Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions for the fifth straight season on Saturday after Robert Lewandowski scored twice in a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Wolfsburg. 
 
After second-placed RB Leipzig were held to a goalless draw by Ingolstadt, Bayern wrapped up the title with a thumping away victory that left them 10 points clear with three games left. 
 
&quot;Five times in a row, that&#39;s unbelievable. We completely deserve to be champions,&quot; Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Sky. 
 
Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a 27th league title in his first season as Bayern&#39;s head coach. 
 
&quot;I am very happy, this win was important and it&#39;s a fantastic experience,&quot; said the Italian. 
 
Ancelotti has now won four national league titles after also lifting the Premier League with Chelsea, Serie A with AC Milan and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint Germain. 
 
&quot;I want to thank this great club,&quot; he said. &quot;We deserved the title and have played good football, now is the time to celebrate.&quot; 
 
Lewandowski&#39;s brace leaves the Polish predator on 28 goals this season, one more than Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the race to be the league&#39;s top marksman. 
 
The league triumph is consolation for Wednesday&#39;s 3-2 German Cup semi-final defeat at home to Dortmund, which denied Ancelotti the chance of emulating predecessor Pep Guardiola with the domestic double in his first&nbsp;season.&nbsp;It&nbsp;also goes a small way towards making up for the disappointment of going out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League to Real Madrid. 
 
Bayern were barely made to work for their win as David Alaba drilled home a trademark free-kick on 19 minutes to put the visitors 1-0 up after a foul on Thomas Mueller. 
 
Lewandowski doubled the lead on 36 minutes when Kingsley Coman`s cross was flicked on by Mueller and the Poland hot-shot fired home. 
 
He bagged his second and Bayern`s third just before the half-time whistle after Coman delivered another cross from the left wing. 
 
The floodgates opened late on as Arjen Robben netted on 66 minutes before Wolfsburg`s Luiz Gustavo, a former Bayern player, was sent off for a second booking on 78 minutes. 
 
Bayern exploited their numerical advantage as Mueller banged home Lewandowski&#39;s pass before Joshua Kimmich sealed the rout.Bayern&#39;s latest comfortable title win was made possible by Leipzig&#39;s draw at the Red Bull Arena, where Ingolstadt defender Alfredo Morales was sent off with four minutes to play. 
 
Dortmund, who face Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup final on May 27, hold on to third place, which would mean a direct Champions League place next season, despite their goalless draw at home to Cologne. 
 
Both Aubameyang and Cologne`s Anthony Modeste, who has 23 league goals, drew blanks at Signal Iduna Park.&nbsp; 
 
Hoffenheim, coached by Julian Nagelsmann, 29, the youngest coach in Bundesliga history, can leapfrog Dortmund if they beat Eintracht in Frankfurt on Sunday. 
 
Werder Bremen`s remarkable finish to the season continues as they earned a 2-0 win to home to Hertha Berlin to stay sixth. 
 
Bremen remain on course for a Europa League place having risen from bottom in September after losing their first four games. 
 
Werder striker Max Kruse`s dream April continued as he netted Bremen`s second after Fin Bartels`s opener for his eighth goal in six games this month. 
 
Bremen are unbeaten in their last 11 games. 
 
Mainz remain just a point from the bottom three after Japan striker Yoshinori Muto scored their consolation goal in a 2-1 home defeat. Lars Stindl and Nico Schulz scored for Borussia Moenchengladbach. 
 
Plucky bottom side Darmstadt again delayed their relegation with a 3-0 win at home to Freiburg. 
 
Torsten Frings-coached Darmstadt picked up their third straight victory thanks to goals by Felix Platte, Jerome Gondorf and Sven Schipplock. 
 
Darmstadt are still eight points from safety with three games left. 
 
(AFP)

Robert Lewandowski scored twice in a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Wolfsburg

Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions for the fifth straight season on Saturday after Robert Lewandowski scored twice in a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Wolfsburg. After second-placed RB Leipzig were held to a goalless draw by Ingolstadt, Bayern wrapped up the title with a thumping away victory that left them 10 points clear with three games left. "Five times in a row, that's unbelievable. We completely deserve to be champions," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Sky. Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a 27th league title in his first season as Bayern's head coach. "I am very happy, this win was important and it's a fantastic experience," said the Italian. Ancelotti has now won four national league titles after also lifting the Premier League with Chelsea, Serie A with AC Milan and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint Germain. "I want to thank this great club," he said. "We deserved the title and have played good football, now is the time to celebrate." Lewandowski's brace leaves the Polish predator on 28 goals this season, one more than Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the race to be the league's top marksman. The league triumph is consolation for Wednesday's 3-2 German Cup semi-final defeat at home to Dortmund, which denied Ancelotti the chance of emulating predecessor Pep Guardiola with the domestic double in his first season. It also goes a small way towards making up for the disappointment of going out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League to Real Madrid. Bayern were barely made to work for their win as David Alaba drilled home a trademark free-kick on 19 minutes to put the visitors 1-0 up after a foul on Thomas Mueller. Lewandowski doubled the lead on 36 minutes when Kingsley Coman`s cross was flicked on by Mueller and the Poland hot-shot fired home. He bagged his second and Bayern`s third just before the half-time whistle after Coman delivered another cross from the left wing. The floodgates opened late on as Arjen Robben netted on 66 minutes before Wolfsburg`s Luiz Gustavo, a former Bayern player, was sent off for a second booking on 78 minutes. Bayern exploited their numerical advantage as Mueller banged home Lewandowski's pass before Joshua Kimmich sealed the rout.Bayern's latest comfortable title win was made possible by Leipzig's draw at the Red Bull Arena, where Ingolstadt defender Alfredo Morales was sent off with four minutes to play. Dortmund, who face Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup final on May 27, hold on to third place, which would mean a direct Champions League place next season, despite their goalless draw at home to Cologne. Both Aubameyang and Cologne`s Anthony Modeste, who has 23 league goals, drew blanks at Signal Iduna Park. Hoffenheim, coached by Julian Nagelsmann, 29, the youngest coach in Bundesliga history, can leapfrog Dortmund if they beat Eintracht in Frankfurt on Sunday. Werder Bremen`s remarkable finish to the season continues as they earned a 2-0 win to home to Hertha Berlin to stay sixth. Bremen remain on course for a Europa League place having risen from bottom in September after losing their first four games. Werder striker Max Kruse`s dream April continued as he netted Bremen`s second after Fin Bartels`s opener for his eighth goal in six games this month. Bremen are unbeaten in their last 11 games. Mainz remain just a point from the bottom three after Japan striker Yoshinori Muto scored their consolation goal in a 2-1 home defeat. Lars Stindl and Nico Schulz scored for Borussia Moenchengladbach. Plucky bottom side Darmstadt again delayed their relegation with a 3-0 win at home to Freiburg. Torsten Frings-coached Darmstadt picked up their third straight victory thanks to goals by Felix Platte, Jerome Gondorf and Sven Schipplock. Darmstadt are still eight points from safety with three games left. (AFP)

Bayern Munich win fifth consecutive German title

Borussia Dortmund fought back to defeat bitter rivals Bayern Munich 3-2 on Wednesday to reach the German Cup final and shatter the Bavarian giants&#39; dreams of the double.

A brilliant strike from Ousmane Dembele 15 minutes from the end settled a tie at Munich&#39;s Allianz Arena which had seen Dortmund trail 2-1 at half-time.

It was a dramatic turn-around for Thomas Tuchel&#39;s Dortmund who were hammered 4-1 by runaway leaders Bayern in Munich in the Bundesliga just three weeks ago.

&quot;We came from 2-1 down and still won - that&#39;s crazy,&quot; beamed Tuchel.

&quot;We had completely written off our 4-1 defeat in the league. We played well for 20 minutes and then we let it slip.

&quot;After the break, we kept improving and improving, from the 60th minute we were very good. We certainly had a bit of luck too.&quot;

In a repeat of last year&#39;s final at Berlin&#39;s Olympic Stadium, which Bayern won in a penalty shoot-out, Marco Reus put Dortmund ahead after 19 minutes following a mistake by Munich&#39;s Javi Martinez.

The Spanish international&#39;s lazy back pass was snapped up by Dortmund midfielder Raphael Guerreiro, whose snot hit the post and Reus drilled the rebound.

Martinez made amends by equalising with a header nine minutes later before Mats Hummels put Bayern 2-1 ahead at half-time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it 2-2 on 69 minutes when he headed home a superb Dembele cross.

That paved the way for the French teenager to hit the winner with a curling left-foot shot.

Dortmund will play in a fourth consecutive final on May 27, when they face Eintracht Frankfurt, who reached the final on Tuesday with a penalty shoot-out win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.

The cup defeat in Munich leaves Bayern winless in their last five games following back-to-back defeats to Real Madrid which saw them crash out of the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Carlo Ancelotti&#39;s Bayern are eight points clear in the Bundesliga with four games left, but their dreams of winning the double came a cropper at the hands of Dortmund.&nbsp;

(AFP)

