Berlin, Jan 18 (.) Bayern Munich bounced back from an early setback to dismantle RB Leipzig 5-1 away on Saturday, underlining its dominance at the top of the Bundesliga.
Leipzig made a vibrant start and was rewarded midway through the first half when Romulo Cardoso met David Raum’s cross to fire the hosts into a deserved lead in the 20th minute. The home side continued to threaten, striking the woodwork and forcing several saves, but went into the break with only a one-goal cushion.
That failure to extend the advantage proved costly. Bayern emerged with greater urgency after the restart and drew level five minutes into the second half when Serge Gnabry capitalized on a turnover high up the pitch, squeezing his finish past goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi from a tight angle.
The equalizer shifted the momentum decisively. Bayern pressed relentlessly and went ahead in the 67th minute as Harry Kane punished a defensive lapse, converting from close range to claim his 21st league goal of the season.
The contest was effectively settled eight minutes from time when a corner caused chaos in the Leipzig area, allowing Jonathan Tah to head it home. Bayern immediately compounded the damage as Aleksandar Pavlovic made it 4-1 in the 85th minute before Michael Olise added a fifth three minutes later.
The victory means Bayern has now scored 11 goals across two league meetings with Leipzig this season. Vincent Kompany’s side maintains its commanding 11-point lead at the summit, while Leipzig slips from third to fourth place.
“In the second half, we scored the goals and defended very well. We had much more control of the game, and at halftime, we knew there was still something in it. We went into the second half with that belief, and in the end, we were rewarded,” said Gnabry.
Elsewhere, second-placed Borussia Dortmund saw off bottom side St Pauli 3-2, with Emre Can firing the winner after Dortmund squandered a two-goal lead.
Hoffenheim jumped to third by edging Bayer Leverkusen 1-0, with an early strike from Wouter Burger sealing the points. Wolfsburg held relegation-threatened Heidenheim 1-1, while Cologne came from behind to beat Mainz 2-1. Hamburg and Borussia Monchengladbach drew 0-0.
. XINHUA VAN .