Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig: Score and Reaction from 2016 Bundesliga Match
Bayern Munich brought RB Leipzig back down to earth on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena, as they secured an emphatic 3-0 win to go three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
Two goals in eight minutes from Thiago Alcantara and Xabi Alonso gave Bayern a comfortable lead, while Leipzig’s task was made even more difficult after Emil Forsberg was shown a red card for a tackle on Philipp Lahm. Robert Lewandowski also tucked home a penalty to make it 3-0 before the break.
The hosts dropped their tempo in the second period against the 10 men, and while they conjured some chances, they didn't add to their first-half treble.
Newly promoted Leipzig have enjoyed a tremendous season to this point and were level on points with Bayern heading into the game. They remain in second spot despite this humbling.
A trip to the Allianz Arena was always going to be a significant test for the Bundesliga debutants, and while they could approach this one with confidence after their excellent start to 2016-17, it was clear in the early stages Bayern were in the groove.
It was no surprise when they took the lead in the 17th minute as a result. The opener came after fine wing play from Arjen Robben, who worked the ball into Lahm, who in turn crossed well for Lewandowski. He saw his effort rebound off the post, only for Thiago to bundle home with his midriff.
Per WhoScored.com, the Spain international is having a decent season in front of goal:
Breaking the deadlock buoyed Bayern, as they pinned back their opponents brilliantly and went in search of a killer second. In the 25th minute, it arrived.
Thiago was again involved, as he arrowed the ball into the path of the onrushing Alonso, who finished with typical precision and composure. The champions were rampant, while Leipzig were shell-shocked.
The frustration of the visitors showed in Forsberg, as he planted his studs into the Achilles of Lahm as he scampered forward. He was rightly red-carded and made an uphill battle an almost impossible one for Leipzig.
Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe was far from impressed with how the visitors acquitted themselves early on:
Bayern were able to end any lingering doubts about where the three points were headed on the stroke of half-time, as Peter Gulacsi recklessly felled Douglas Costa in the penalty area. Lewandowski coolly dispatched the kick for his 12th league goal of the campaign.
After being blown away in the opening 45 minutes, the RB Leipzig Twitter feed was keen for the half-time whistle:
As expected, Bayern continued to pile on the pressure after the break, but with the contest effectively over, the champions didn't show the same scintillating urgency that was on show in the first period.
Leipzig dug in well to limit chances for the hosts too, although Lewandowski chose to shoot on two occasions when a square pass would have been a better option.
Having brought off Robben at half-time in place of Franck Ribery, manager Carlo Ancelotti gave some key men a rest, with David Alaba withdrawn for Juan Bernat with 23 minutes remaining and former Leipzig man Joshua Kimmich introduced in place of Arturo Vidal.
Even as the match descended into a lull, the Allianz Arena crowd remained in full voice, per the Bayern Twitter feed:
" #FCBayern, Forever Number One! ⚪️ #FCBRBL pic.twitter.com/EzlQQSmg0B
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 21, 2016"
As the clash entered the final 10 minutes, Costa continued to cause problems down the right side and did brilliantly to set up Bernat late on, although his shot was blocked. The winger also had a fine free-kick parried away by Gulacsi.
Ultimately, Bayern were unable to add to their haul in the second period, although Ancelotti will be delighted to see his side with a three-point buffer intact ahead of the winter hiatus.
Despite their remarkable run, this clash was always going to be a massive assignment for Leipzig. They’re a side of great promise and fearlessness, but the lack of experience in the squad at this level showed early on, as they unravelled under pressure.
Bayern were expected to win this game, although the standards they set from the off have to be admired.
Leipzig have shown small signs this season that they could challenge the dominance of the Munich giants, but this comprehensive defeat has put those notions on hold.
Reaction
Afterwards, both Ancelotti and Lahm emphasised how important it was for Bayern to be fast out of the blocks:
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