With the winning streak extended, the lead at the top of the table increased, and one or two other records set, the Bundesliga derby against FC Augsburg was an all-round success for Bayern. After a comfortable 3-0 victory the record champions increased their lead over nearest rivals RB Leipzig to six points, while also reaching 3,000 points in the all-time Bundesliga table.
“It was a great matchday today and we can be really happy,” said captain Arjen Robben after the final whistle at the sold-out 75,000 capacity Allianz Arena. “Overall, it was a great performance,” concluded coach Jupp Heynckes after his 500th Bundesliga win as player and coach. “It’s an impressive number. But I’m happier about the win and the way my team played.”
Against an Augsburg side happy to sit back and defend, the home team found it difficult in the early phases of the game, “because Augsburg played well and put up stiff resistance, making it really difficult for us,” analysed Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic. “But we kept on improving, started to link up well after the the first 20 minutes and were formidable from then onwards,” added Heynckes.
Bayern on a roll
Almost inevitably the dominant Bavarians gained a deserved two-goal advantage before half time after goals from Arturo Vidal and Robert Lewandowski in the 31st and 38th minutes. Lewandowski’s second made sure of the win early in the second half. “We were dominant the whole game, controlled the play and scored goals at the right times. We played really well,” said a delighted Salihamidzic following the first match back after the international break.
“We got straight back to where we left off,” explained Sebastian Rudy. “When we’re on a run like this we’re tough to beat. Today we played great football, the team was set up well, we had a plan and carried it out.” For the Bavarians this was the eighth win in eight after Heynckes’ return. “We’re really happy to be on such a good winning streak,” added Sven Ulreich, who kept another clean sheet.
'Our play is improving'
The players and officials unanimously emphasised the unique Bayern mentality, allowing the team to continue playing well despite high-profile absences (Neuer, Ribéry, Müller, Thiago, Coman) and the international break. “Today we had a good approach from the start and showed concentration and patience,” praised Heynckes. “Our attitude was good,” agreed Robben.
But even after eight successive competitive victories there is no evidence of complacency in the Bayern camp. “There are always things to improve, every game, and that must be our attitude. We can’t be satisfied, there’s always the next game. We know that our play is improving,” said stand-in captain Robben. Heynckes is also hopeful, “that the winning ways will continue. We’ve improved in every area. When everyone is available, we’ll play even better football.”
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