It was very stormy in Munich on Sunday morning, but the Bavarians still reported to the Säbener Strasse HQ after beating RB Leipzig 2-0, and the atmosphere was good as the German record champions claimed top spot in the Bundesliga for the first time in 161 days on Saturday evening.
"It's a nice feeling," commented sporting director Hasan Salihamdizic on the situation in the table. Bayern are three points clear of Borussia Dortmund, but Salihamidzic refused to overestimate the situation. "It's only one step in the Bundesliga." The Bosnian was pleased with Bayern's performance: "We were up against tough opponents again. They have a plan, they're very aggressive. We made a real fist of it and were dominant. All credit to the team!"
"Before the match we saw the results play in our favour, so we absolutely wanted to win the match," explained Sebastian Rudy. The Bavarians signalled their intent from the off. "The team were once again very committed and motivated," analysed Jupp Heynckes, whose troops had an advantage after Leipzig captain Willi Orban earned his marching orders after 13 minutes. "If your opponents see a red card so early it's an advantage at this level of course," according to the Bayern coach.
Bayern remain alert
"It was crucial we upped the pressure after the red card and showed we wanted to win the match," said Joshua Kimmich, intent on making the most of the Leipzig's handicap. The men from Munich soon opened the scoring, James Rodríguez crowning a strong display after 18 minutes. Robert Lewandowski doubled the lead before half-time. "We used the extra man well and deservedly went two goals up before the break. We could have scored one more," said Kimmich. The only bad news was Lewandowski's injury. The striker had to be subbed off with a thigh problem before half-time and was unable to work out on Sunday. On a more positive note, Kingsley Coman completed parts of the squad programme.
Even without Lewandowski the Bavarians played with aplomb, retaining their lead, but the high workload from the cup encounter with Leipzig began to show. "Of course the players are tired," declared Heynckes. "It was a 120-minute heavyweight clash on Wednesday, so we did a good job. The way we played was spot-on." However, the Bayern coach will have liked to hear self-critical voices on Saturday. "We didn't allow anything, but we didn't play well either. We can do better," analysed Robben.
Robben's recipe for Celtic
"It was rather boring for neutral spectators because we eased off," said Kimmich. "Of course we knew the next match would be on Tuesday." A very important match, as the German record champions will travel to face Celtic in the Champions League. "We want to turn in a good display," demanded Salihamidzic. "We can qualify for the next round. We're on a streak, and we want to extend it."
"The match is going to be very important," declared Robben. "Once again it's only two days, so we have to eat well, sleep a lot and drink lots of water." Heynckes troops will be in for "good atmosphere" in Scotland, according to Kimmich. "We did a good job in the first match against Celtic. But it starts from scratch as usual." The goal is clear: "We absolutely want to win – and then build on it against Dortmund. But first our focus is on the Champions League."
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