{"id":2614,"date":"2016-12-21T15:56:45","date_gmt":"2016-12-21T20:56:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=2614"},"modified":"2016-12-21T16:50:30","modified_gmt":"2016-12-21T21:50:30","slug":"bayern-munich-3-rb-leipzig-0-bundesliga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2016\/12\/21\/bayern-munich-3-rb-leipzig-0-bundesliga\/","title":{"rendered":"Bayern Munich 3 RB Leipzig 0: Bayern Alone At The Top Of The Bundesliga"},"content":{"rendered":"

The most anticipated match of the Bundesliga<\/strong> season thus far ended in frustration for the visitors, as Bayern Munich<\/strong> defeated RB Leipzig<\/strong> 3-0 at the Allianz Arena<\/strong>. The two clubs had been level at the top of the league entering the encounter, with Bayern now first in the Bundesliga table on 39 points.<\/p>\n

Bayern Munich 3 RB Leipzig 0: Match Review<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The evening offered a battle of two sides with contrasting styles. RB Leipzig and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl<\/strong> have found success during their first Bundesliga campaign utilising a high-press system. Bayern and manager Carlo Ancelotti\u2019s<\/strong> possession-based approach would not be easy for them to break down.<\/p>\n

With so much pressure leading up to the match, a young Leipzig side found themselves overwhelmed by the massive moment.<\/p>\n

Leipzig\u2019s front-line applied pressure in the midfield early on, but the Bundesliga title-holders were more than prepared. Philipp Lahm<\/strong> and Arjen Robben<\/strong> returned from injury at the wrong time for the visitors, as their work on the right flank caused major issues for Hasenhuttl\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Lahm\u2019s brilliant cross in the 17th minute was met by forward Robert Lewandowski<\/strong>, who struck the post and saw Thiago Alcantara<\/strong> open the scoring with an easy finish<\/a>. A poor touch from Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita<\/strong> lead to a goal from Xabi Alonso<\/strong> to double the advantage for Bayern<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Only five minutes later, a clumsy tackle on Lahm resulted in a red card for Emil Forsburg<\/strong>. Down two goals and down to ten men, the downward spiral would continue for Leipzig.<\/p>\n

Lewandowski converted a penalty shortly before half-time to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break. Substitute Franck Ribery<\/strong> made several impressive runs towards goal as Bayern saw out the result with a dominant second half.<\/p>\n

Space at the top<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bayern Munich should feel a sense of confidence as the league winter break begins. Dropped points in November saw pressure from Leipzig build throughout recent weeks.<\/p>\n

Wednesday\u2019s victory will keep their quest for yet another Bundesliga crown firmly within their own hands.<\/p>\n

Bayern resume league fixtures at SC Freiburg<\/strong> on Friday, January 20th.<\/p>\n

Possession defeats the high-press<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Both clubs have found a successful formula this season, but the quality of Bayern Munich was too much for the tactics of RB Leipzig.<\/p>\n

Making his 150th Bundesliga appearance, David Alaba<\/strong> and the Bayern back-line stayed organised amidst the early Leipzig pressure. Arturo Vidal<\/strong> and Alonso controlled the middle of the pitch, while Alcantara consistently placed himself in excellent positions throughout the evening.<\/p>\n

Leipzig will certainly learn from the experience, but it was a difficult lesson for all involved with the club.<\/p>\n

Holiday break<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bayern Munich now hold a three-point lead in first after 16 matches, with Leipzig six points clear of third-place Hoffenheim<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These two clubs will meet again on May 13th, when Bayern visit Red Bull Arena<\/strong> in what will undoubtedly be an important fixture.<\/p>\n

RB Leipzig look to bounce back from Wednesday\u2019s disappointment on Saturday, January 21st when they host Eintracht Frankfurt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Line-ups<\/strong><\/h3>\n

BAYERN MUNICH<\/strong>: Neuer, Alaba (Bernat (67\u2019), Hummels, Martinez, Lahm, Alonso, Vidal (Kimmich 74′), Costa, Alcantara, Robben (Ribery 46\u2019), Lewandowski<\/p>\n

Unused subs<\/strong>: Ulreich, Rafinha, Muller, Sanches<\/p>\n

RB LEIPZIG<\/strong>: Gulacsi, Bernardo, Ilsanker, Orban, Halstenberg, Sabitzer (Burke 83′), Keita (Kaiser 46\u2019), Forsberg (OFF 30′), Demme, Werner (Selke 59\u2019), Poulsen<\/p>\n

Unused subs<\/strong>: Muller, Schmitz, Khedira, Kalmar<\/p>\n

REFEREE<\/strong>: Felix Zwayer<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n