Created on 15-02-2013 at 00:00 AM
Bayern warmed up for Tuesday’s trip to Arsenal in the best possible fashion by extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches with a tight but deserved win over obstinate Wolfsburg on Friday evening. Records are tumbling as the Reds rumble inexorably towards their target of the Bundesliga title, with the runaway league leaders still to let in a goal in 2013.
The 30,000 full house at the VW Arena saw Jupp Heynckes’ men slowly but surely wear down the resolute Wolves and take a 36th-minute lead thanks to a spectacular overhead-kick opener from Mario Mandzukic, the big Croat declining to celebrate out of respect for his former club.
A few minutes into the second half, the visitors passed another extraordinary milestone by going more than four hours in the league without their opponents mustering a single shot on target. Manuel Neuer eventually did make a save from Diego’s 77th-minute set piece, but the men in red withstood the home side’s late rally and sub Arjen Robben opened his account for the season with a stoppage-time second.
An 18th league win from 22 matches sees FCB continue to smash Bundesliga records, as the Reds already have 57 points, a goal difference of +50, and an 18-point overnight lead over second-placed Dortmund, who face Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday evening. The Bavarians now turn their attention to the Champions League and Tuesday’s eagerly-awaited visit to London giants Arsenal, before returning to domestic action at home to Werder Bremen next Saturday afternoon.