Lewandowski nears record
Robert Lewandowski drew closer to Gerd Muller’s record as he scored a hat-trick as Bayern Munich annihilated Stuttgart 4-0 despite an early red card.
The match
Stuttgart went into the game five matches unbeaten and were given a major helping hand when Bayern left back Alphonso Davies was sent off for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Wataru Endo in the 12th minute.
The loss of Davies did not hamper the hosts, who scored six minutes later when Robert Lewandowski stabbed home a Serge Gnabry cross.
Hansi Flick’s side were in an unforgiving mood and doubled their lead via an excellent team move. Thomas Müller exchanged passes with Leroy Sane before sliding the German through on goal. Sane selflessly opted to play in Gnabry who guided a shot into the far corner.
A minute later, Lewandowski made it 34 for the season and equalled his best ever goal tally in the Bundesliga. He met Müller’s cross with a towering header to make it 3-0.
Bayern scored their fourth goal from their fourth shot when Lewandowski fired home with six minutes to go in the first half. He had scored a perfect hat-trick with goals from his left foot, right foot and head.
The Pole needs just five more from his last eight games to match Gerd Müller’s record.
What it means
Bayern maintain their four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga with eight games to go. They face RB Leipzig in a mouthwatering match in the first game after the international break. Stuttgart were beaten for the first time in six games and drop to ninth.
Featured image: Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Munich celebrates with David Alaba after scoring their side’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena. (Photo by Lukas Barth-Tuttas – Pool/Getty Images)
