Reds beat bold Union

FC Bayern beat Union Berlin 5-2 on Saturday afternoon, showing the right reaction after Wednesday's setback. Robert Lewandowski opened from the penalty spot and doubled the advantage after 20 minutes, with Leroy Sané adding a third and Union's Niko Gießelmann pulling one back before half-time. Coman scored before Julian Ryerson netted Union's second goal, Thomas Müller rounding off the final scoreline with ten minutes to go.

The Bavarians started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Josip Stanišić, Niklas Süle, Lucas Hernández and Alphonso Davies in a back four. Joshua Kimmich and Corentin Tolisso featured in a twin holding role behind Coman, Müller and Sané, with hitman Lewandowski up front. Jamal Musiala, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Marcel Sabitzer and Serge Gnabry took over from Sané, Stanišić, Hernández, Tolisso and Coman in the second half.

Brace for Lewy

Bayern were in the driving seat from the off, Sané firing just wide before seeing a shot deflected, referee Harm Osmers pointing to the spot for handball. Up stepped Lewandowski, who crashed home into the low corner of the net. Bayern doubled the lead when Union had to resort to a foul to stop the charging Lewandowski, and the world's best player expertly dispatched the ensuing free-kick.

Munich shifted down a gear now but still threatened in spurts, Sané hitting the side-netting before seeing an effort blocked, but he soon twisted the knife when he tapped in a Coman cross. The men from the capital pulled one back when Gießelmann beat Neuer from close range. Union had the ball in the net for a second time, but Becker's goal was ruled out for offside.

Entertaining second half

Union enjoyed a spell in command after half-time, Neuer denying Becker and Baumgartl before making another fine save against Becker, but Coman restored the three-goal advantage when he shone with a dribble and blasted past keeper Luthe. Sub Ryerson scored Union's second goal from close range.

Chances proved few and far between now, but Bayern rounded off the final scoreline with ten minutes to go. Müller beat Luthe with a fine curler, but the goal had Upamecano's name stamped all over it, the defender charging down the left, turning infield and setting up the native Bavarian. Gnabry miscued a curler and Kimmich saw an effort blocked before Osmers blew for full-time.

The result takes Bayern onto 25 points from ten matches, one point ahead of Dortmund, who beat Köln. The German record champions will be back in action on Tuesday, when they entertain Benfica in the Champions League.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen