01 February 2016
Bayern Munich made it two wins from two since returning to action after the winter break, defeating relegation candidates Hoffenheim 2-0 at the Allianz Arena on Sunday evening.
With defenders Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng absent through injury, Pep Guardiola’s side lined up in an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation with Phillipp Lahm and David Alaba playing either side of the only fit senior centre back in the squad, Holger Badstuber, in defence.
As expected however, the changes did little to disrupt the Bavarians’ rhythm as they set about reestablishing their eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with real intent, as Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller both went close to breaking the deadlock in an opening quarter dominated by the home side.
Increasingly putting their visitors under pressure, Guardiola’s men would break the resistance of the Hoffenheim backline shortly after the half-hour mark, Robert Lewandowski poking home Douglas Costa’s low cross, in what was almost a carbon copy of Alvaro Morata’s opening goal against Chievo a few hours previously.
For all of the leaders’ possession and control of the game, Hoffenheim were still able to craft a pair of very presentable chances on the counter-attack either side of half time as Leicester City loanee Andrej Kramaric twice fluffed his lines from excellent positions in the penalty area.
Bayern would typically make the Croatian pay, Lewandowski striking again on 64 minutes for his 19th league goal of the season, lifting the ball expertly over the onrushing Oliver Baumann to effectively put the contest to bed.
The Pole could and should have added a late third after spurning a handful of late opportunities yet it would matter little to the outcome of the encounter as the hosts cantered to a tenth consecutive home victory of the season.
Next up for the Bianconeri’s Champions League rivals, an away trip to fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
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