The last time Bayern Munich lost a match this season was November 23 against Russian side FC Rostov. Since then, the German title-holders have gone 17 matches unbeaten, netting 48 goals in the process.
Bayern Munich Dominant After Winter Break
Their dominant play has given them a current lead of seven points in the Bundesliga and a place in the quarter-final round of the UEFA Champions League, as well reaching the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal.
Here is a look at what’s been fueling the Bavarian giants in this fantastic run of form and what to expect the rest of the way.
Lewandowski consistency
Consistent is the word to describe Robert Lewandowski’s play thus far in 2017. Since returning from the winter break, the Polish striker has scored 11 goals in 11 appearances, including a hat-trick against Hamburg.
His reliability will be the key to the club’s success down the road. As Bayern progress in the Champions League, the striker has an opportunity to help lead the club to glory.
Lewandowski is on pace to have a similar performance to last year, when he scored a majority of his goals in the second half of the season to win the league’s Golden Boot award.
Robben picks up the pace
Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben has picked up his goal-scoring pace, scoring five goals in his last five appearances. In just a short period of time, he’s become the club’s second-leading scorer.
Occupying his normal spot on the wing, Robben has been devastating defences with his quick pace and accurate passing, as well as his deadly curling efforts.
Defensive importance
After a less than ideal start to the season, Bayern have recovered in all aspects it appears, as they have only allowed 11 goals since returning from the league’s winter break.
The back-line has not been the best part of the team this year, but the likes of Mats Hummels, David Alaba, Javi Martinez and Rafinha have all played much better in their last few appearances.
However, this is perhaps the one area that may be questioned in the Champions League.
Only 11 matches remain
Only 11 matches separate Bayern Munich from their 27th Bundesliga title. Six of the remaining fixtures will be played at the Allianz Arena, while five are away.
Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim are the only three clubs left that Bayern have yet to defeat this season in the Bundesliga. A Matchday 33 clash with RB Leipzig will be a fixture that could be vitally important depending on the two clubs position at the time. Bayern won the reverse fixture 3-0.
With a seven-point lead, the club are not a sure bet for the league title. Five of the last 11 will be played against clubs that are currently in the top half of the table.
Bayern will especially have to be careful against motivated clubs looking to book a place in European competitions. The current battle for places five through ten is extremely close. Expect fierce competition from the likes of Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim in the coming weeks.
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