Bayern Munich began the year in fine style after thrashing Hertha Berlin 4-0 to reclaim the second spot in the Bundesliga on Sunday evening.
Roberto Lewandowski was joined in the attack by Thomas Muller, Ivan Perisic and Phillipe Coutinho as star winger Serge Gnabry was surprisingly named on the bench.
The Bavarians had not enjoyed a good record at the Olympiastadion Berlin in recent prior to this encounter, having failed to win their last three league clashes.
Chances were few and far between in the first half, as Bayern had to wait until the 25th minute for an opening as Lewandowski’s close-range effort sailed inches wide of the upright.
That proved to be the trend for the rest of the opening 45 minutes as the visitors were left frustrated on a few occasions while Berlin was happy too sit back and soak up the pressure.
However, Bayern eventually got their breakthrough on the hour mark as Perisic’s knock-down found an un-marked Muller, who volleyed home from close range.
The hosts were then awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute after Leon Goretzka was brought in down in the box. Lewandowski stepped up and slotted home his 20th league goal of the season.
The third goal arrived three minutes later as Goretzka turned provider to pick Thiago Alcantara who found the back of the net with a neat finish into the top corner.
There was enough time for a fourth goal as Perisic got in on the act with six minutes remaining after turning home Muller’s cross to round off an emphatic victory to move up to the second spot.
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Source – SoccerLaduma
