Boost for Bayern ahead of busy period

Bayern's plan for the home game against Hamburg were clear. On the one hand, the Reds wanted to show the goalless draw at home to Hertha was an outlier and, on the other, that the performance acts as a boost to confidence ahead of the last two games before the international break – in Istanbul and in Leipzig.

"We have to show we’re up for it in the Bundesliga matches," said Arjen Robben. And the league leaders certainly showed that with an impressive 6-0 win. Frank Ribéry netted the opener on eight minutes with Robert Lewandowski adding a brace in rapid time on 12 and 19 minutes. "We got off to a really good start," said Jupp Heynckes before adding: " If we’re 3-0 up at the Arena then it's difficult for opponents to get back into the game."

Ribéry brace – Lewandowski hat trick

That's what happened and Bayern did not give anything away either. The team next to bottom in the table were penned back in their own half as they were forced to defend. "It was important for me the team didn't ease off or give anything away," declared the 72-year-old coach in praising his team although there was a lull just before half-time.

Bayern upped their game after the restart with Robben making it 4-0 on 55 minutes. Ribéry scored his second (81') and Lewandowski his third – this time from the penalty spot (90') – as the Reds made it six of the best. The Pole missed his first spot kick on 86 minutes. The only downside of the afternoon was an injury to Corentin Tolisso. The Frenchman came on as a substitute at the start of the second half but had to go off injured after a collision with Hamburg's Vasilije Janjicic on 65 minutes. A medical examination on Sunday revealed severe bruising to the shin.

Title win in Leipzig?

Thanks to the three points, a win for Bayern at Leipzig next Sunday would secure the league title providing Schalke drop points at Wolfsburg on Saturday night. It would also put Robben & Co. in high spirits ahead of the trip to Istanbul on Tuesday.

"The game and results are important for forthcoming challenges," declared Heynckes who is not surprised his team are so focused despite the large lead in the league. "The players understand and have respect. I think they enjoy playing for FC Bayern in this team. They proved that again today." And also fulfilled the boss's plans to the letter.