Created on 29-10-2011 at 00:00 AM
Bayern were back to full strength in more ways than one on Saturday, easing to victory in the 183rd all-Bavaria derby against Nürnberg with a familiar first-choice line-up and a trademark display of power, precision and prolific finishing.
The 69,000 full house at the Allianz Arena saw Mario Gomez and Bastian Schweinsteiger hand the home side a two-goal lead in the first 20 minutes, Franck Ribery adding a 39th-minute third to effectively seal the points before the break. Following an utterly one-sided first half in which FCB controlled an astounding 79 percent of the possession, a couple of chances went begging in a more muted opening to the second period, before Gomez made it four on 68 minutes to wrap up a fifth consecutive home win without a goal against.
The result, combined with Dortmund's draw in Stuttgart and Schalke’s home victory over Hoffenheim, means Jupp Heynckes’ team go four points clear of the Royal Blues at the top of the standings on 25 points from 11 matches, a very reassuring and morale-boosting state of affairs for the men in red ahead of the visit of Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday.