Bayern Munich strolled to a victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena as the Bavarians asserted their lead at the top to 10 points over their closest rivals, RB Leipzig. Dortmund needed a win to reduce the huge deficit between the two sides but seemed to be overawed by the situation rather than implement their manager's plans.
Franck Ribery opened the scoring after some delightful link-up play between Thiago and Philip Lahm. Robert Lewandowski added the second while Raphael Guerreiro reduced the deficit with a rocket of a shot.
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Arjen Robben scored a trademark goal to take the game away from the visitors and Lewandowski scored his second from the penalty spot to seal the victory at the Allianz Arena.
Let's take a look at the five talking points from the highly anticipated Der Klassiker which went in the way of Bayern Munich:
#1 A game between men and boys
After a midweek defeat against Hoffenheim, questions were raised about Bayern Munich ahead of their two huge games against Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. Munich answered their critics in the best possible manner as they toyed around Dortmund's players as a professional display saw them beat Thomas Tuchel's boys 4-1. In reality, this score would have been on the higher side for the home side had they taken their chances well.
Also Read: Tuchel admits Borussia Dortmund did not deserve anything from Bayern Munich clash
Though Borussia Dortmund have some of the best young players in the world, they weren’t able to show what they are made of in a game of this magnitude. These players will have to take up added responsibility and help Dortmund in the games that matter the most.
Since the departure of Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund have struggled in the big games and that was the case yet again last night with Bayern running the Dortmund youngsters ragged.
#2 Arjen Robben being Arjen Robben
Over the years, the sight of Robben running with the ball from the right wing, cutting inside and smashing the ball into the far corner has become a sight as common as the sky being blue. This feat was repeated once again as the Dutchman scored the third goal for his side and showed why he is still considered as one of the most impactful players for the Bavarians.
The Dutchman did miss a host of chances as he chose to take the selfish route and took it upon himself to score at any cost, but was rewarded at last. This frustrated his teammates as even the uber cool Philip Lahm showed his displeasure towards the Dutchman.
Robben has often polarised opinions as was in evidence in last night's performance which showed both agony and brilliance.
#3 A different story for two of the best strikers on the planet
Robert Lewandowski versus Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. This was the battle many people had their eyes on as two of the most in-demand strikers in the word went head to head. The Polish forward emerged victorious handsomely as he managed to hit a well-deserved brace while Aubameyang was made to chase shadows.
Last night again proved that Aubameyang has a long way to go before we mention his name in the same breath as the Lewandowskis, the Agueros and the Suarezs of the world.
Also Read: Is Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang really the most overrated striker in Europe right now?
The Gabonese superstar was leading the scoring charts with 24 goals before this game, but Lewandowski changed all that with a free-kick and a penalty to take the lead at the top with 26 goals. The duo played together for one year at Dortmund and since then have gone on to be the talisman for their respective sides.
A race for the Bundesliga golden boot might go right down to the wire with both world class strikers fighting fiercely for the coveted prize.
Also Read: Bayern breathe sigh of relief over Lewandowski injury ahead of Madrid clash
#4 Thiago Alcantara revelling under Carlo Ancelotti
Under Pep Guardiola, Thiago Alcantara had an average few seasons at Bayern Munich, where the Spaniard was criticised of being a ‘luxury player’ for Guardiola. He struggled with injuries and failed to get into the starting lineup consistently. All that changed after the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as Thiago has flourished under the Italian manager and played some of his best football in recent months.
The former Barcelona man is currently playing in a number 10 role where he has been highly successful with his vision and close control being effective for Munich. He has kept Thomas Muller out of the side and has been one of the most creative players in the Bundesliga this season.
But the next season might see him playing in a deeper midfield role to fill in for the soon-to-retire Xabi Alonso.
#5 Perfect practice for the next big tie
Bayern Munich will host the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday against Real Madrid. It is a blockbuster game for both the teams as Real and Bayern have demonstrated their brilliance in their respective league campaigns this season and now have their eyes fixated on the biggest prize in club football.
Also Read: Ancelotti: Bayern can't lose sleep worrying about Madrid
It was a brilliant practice session for Bayern Munich last night as they got back to winning ways with an easy win over their closest competitors in recent years. Real Madrid, on the other hand, conceded a late goal to share the spoils with Atletico Madrid. An exciting game is on the cards with this tie being the centre of attraction of all the quarter-final matches.
