sorry Bremen

FC Bayern impressively began their quest for a fifth straight league title with an utterly deserved 6-0 victory over outclassed Bremen in Friday's opening match of the 2016/17 Bundesliga season. The 75,000 capacity crowd at the Allianz Arena saw the German record champions dominate the meeting from the start and hand new head coach Carlo Ancelotti a successful Bundesliga debut. Xabi Alonso put the Bavarians ahead after eight minutes. Robert Lewandowski then built on his excellent cup display against Jena, doubling the lead after 12 minutes and scoring again just 42 seconds after the restart. Philipp Lahm made it four midway through the second period, and matters started to become awkward for the visitors when Müller set up Ribéry who netted from 12 yards. Lewandowski then rounded off the scoring from the spot with a quarter-hour to go. The men from the north were reeling from lights to flag.

Bayern’s starting line-up for the first match of the new league campaign comprised Neuer in goal and Lahm, Martínez, new signing Hummels and Alaba in a back four. Vidal, Alonso and Thiago took up station in midfield, with Müller and Ribéry out wide and Lewandowksi up front. Kimmich replaced Alonso after the hour mark before Rafinha and Bernat came on for Lahm and Alaba.

After a colourful ceremony to mark the start of the 54th Bundesliga season, referee Christian Dingert whistled play underway – and the Reds laid siege to the visitors' goal straightaway. Alonso opened the scoring eight minutes into the contest, whipping a 25-yard drive into the top right corner. Four minutes later Lewandowski doubled the lead, latching on to Ribéry's through ball to race clear and lash a drive past Bremen netminder Felix Wiedwald into the far corner. Thomas Müller's long-range effort hit the post on the half-hour.

Demolition after the break

After the interval the champions picked up where they left off when Lewandowski connected with a Müller cross on the volley to make it three, just 42 seconds into the second half. Philipp Lahm added his name to the scoresheet after the hour mark after a simple give and go featuring Thomas Müller near the edge of the box. Gebre Selassie vaguely tested Neuer, who had barely touched the ball owing to Bayern's dominance, with a harmless effort. Bayern responded with Müller setting up Ribéry to drive home from close range. Werder sub Eggestein then felled Rafinha in the box, Lewandowski netting the ensuing penalty to round off a thumping victory.

The Bavarians will be looking to build on their strong start on 9 September, when they are back in action away to Schalke on Bundesliga Matchday 2.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Gregor Salmen

FC BAYERN - WERDER BREMEN 6-0 (H-T: 2-0)