Berlin, Sep 10 (IANS) Bayern Munich overcame Schalke 2-0 thanks to late goals from Robert Lewandowski and Joshua Kimmich in the opening match of the second round of the Bundesliga.
Hosts Schalke staged a resilient performance until the 80th minute before Bayern clinically turned two chances into a tangible reward to reap a late victory on Friday, reports Xinhua.
Carlo Ancelotti's men started powerful into the clash, yet the German record champions were unable to threat Schalke's well-positioned defence.
As the match progressed, Schalke increased their efforts to work out their first promising opportunities when Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and defender David Alaba had to deny Yehven Konoplyanka and Klaas Jan Huntelaar from very close range in the 38th minute.
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Bayern came close to open the scoring just before the break but Lewandwoski pulled a volley over the bar.
After the restart, Schalke grabbed the better start as custodian Neuer tipped Huntelaar's hammer to the woodwork in the 56th minute. Bayern responded to Schalke's chance as Douglas Costa and Lewandowski approached the goal area dangerously.
The Poland international cut a better figure in the 81st minutes when a pinpoint through ball from Javi Martinez allowed Lewandowski to beat onrushing Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann for his fourth goal in his second game.
The late goal took the wind out of Schalke's sails as Bayern doubled the lead through substitute Kimmich, who capitalized on a square pass from Lewandowski to put the result beyond doubt in the dying seconds of the game.
With the result, reigning champions Bayern reaped their second win in as many games whereas Schalke suffered their second straight loss into the season.
"We staged a good performance," Schalke coach Markus Weinzierl said. "Another 10 ten minutes and we would have earned at least one point. However, against Bayern you have to utilize your few chances. You have to be clinical."
The following fixtures are scheduled for Saturday: Bayer Leverkusen host Hamburg, Wolfsburg see Cologne, Ingolstadt face Hertha Berlin, Darmstadt meet Eintracht Frankfurt, newly promoted Freiburg encounter Monchengladbach and newcomers Leipzig clash with Borussia Dortmund.
--IANS
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