Six goals scored, none conceded and top of the table again – the match against VfL Wolfsburg went exactly to plan for FC Bayern. "My team had a really good day," declared Niko Kovac after the 6-0 home win on matchday 25, "I really liked the way we played and we were never in danger at any point."
60 per cent possession and a shot on goal ratio of 22 to 4 in favour of the hosts further underline the comments of the coach. The German record champions took control of the game from the kick-off even if they struggled early on. "The first 20 minutes were a bit sluggish but then we played really well," was the assessment of Hasan Salihamidzic. The traffic was all in the direction of the opposition goal and the floodgates opened when Serge Gnabry made 1-0 on 34 minutes.
"It's great to be top"
Uli Hoeneß
"We made plenty of chances and scored a lot of goals," said the sporting director, probably thinking of the great move that ended with Robert Lewandowski doubling the lead on 37 minutes or the perfectly placed shot from James Rodriguez to make it 3-0 on 52 minutes. Thomas Müller (76'), Joshua Kimmich (82') and Lewandowski (85'), with his second goal, secured the emphatic result – and put FCB back on top of the table.
In spite of Borussia Dortmund beating VfB Stuttgart 3-1at the same time, FC Bayern went above BVB due to a superior goal difference. "It's great to be top," said a suitably happy Uli Hoeneß and Manuel Neuer was also really pleased with the result: "Of course, it feels good. At the end of the day, it was important for us to do our job in the Bundesliga,"
No euphoria at Säbener Straße
Since the winter break, Bayern have made up the six-point gap and deservedly returned to top spot with a great performance against Wolfsburg. "Over the past few weeks we've been fully focused and that's behind what we've done today," said Salihamidzic. However, FCB know there is a long way to go. The lead over Dortmund is just two goals. "We won't be euphoric but instead prepare for the next game with complete concentration. It's a great snapshot of where we are," added the 42-year-old.
Lewandowski & Co. have scored eleven goals in the last two games and 12 of the previous 13 games have ended in victory. "This is our best phase of the season to date – exactly at the right moment," noted the sporting director. Bayern are entering the crucial weeks of the Bundesliga and, on Wednesday, Liverpool visit the Allianz Arena for the second leg of the Round of 16 tie in the Champions League.
Fully focused on tasks ahead
"The lads had another boost in confidence," said Salihamidzic looking forward to the midweek clash and Kovac is also aware of the potentially positive effect of the runaway victory for the Champions League campaign: "The last few games showed where we need to be. We have to keep this level up and then we might be able to do it. This game gives us a boost."
Bayern do not want to ease off and in the coming weeks they are looking to build on the performance at the weekend. "The week has started well and we want to continue like that in the middle of the week," said Kovac and he received the backing of his captain. "We’re up for it!", declared the skipper.
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