No Robbery, No Problem: Bayern Munich Firing on All Cylinders in Treble Pursuit

Werder Bremen had nearly their best possible chance to take points from Bayern Munich on Saturday, but instead were dropped by a comfortable 4-0 margin at the Weserstadion.

Playing at home and having made an impressive climb from last place in the Bundesliga table last December to eighth heading into Round 25, Bremen had every reason to be confident.

And with Manuel Neuer rested and Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery sidelined with injuries, they faced a Bayern side that were missing three of their best performers of the season, whose on-pitch leadership has been immense. Although Bremen were missing their top scorer in Franco Di Santo, if there was any time to take advantage of Bayern, it was in Saturday's match.

And yet Bayern hardly had to get out of first gear. They took the lead after just 24 minutes through Thomas Muller, who was operating on Robben's usual right wing and produced a left-footed curler that was as typical of the Dutchman as it was atypical of the German himself.

David Alaba, who's rapidly become one of Europe's most dangerous set-piece specialists, fired in another beautiful free-kick (his third such goal in five weeks) later in the half, and the game was done and dusted before the interval.

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Alaba with another world class freekick https://t.co/h1Ig7oFsVa

— ❤️=⚽️ (@Total_Futbol_) March 14, 2015"

Robert Lewandowski got in on the action with a late brace, but the match was already won by Alaba and the superb Muller, who assisted both of the Polish striker's goals.

The result for Bremen showed what having two world-class players can do for a club burdened with a heavy schedule. Bayern have the spending power to recruit more top-caliber stars than can play in any given game and the results, name brand and charisma in management to keep those less used more motivated than frustrated.

While the team that faced Bremen was certainly missing many of its superstars, it still was better than any other side in the Bundesliga, and the players were motivated enough to deliver.

Muller, who has spent most of his career thus far playing in a supporting role with Ribery and Robben being the more recognized goal machines, was the match-winner. He even emulated the latter's style with his goal and the Frenchman's role with his two assists on the counterattack.

With the 25-year-old, as well as Alaba and Lewandowski in particular, rising to the occasion, Bayern played arguably their best domestic football in three games. Their luxury of options have masterfully been kept fresh and hungry to deliver.

Saturday's match also marked the return of Philipp Lahm, who hadn't played since November after sustaining a broken ankle during training. The club's performance hardly suffered in the absence of their captain, but the veteran's influence will surely be useful as the season enters its most critical phase.

His return, along with those of Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara (both of whom are well on their way to achieving match fitness) and the continued recovery of Holger Badstuber, will make an already indomitable Bayern deeper and even stronger.

As the end of the campaign draws nearer, many big clubs are stumbling. English Premier League leaders Chelsea are out of the Champions League, and runners-up Manchester City look set to follow.

Real Madrid have lost their lead in La Liga and were nearly eliminated from the Champions League by Schalke.

Bayern, on the other hand, continue to perform as new stars come into form and the injured close in on fitness. A second treble in three seasons is a very real possibility.

@Mr_Bundesliga