Ten days, four matches and four wins by (at least) a two-goal margin – FC Bayern are back to winning ways! Even in the 3-1 victory at Augsburg, the German record champions did not miss out. “We played very well, especially in the first half,” said a content Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after the win which saw FCB maintain their place at the top of the table. This was much to the delight of Mats Hummels: “We want to lead the table from start to finish.”
Robert Lewandowski and Arjen Robben were really in the mood for goals on Saturday afternoon. Both players ran a so far organised Augsburg defence (just 11 goals conceded until matchday 9 – a club record!) ragged and were laying on goals for each other, with the first two coming in the space of two minutes! “We had the game under control after those two goals,” analysed Carlo Ancelotti, who was pleased with the interplay between his two forwards. “Lewandowski and Robben combined well. That’s important for the team,” said the Italian.
The Pole’s two strikes against Augsburg brought to end a small drought which saw Lewandowski fail to score in 481 minutes of action. “It’s always great when you score. It can happen that you don’t score for a few games – we’re not machines,” said the striker calmly. “I feel good again. Full of energy!” And on Robben’s two assists to make it 1-0 and then 3-0: "It was crazy how he played,” said a delighted Lewandowski. The Pole returned the favour with an assist of his own to make it 2-0. Robben was happy: “It all clicked with Robert. The goals were nice, too. And with a lot of pace."
"Must play just as well in Eindhoven"
The Dutchman was also pleased that Bayern had learnt their lessons from the game against Eintracht Frankfurt two weeks ago when the Reds let a 2-1 lead slip despite a man advantage. “We have learnt from that. That was a warning,” according to Robben. “We always have to play with aggression and at our fullest.” Mats Hummels admitted, “a bit of casualness crept in after the 3-0. We have to remain serious in those situations.” Nonetheless, Bayern can be happy, as Rummenigge said: “We were consistent in our approach again and deservedly won the three points.”
There is no rest for Bayern as another round of midweek fixtures lurks just around the corner. The Reds will train again on Sunday at Säbener Straße before traveling to Eindhoven on Monday for matchday 4 of the Champions League Group Stage. FCB could make great strides towards the knock-out stage of the competition with a win at PSV on Tuesday evening (kick-off 20:45 CET). “We are not through yet but we still want to finish top. That’s why we have to play just as well in Eindhoven to leave with the three points,” acknowledged Rummenigge.
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