Bayern maintain grip on top

AFP, BERLIN: Goals from Arjen Robben and James Rodriguez helped Bayern Munich maintain their grip on the top of the table as they beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 on Saturday, plunging their opponents into an early season crisis.

With three defeats in three, Leverkusen have made their worst ever start to a Bundesliga campaign.

Leverkusen got off to a dream start when Thiago’s handball gave them a penalty in the second minute.

Manuel Neuer initially denied Kevin Volland from 12 yards, but the spot-kick was ordered re-taken for players encroaching into the area and Wendell smashed in the retake.

Leverkusen’s joy was short-lived, as Corentin Tolisso prodded in the equaliser just four minutes later, and Robben fired Bayern ahead with a superb volley on 20 minutes.

Leverkusen’s fate seemed sealed when Karim Bellarabi was sent off for a reckless challenge on Rafinha ten minutes from time, and James Rodriguez added Bayern’s third in the 89th minute. Schalke have also lost three out of three after they were plunged further into crisis in a 2-1 defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach in the late game.

The early-season nightmare continued for Schalke when Matthias Ginter headed Gladbach ahead after just two minutes. The home side then took control of the first half, with several chances falling to Alassane Plea and Thorgan Hazard.

Schalke rallied before half-time, and both Salif Sane and Mark Uth forced saves from Yann Sommer. Uth found the net early in the second half, but was pulled back for offside.

Jonas Hofmann hit the post for Gladbach in the 73rd minute, but it was substitute Patrick Hermann who delivered the knockout blow a few minutes later, sweeping Oscar Wendt’s cross into the bottom corner. Breel Embolo’s swerving strike in stoppage time proved no more than a consolation goal.

Promoted Duesseldorf snatched a surprise 2-1 win over Hoffenheim, who make their Champions League debut next week.

 

Bayern maintain grip on top

AFP, BERLIN: Goals from Arjen Robben and James Rodriguez helped Bayern Munich maintain their grip on the top of the table as they beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 on Saturday, plunging their opponents into an early season crisis. With three defeats in three, Leverkusen have made their worst ever start to a Bundesliga campaign. Leverkusen got off to a dream start when Thiagos handball gave them a penalty in the second minute. Manuel Neuer initially denied Kevin Volland from 12 yards, but the spot-kick was ordered re-taken for players encroaching into the area and Wendell smashed in the retake. Leverkusens joy was short-lived, as Corentin Tolisso prodded in the equaliser just four minutes later, and Robben fired Bayern ahead with a superb volley on 20 minutes. Leverkusens fate seemed sealed when Karim Bellarabi was sent off for a reckless challenge on Rafinha ten minutes from time, and James Rodriguez added Bayerns third in the 89th minute. Schalke have also lost three out of three after they were plunged further into crisis in a 2-1 defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach in the late game. The early-season nightmare continued for Schalke when Matthias Ginter headed Gladbach ahead after just two minutes. The home side then took control of the first half, with several chances falling to Alassane Plea and Thorgan Hazard. Schalke rallied before half-time, and both Salif Sane and Mark Uth forced saves from Yann Sommer. Uth found the net early in the second half, but was pulled back for offside. Jonas Hofmann hit the post for Gladbach in the 73rd minute, but it was substitute Patrick Hermann who delivered the knockout blow a few minutes later, sweeping Oscar Wendts cross into the bottom corner. Breel Embolos swerving strike in stoppage time proved no more than a consolation goal. Promoted Duesseldorf snatched a surprise 2-1 win over Hoffenheim, who make their Champions League debut next week.