Berlin, Jan 25 (IANS) Bayern Munich overcame Monchengladbach 2-0 at the the soldout Borussia Park Stadium in a German Bundesliga match.
German internationals Mario Goetze and Thomas Mueller Friday helped the Bavarians to wrap up their 15th win in 17 game to extend their lead atop the standings, reports Xinhua.
Third placed Monchengladbach staged a brave fight against the front-runners as Patrick Herrmann and Max Kruse tested Bayern’s custodian Manuel Neuer in the opening period.
However, it was the clinical visitors that broke the deadlock with just seven minutes into the game. Mueller passed into path of Goetze, who beat “Foals” goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from inside the box.
Bayern remained in control of the proceedings, but after all they were unable to extend the lead. Despite Bayern’s dominance, the hosts nearly restored parity but Manuel Neuer saved Juan Arango’s threatening free kick and Kruse’s attempt to conserve the neat lead just before the break.
Pep Guardiola’s men doubled the lead eight minutes into the second half as Mueller converted a penalty, following a handball inside the box by Granit Xhaka.
Monchengladbach remained unfazed just as in the first half and pressed forward. Herrmann fired past Neuer but his shot was denied by the inside of the left post.
Nonetheless, Bayern made the game safe as the “Foals” failed to make use of their chances.
Bayern Munich sit atop the Bundesliga standings with a ten point lead meanwhile third placed Monchengladbach drop to fourth if Dortmund win Saturday night.