Created on 07-04-2012 at 00:00 AM
Another brace from Super Mario Gomez and a much-improved second-half display saw Bayern bring home three vital points at home to promoted Bavarian neighbours Augsburg on Saturday afternoon, a crucial result which means FCB remain a mere three points behind leaders Dortmund ahead of the midweek showdown between the top two.
The 69,000 full house at the Allianz Arena saw Jupp Heynckes’ side make the perfect start with Mario Gomez’ first-minute opener, but it was end-to-end stuff after that and Ja-Cheol Koo levelled it up midway through the first half, leaving the match poised at the break.
There was a real sense of urgency to the home side’s play after the restart as FCB laid siege to the visitors’ goal, Gomez restoring the lead from close range on the hour. The men in red efficiently saw it through to the close now without expending an ounce of energy more than necessary, with all eyes now turning to Signal Iduna Park in midweek.
A ninth win on the trot in all competitions means FCB travel to Dortmund for the potentially title-deciding head-to-head on Wednesday in second place on 63 points from 29 matches, three off leaders BVB and a comfortable nine clear of third-placed Schalke, who entertain Hannover on Easter Sunday. Following the titanic midweek clash in the Ruhr Valley, the Bavarians are at home to Mainz on Saturday 14 April, before Real Madrid visit Munich in the Champions League semi-final first leg just three days later.