Mario Mandzukic struck twice as Bayern ran up an unspectacular but workmanlike victory in the Bundesliga restart clash at home to struggling Bavarian rivals Greuther Fürth on Saturday. A 14th win of the season ensures Jupp Heynckes’ side maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the standings.
The 71,000 who braved the freezing cold to pack the Allianz Arena to capacity saw the league leaders turn the screw from the start against the bottom club and take a 26th-minute lead through Mandzukic, although Munich were guilty of missing a couple of very good chances to increase the advantage before half-time.
The Reds finally struck again after 61 minutes, Croatia hitman Mandzukic completing his brace with a header from a corner, before Arjen Robben made a return to competitive action with 20 minutes remaining. FCB were content to leave it at that, as the leaders secured the priority target of a win at the start of the second half of the campaign.
The result means Bayern now have 45 points from 18 matches and an exceptional goal difference of plus 39. The men from Munich remain 11 points clear of Bayer Leverkusen, 3-1 winners against Eintracht Frankfurt, and are 15 ahead of champions Dortmund, who play Bremen in the evening kick-off. FCB are next in action away to VfB Stuttgart next Sunday.
Topics of this article