Bayern Munich widens lead with 2-0 win over Augsburg

MUNICH: Bayern Munich never really needed to hit top form in their 2-0 victory at home to Augsburg on Sunday as they moved four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

The Bavarians, who have now won 10 of their last 11 league games, were far from impressive, having only one shot on target in the first half, with injured top scorer Robert Lewandowski’s marksmanship sorely missed.

Their fans celebrated the team’s fourth consecutive league win on the club’s 120th anniversary in a festive atmosphere even while the German football league (DFL) was considering measures to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The DFL said on Sunday it would be discussing the matter with clubs after Germany’s health minister Jens Spahn called on organizers of large public events to cancel them and urged members of the public to stay at home.

Bayern had to wait 53 minutes before finally breaking down the disciplined Augsburg defense when Thomas Mueller timed his run into the box perfectly to volley in a Jerome Boateng chip.

Wearing replicas of the first Bayern shirts 120 years ago, to mark the club’s birthday, they labored to add another in the second half with Augsburg keeper Andreas Luthe stopping a point-blank Philippe Coutinho shot and Serge Gnabry scuffing a handful of golden chances.

Augsburg wasted their best opportunities late in the game when Florian Niederlechner’s shot was blocked by Manuel Neuer and Alfred Finnbogason headed wide in the 81st.

Bayern moves up to 55 points, four ahead of Borussia Dortmund, who are second after Saturday’s 2-1 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach. RB Leipzig is third following a goalless draw at VfL Wolfsburg. Agencies

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