Reds return to winning ways

FC Bayern beat VfL Wolfsburg 3-1 on Saturday, putting an end to their drought of four matches without a win. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring on the half-hour and doubled Bayern's lead after half-time. Arjen Robben was sent off for a second yellow card, Wout Weghorst pulling one back after 60 minutes, but James twisted the knife with 20 minutes to go.

The Bavarians started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Joshua Kimmich, Niklas Süle, Mats Hummels and David Alaba in a back four. Javi Martínez and Thiago anchored a midfield featuring Robben, James and Serge Gnabry, with Lewandowski as lone striker. Rafinha replaced Alaba at half-time, Leon Goretzka and Renato Sanches taking over from Gnabry and James in the second half.

Lewy opens

The 30,000 capacity crowd at the Volkswagen Arena saw the German record champions signal their intent from the off. Wolfsburg netminder Koen Casteels saved a Lewandowski header before proving equal to a fine James free-kick from 25 yards. Süle stopped the charging Maximilian Arnold just before the penalty box at the other end, the strong Casteels saving both a Robben effort and Lewandowski's rebound.

Bayern broke the deadlock after 30 minutes. Hummels set up Lewandowski with a brilliantly perceptive pass, the striker beating Casteels from 15 yards. Bayern remained dominant after the opener and went looking for a second goal, Casteels performing miracles to deny James from 12 yards. Gnabry saw an effort blocked before match official Guido Winkmann blew for half-time.

Whirlwind second half

Bayern went straight back onto the front foot after the interval, Lewandowski doubling the lead. Wolfsburg defender William made a hash of a header, finding Lewandowski instead of Casteels, the Poland captain slotting home. But Bayern were soon reduced to ten men when Robben upended Elvis Rexhbecaj, Winkmann dismissing the Dutchman for a second bookable offence.

The Wolves were more ravenous now, Wout Weghorst pulling one back when he slotted home from five yards following an Admir Mehmedi cross, but Lewandowski soon crowned his outstanding display with a fine pass to James, who crashed the ball past Casteels. Lewandowski almost bagged a hat-trick but saw his effort saved. The hosts upped the pressure in the closing stages, Jérôme Roussillon seeing an effort blocked before Yannick Gerhardt and Weghorst miscued, and Winkmann blew for full-time.

The result means Bayern have 16 points from eight matches, lying second in the table overnight. The Bavarians will be back in action in just three days, when they travel to face AEK in the Champions League before taking on Mainz next Saturday.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen