Bayern 5-1 Dortmund: Five talking points as Bayern continues winning run

Der Klassiker – Bayern Munich maintained their impressive lead at the top of the Bundesliga and didn’t show any signs of going down as Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed arch-rivals Borrusia Dortmund in a 5-1 victory at Allianz Arena.

This was Bayern’s 8th win in as many games, credits to two goals each from Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski as well as a late strike from Mario Gotze, helping them increase their lead to seven points at the table’s summit.

The scoresheet was as follows:

Bayern Munich 5-1 Borrusia Dortmund

• T. Müller 26′, 35′ (p)
• P. Aubameyang 36′
• R. Lewandowski 46′, 58′
• M. Götze 66′

Robert Lewandowski continued his majestic goal-scoring run with 12 goals in 4 games now. Muller showed consistency at every level of the game & found the net twice. Douglas Costa didn’t have any goal contribution but he was sublime with his threatening crosses & runs down the line. He is arguably the best summer purchase for the German champions. On the other hand, Dortmund’s Aubameyang was the only player knocking the Bayern’s goal and found the net once. Boateng, with his two assists from long range, was the best defender in today’s game.

Hummels & Bender couldn’t hold the back line well. Sokratis was beaten by Costa numerous times and even Gundogan lacked the spark which he showcased in previous matches in the league. Reus came in late to replace Kagawa but failed to make an instant impact. Mkhitaryan was woeful as he hanged out a leg and it clipped Thiago’s knee, which resulted in a penalty and Muller dispatched it calmly into the net.

Robert Lewandowski is the first player to net 12 goals in 4 games for Bayern Munich in any competition. He has managed the fastest 4 goals & the fastest 5 goals in Bundesliga for the team too. This is Dortmund’s first defeat under new manager Thomas Tuchel and Bayern’s best start under Pep in Bundesliga – played 8, won 8.

Bayern Munich started with three at the back but shuffled to four in the second half. Pep was continuously changing the formation during the game. They played with three strikers at the front which turned out to be quite fruitful. Dortmund‘s formation of 4-3-2-1 failed today, but has been working for them in the past few matches. Bayern did their homework well & were able to get five past a shaky Dortmund defence.

Dortmund do have some positives to take as they get back to their full strength. Reus is fit again, and could be starting in the upcoming fixtures. They need to get the defense line organised in order to protect against lethal air balls as they conceded two from long balls by Boateng which went past the defenders on both occasions. Bayern will build on the same form to ensure victory against Arsenal in the upcoming Champions League clash.