Bayern Munich moved a giant step closer to a 34th Bundesliga title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach at the Allianz Arena, extending Gladbach’s miserable away run to seven games without a win.
Fresh from a crucial 3-2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund that has all but wrapped up the title, Bayern were in control from early on. Lennart Karl had a goal ruled out for offside inside the first 10 minutes, and while the hosts struggled to create clear-cut chances before the half-hour mark, they kept Gladbach pinned back and gradually built their way to the opener.
Leon Goretzka received the ball from Kim Min-jae on the edge of the area and cleverly slipped it through to Luis Diaz, who volleyed home with real quality. Bayern then picked up the pace, with Nicolas Jackson, filling in for the absent Harry Kane, and Konrad Laimer both going close before the second arrived in first-half stoppage time. Jackson turned sharply to drive forward and find Diaz on the left, who cut it back for Laimer to thump into the far corner.
The only concern for Bayern before the break was the withdrawal of Manuel Neuer at half-time with a suspected injury.
Gladbach’s brighter start to the second period was quickly cut short when Rocco Reitz brought down Jackson as he bore down on goal. Referee Robert Schroder pointed to the spot and showed a red card. Jamal Musiala, recently returned from a long injury absence, stepped up and rolled home his first league goal of the season.
Bayern took the opportunity to hand a debut to 17-year-old Maycon Cardozo and began to manage the game comfortably. A fourth goal arrived when Jackson turned Karl’s low ball into the six-yard box in off the near post.
Gladbach’s travelling supporters did have a moment to cheer, however. A quickly-taken free-kick struck the post via Fabio Chiarodia before Wael Mohya turned in the rebound, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Bundesliga scorer in the process.
The win is Bayern’s fifth consecutive Bundesliga victory and opens up a 14-point gap over second place ahead of matchday 25. They turn their attention next to Atalanta in the Champions League, while Gladbach face a nervy finish to the season sitting just three points above the relegation play-off spot.
Leave Your Comment Here