Big points against Freiburg: Bayern extend lead

"I hope we'll show the reaction we all wish for," FC Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said ahead of the Bundesliga match away to SC Freiburg, and his team heeded his words and hit the ground running after the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Feyenoord. Munich were extra motivated to win and lead from the front in the fight for top spot in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon.

Milestone for Neuer

Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, Eric Dier, Raphaël Guerreiro and Aleksandar Pavlović replaced Dayot Upamecano, who missed out with a muscular problem, Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise (both on the bench), Alphonso Davies (torn muscle) and Konrad Laimer (one-match ban) in the starting line-up. Bayern kept attacking without neglecting the defence, and Freiburg did not have a single shot on target in the first half. Manuel Neuer celebrated his 350th Bundesliga victory in his 516th match – only Thomas Müller had achieved this number before.

Dier and Kane make history

Musiala almost scored with his right foot, but his shot from distance crashed off the post (13'), but Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane spun and handed Bayern the lead two minutes later. The England capatin's 121 km/h effort meant he was involved in four goals in his last four Bundesliga matches, scoring three and setting up one. Kane tops the scorer rankings on 17 goals, a familiar feeling for the 31-year-old forward, but it was the first time in Bundesliga history that an Englishman set up another Englishman to score since detailed data collection began in 2004/05. Kane had his long-time teammate Eric Dier to thank for the assist.

Leader Joshua Kimmich, who turned in a strong display at right-back and later in midfield, thanked Kane: "What Harry showed today was just outstanding. He was everywhere in the box today, he defended everything, fought and backtracked again and again. What he did for the team today is just what we need." His coach praised team player Kane: "I think you can clearly see he'll do everything to be successful this year, that's what we use," said Vincent Kompany.

Goretzka unlucky - Stanišić and Palhinha return

Kompany's men were dominant in the first half but suffered a setback five minutes before the break. After celebrating the opener with Kane, Leon Goretzka had to be subbed off after 40 minutes. The midfielder felt the back of his thigh, Josip Stanišič coming on to make his first competitive appearance for FC Bayern in 162 days. The Croatia international only played in the DFB Cup first round against Ulm in August before he tore his collateral ligament. Coach Kompany was pleased: "Stani gives us an extra option. He was out for almost five months, it isn't a matter of course to turn in such a display. He showed he'll help us in the future."

According to Kompany, it was the same for João Palhinha, who was delighted to make his comeback in the closing stages, marking his first appearance for FCB since the game at St. Pauli in November. Shortly afterwards, he tore a muscle bundle on international duty with Portugal. "Sometimes it's a luxury, but in our situation it's crucial to have a full squad. We're very happy with our squad," said Kompany at the press conference. Bayern fans can therefore be glad that two absolute fighters, who both have a terrific mentality, are now back in the squad.

Kompany and Kimmich on the mentality

Kompany and Kimmich said such narrow victories on the road mark out a top team. "We had to really show a lot of mentality. We’ve certainly had games where we’ve been technically better, but this win is good for us – particularly the way we won today," analysed Kimmich: "It was certainly an awesome feeling to win this way." Kompany said at the press conference between two Champions League matches: "We came into the game with the right mentality. We’ve often played good football and won. Today it wasn’t our nicest performance but it was one of the nicest wins. This Freiburg side are just very strong at home."

Both referred to the second half, when Kimmich's pinpoint corner (his sixth assist this Bundesliga campaign) invited Minjae Kim to double the lead (54'). Munich were in control, but things got exciting again when Matthias Ginter got one back (68'). Dier, Kim & Co. weathered the storm and sealed an ultimately deserved victory away from home – also thanks to their efficiency. After the final whistle it became apparent how valuable the win was.

Lead extended

The entire team celebrated together after claiming the narrow victory. Kane, Stanišič & Co. were visibly relieved. Bayern, now on 48 points from 19 matches, extended their lead to six points after RB Leipzig scored a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw against champions Bayer Leverkusen. Their fifth Bundesliga win a row means it is Munich's best Bundesliga campaign in nine years, and they still have ambitious goals.

Three home games ahead of Leverkusen

The players and fans can look forward to three home games in a row. On Wednesday Munich entertain Slovan Bratislava in the final game of the Champions League’s league phase before Kane & Co. take on promoted side Holstein Kiel next Saturday and Werder Bremen on 7 February. Bayern then travel to face Bayer Leverkusen in the top-of-the-table clash on 15 February. "It's important to understand we can't be in full control in every game. There are also games like today, where you have only have two or three big chances, of which you have to take two and then defend everything at the back. We're on a good way regarding our play," said Kimmich.

Bayern turn their focus to the next Champions League match after taking big points in Freiburg. Board member for sport Max Eberl said: "We'll take it step by step. Now it's about the next game against Bratislava, we want to win it. These steps are important for our development, even though setbacks like on Wednesday happen again and again."