Classy Reds overcome Leipzig

FC Bayern beat RB Leipzig 3-2 in a thrilling game on Saturday, extending their lead to nine points overnight. Thomas Müller and André Silva traded goals in the first half-hour, Robert Lewandowski restoring Bayern's lead before half-time. Christopher Nkunku levelled the scores after the restart, but Josko Gvardiol deflected a Serge Gnabry cross into his own net, and Bayern claimed a deserved victory.

The Bavarians lined up with Manuel Neuer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Niklas Süle and Lucas Hernández in defence. Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Corentin Tolisso and Kingsley Coman featured in midfield, with Müller, Lewandowski and Leroy Sané up front. Jamal Musiala, Dayot Upamecano, Tanguy Nianzou and Marcel Sabitzer came on for Tolisso, Hernández, Coman and Müller in the second half.

High-octane first half

The 10,000 crowd at the Allianz Arena saw an entertaining, up-tempo contest between two attack-minded sides. Gnabry saw two efforts blocked before Tolisso rifled over the bar, Olmo miscuing a shot at the other end. Bayern soon won the ball deep in Leipzig's half, keeper Peter Gulacsi parrying Lewandowski's effort, but Müller was on hand to mop up. Neuer made two strong saves against Silva and Olmo, but Bayern soon gave away possession, Laimer lifting the ball over Neuer and Silva tapping in at the far stick.

The champions enjoyed a spell in command now, Müller drawing a fine save from Gulacsi, who directed a Coman effort onto the post minutes later. Bayern had the ball in the net for a second time, Müller thrusting to meet a Gnabry cross with a powerful header, but it was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Munich restored the lead when Tolisso's brilliantly perceptive pass found Coman, whose pinpoint cross invited Lewandowski to head home.

On tenterhooks

A Müller cross only just evaded Lewandowski after the restart, but the visitors levelled the scores when Laimer's fine pass invited Nkunku to beat Neuer. Bayern soon made it three, Gvardiol deflecting a Gnabry cross into his own net. Lewandowski fired inches wide and Sané saw an effort blocked, with Coman miscuing from distance and Lewandowski heading over.

Neuer proved equal to a Szoboszlai drive and a Forsberg shot before Sané tested Gulacsi. Bayern skilfully ran down the clock now, and match official Sven Jablonski blew for full-time.

The result means Bayern have 52 points from 21 matches, nine ahead of Dortmund, who take on Leverkusen on Sunday. Bayern will be back in action next Saturday, when they travel to face Bochum.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen