Five-star Bayern thrashes Leipzig in statement win
Bayern Munich stamped its authority over the Bundesliga in commanding style by hammering fourth-placed RB Leipzig 5-1 at Allianz Arena to go seven points clear at the top of the table.
After a game which featured two goals in the opening two minutes for the first time in Bundesliga history, Vincent Kompany's side took control to send a statement to its rivals ahead of the weekend's remaining fixtures.
Having lost its first league match of the season to Mainz last week, it took Bayern just 28 seconds to get back on track through Jamal Musiala after Leroy Sane pounced on a defensive mistake.
However, Benjamin Sesko equalised little more than a minute later, stroking in Lois Openda's cross, but it was all Bayern thereafter.
Konrad Laimar, formerly of Leipzig, volleyed in a second and Joshua Kimmich smashed home a stunning effort from 25 yards just 11 minutes later to give the hosts a fully deserved half-time lead.
Bayern settled the tie with quickfire goals in the 75th and 78th minutes, as Sane coolly slotted in the fourth before Alphonso Davies, who had set up the German's strike, headed in from a perfect Kimmich cross.
"It was certainly a very good performance. We started brilliantly, then conceded the equaliser. But you could tell from the start that we really wanted to win," Kimmich said.
"And we did that in convincing fashion. The coach really sets the example and we players also felt that Mainz was our worst performance of the season.
"It was hugely important to show a reaction."
A returning Harry Kane was unable to add to the 14 goals he has netted in 15 Bundesliga outings this term, despite having four shots, more than any of his team-mates, against Leipzig.
The division's leading scorer echoed the thoughts of Kimmich, but insisted that Bayern would return after the festive break looking to carry on its impressive form.
"We produced a good performance. We were very dominant, moved the ball well and were good in our counter-pressing. It's a good way to round off the year," Kane said.
"It's always important for the feeling, you always want to go into a break with a win. We're top of the table, which gives us a good feeling for the new year.
"We can enjoy the break a bit, but then it's about looking ahead."
