Robert Lewandowski strikes twice as Bayern Munich secure victory at Hamburg

Robert Lewandowski scored a brace as Bayern Munich moved 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Hamburg.

The deadly Poland striker scored his 16th and 17th goals of the season to ensure his side returned to winning ways after the winter break.

The hosts were hoping to avenge their 5-0 opening day thrashing at the hands of the German champions but – despite a much improved performance - Bruno Labbadia’s side were unable to pick up any points.

It was Hamburg who came closest to breaking the deadlock when, on 20 minutes, Dennis Diekmeier was inches wide from finding the net from a 20-yard strike.

Despite their slow start, however, it was Bayern who took the lead after 37 minutes when Lewandowski coolly slotted home from a spot-kick after Thomas Muller was fouled by goalkeeper Rene Adler. The hosts were outraged by the decision but referee Felix Zwayer had little choice other than to point to the spot.

The scores were levelled eight minutes after the restart when a free-kick from Aaron Hunt caused havoc at the back post and the ball was eventually bundled over the line by Xabi Alonso.

Hamburg’s celebrations were short-lived however as Bayern retook the lead on 61 minutes when Muller’s first-timed volley took a deflection off Lewandowski’s boot to wrong-foot the home goalkeeper.

Bayern were certainly not at their best and it was a rather nervous climax for the visitors but they held on to secure yet another victory.

20’ - CLOSE! A rocket from distance off the boot of Diekmeier almost finds the bottom corner but it goes just wide! The full-back is still looking for his first goal after 157 matches.

35’ - PENALTY TO BAYERN! Adler catches Muller in the penalty area and the referee points to the spot!

37’ - GOAL: Hamburg 0-1 Bayern. Lewandowski steps up and coolly dispatches the spot-kick. The visitors are in front!

53’ - GOAL: Hamburg 1-1 Bayern. The hosts win a free-kick which Hunt delivers to the back post and it looks like Lasogga has got the final touch to level the scores!

61’ - GOAL: Hamburg 1-2 Bayern. The visitors are back in front - and there's more than a hint of good fortune about this goal! The ball falls to Muller on the edge of the penalty area and his first time volley takes a deflection off Lewandowski's boot to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and he can only watch helplessly as the ball rolls over the line.

65’ - POST! Alaba steps up and curls the ball around the wall but is denied by the woodwork! It was a fantastic effort but the score remains 1-2.

90’+1 - CHANCE! Hamburg win a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area and this is a great opportunity to level the scores... but Gregoritsch sends a shot just wide of the goal. That'll be it for tonight.

Robert Lewandowski had more shots (8) than the entire Hamburg team combined (7).

He has now scored five goals in his last five competitive appearances for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich dig deep but get the job done. Pep Guardiola’s side opted to play only one friendly during the winter break and it showed - Bayern were rusty throughout. They still found a way to win though and extend their lead at the top of the table. It has to be said that they'll have to improve between now and May if they are to clinch the Champions League as well as domestic honours. The return of Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben who have been missing since November is a major boost to their aspirations. An injury to Jerome Boateng is a slight concern however.

Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich): The Frenchman’s speed, distribution and movement caused the biggest problems for Hamburg on the night.

Hamburg: Adler 5; Diekmeier 7, Djourou 6, Cleber 6, Ostrzolek 6; Kacar 6, Holtby 6; N. Muller 6, Hunt 8, Ilicevic 6; Lasogga 7. Subs: Rudnevs 6, Gregoritsch 6, Jung 6.

Bayern Munich: Neuer 7; Lahm 7, Boateng 6, Badstuber 6, Alaba 7; Alonso 7; Costa 7, T. Muller 8, Thiago 6, Coman 9; Lewandowski 8. Subs: Martinez 6, Robben 6, Vidal 6.