Lewandowski bags double as Bayern Munich thrash Werder Bremen

A depleted Bayern Munich side moved 14 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with a convincing four goal victory over Werder Bremen.

Pep Guardiola’s side coasted to their 20th league win of the season as Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace with further goals coming from Thomas Muller and David Alaba, despite missing Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery as well as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

It took the visitors just 24 minutes to open the scoring as Muller grabbed his 12th goal of the season with a sweet left footed strike that left Bremen goalkeeper Raphael Wolf no chance.

Their second goal came on the stroke of half-time via a wonderfully struck free-kick from Alaba – as regular set-piece takers Robben and Ribery looked on.

A fairly timid second-half was brightened up with a double from Lewandowski, the first coming on 76 minutes when the Polish striker headed in from close range after latching onto a ball from Muller and the pair linked up again for Bayern’s fourth goal in injury-time.

The win sees Bayern Munich move to 64 points, 14 ahead of Wolfsburg who host Freiburg on Sunday.

Werder Bremen drop to ninth position and are now five points behind Augsburg who currently hold the final Europa League place.

24’ - GOAL! Werder Bremen 0-1 Bayern Munich. Muller has scored his 12th goal of the season with a delightful left-foot curled effort!

28’ - YELLOW CARD! Rafinha goes into the book for a nasty studs-up challenge on Garcia - that could have been a red.

45’ - GOAL! Werder Bremen 0-2 Bayern Munich. Yes he can! Alaba curls it around the wall and into the back of the net for his second of the season! What a strike!

65’ - CONTROVERSY! The ball is driven into the Bayern penalty area, Boateng drags down his opponent, the ball then hits Selke's arm and the ball somehow finds the net. However, the referee gives Bayern a free-kick. Werder Bremen should have had a penalty.

76’ - GOAL! Werder Bremen 0-3 Bayern Munich. Lewandowski completes a great move after Boateng plays through Muller who lobs the goalkeeper and the Polish forward simply heads the ball into an empty net.

88’ - CHANCE! Rode is played through on goal by Muller but he can't test the goalkeeper. Disappointing miss.

90’ - GOAL! Werder Bremen 0-4 Bayern Munich. Werder Bremen 0-4 Bayern Munich! Lewandowski taps in his brace after Muller slid the ball across goal for his team mate for a simple finish.

Bayern Munich have won 14 of their last 16 matches in the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich have won their last seven away matches against Werder Bremen in all competitions.

Bayern Munich are yet to lose in the Bundesliga when Thomas Muller has scored (52 wins, 3 draws).

Bayern Munich have scored at least 4 goals in their last five matches against Werder Bremen in all competitions.

Werder Bremen have lost their last nine meetings with Bayern Munich.

Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) – Muller’s left-footed goal was world class and he unselfishly played in his striking partner on two occasions. He was on top of his game throughout.

Bayern are unstoppable even without their key players – No Arjen Robben, Franck Ribbery or Manuel Neuer but did it matter? Not when you have the strength in depth Pep Guardiola possesses. Bayern’s second string didn’t step out of second gear but still coasted to victory.

Werder Bremen: Wolf 5, Gebre Selassie 5, Prodl 6, Vestergaard 5, Garcia 6, Bargfrede 5, Fritz 5, Junuzovic 5, Oztunali 5, Bartels 5, Selke 6. Subs: Hajrovic 6, Kroos 6, Sternberg 6.

Bayern Munich: Reina 7, Benatia 6, Lewandowski 8, Rafinha 7, Boateng 7, Bernat 7, Gotze 7, Rode 6, Muller 9, Alaba 8, Schweinsteiger 6. Subs: Dante 6, Lahm 6, Weiser 6.