Borussia Dortmund will meet Eintracht Frankfurt in the final

Borussia Dortmund fought back to defeat bitter rivals Bayern Munich 3-2 on Wednesday to reach the German Cup final and shatter the Bavarian giants' dreams of the double. A brilliant strike from Ousmane Dembele 15 minutes from the end settled a tie at Munich's Allianz Arena which had seen Dortmund trail 2-1 at half-time. It was a dramatic turn-around for Thomas Tuchel's Dortmund who were hammered 4-1 by runaway leaders Bayern in Munich in the Bundesliga just three weeks ago. "We came from 2-1 down and still won - that's crazy," beamed Tuchel. "We had completely written off our 4-1 defeat in the league. We played well for 20 minutes and then we let it slip. "After the break, we kept improving and improving, from the 60th minute we were very good. We certainly had a bit of luck too." In a repeat of last year's final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, which Bayern won in a penalty shoot-out, Marco Reus put Dortmund ahead after 19 minutes following a mistake by Munich's Javi Martinez. The Spanish international's lazy back pass was snapped up by Dortmund midfielder Raphael Guerreiro, whose snot hit the post and Reus drilled the rebound. Martinez made amends by equalising with a header nine minutes later before Mats Hummels put Bayern 2-1 ahead at half-time. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it 2-2 on 69 minutes when he headed home a superb Dembele cross. That paved the way for the French teenager to hit the winner with a curling left-foot shot. Dortmund will play in a fourth consecutive final on May 27, when they face Eintracht Frankfurt, who reached the final on Tuesday with a penalty shoot-out win over Borussia Moenchengladbach. The cup defeat in Munich leaves Bayern winless in their last five games following back-to-back defeats to Real Madrid which saw them crash out of the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern are eight points clear in the Bundesliga with four games left, but their dreams of winning the double came a cropper at the hands of Dortmund. (AFP)

German Cup: Dortmund stage fightback to overcome Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich left the Santiago Bernabeu furious with referee Viktor Kassai and his team of assistants after being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Real Madrid won 4-2 after extra-time to advance with a 6-3 aggregate success but Cristiano Ronaldo was offside for two of his three goals and a harsh dismissal for Arturo Vidal left a fuming Bayern with 10 men.

Chile midfielder Vidal was shown a second yellow card by Kassai in the 84th minute for what appeared a clean challenge on Marco Asensio, tilting the game in Madrid&#39;s favour as they entered extra-time trailing 2-1.

Ronaldo scored the next goal in the 105th minute from a clear offside position, and then sent Madrid 3-2 up on the night when fractionally offside.

&ldquo;When they rob a game from you like that, it&rsquo;s very tough. This error can&rsquo;t happen in the Champions League,&rdquo; said Vidal.

&ldquo;When it was 2-1 they got scared and the referee started putting on his show. We played with one less man at home and here, too. The referee put us out of the Champions League.&rdquo;

There were other contentious decisions on the night, including Casemiro avoiding a red card for a late foul on Bayern&#39;s Arjen Robben when already booked and an offside against Robert Lewandowski in the second half when the Polish striker was well placed.

&quot;It&rsquo;s very harsh, two offside goals, the red card for Casemiro before mine,&rdquo; said Vidal.

&ldquo;The dressing room is very sad because we really wanted to go through but we have to keep improving and hope these things will not happen again.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re very angry, a game with that much intensity can&rsquo;t be decided by the referee.&quot;

Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti agreed with Vidal and said in his media conference that the referees needed video help.

&ldquo;Arturo&rsquo;s card was not a card and then two goals for Cristiano were offside,&rdquo; said the Italian.

&ldquo;We are not happy about this. In a quarter-final you have to have a referee with more quality, I think. It&rsquo;s time to introduce videos for the referees.&rdquo;

His Real Madrid counterpart Zinedine Zidane did not want to discuss the refereeing but he claimed Bayern&#39;s second goal could have also been ruled offside.

Lewandowski appeared to be fractionally offside in the buildup to Sergio Ramos&rsquo;s own goal, causing panic in the area before the defender prodded the ball past Keylor Navas.

&ldquo;They have told me their second goal was also offside. It goes both ways, that is football,&rdquo; said Zidane.

&ldquo;More than the second yellow (for Vidal) or the offside goals, the six goals we scored over the two games mean we deserved to go through in the tie.&rdquo;&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo was offside for two of his three goals and a harsh dismissal for Arturo Vidal left a fuming Bayern with 10 men

Bayern Munich left the Santiago Bernabeu furious with referee Viktor Kassai and his team of assistants after being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on Tuesday. Real Madrid won 4-2 after extra-time to advance with a 6-3 aggregate success but Cristiano Ronaldo was offside for two of his three goals and a harsh dismissal for Arturo Vidal left a fuming Bayern with 10 men. Chile midfielder Vidal was shown a second yellow card by Kassai in the 84th minute for what appeared a clean challenge on Marco Asensio, tilting the game in Madrid's favour as they entered extra-time trailing 2-1. Ronaldo scored the next goal in the 105th minute from a clear offside position, and then sent Madrid 3-2 up on the night when fractionally offside. “When they rob a game from you like that, it’s very tough. This error can’t happen in the Champions League,” said Vidal. “When it was 2-1 they got scared and the referee started putting on his show. We played with one less man at home and here, too. The referee put us out of the Champions League.” There were other contentious decisions on the night, including Casemiro avoiding a red card for a late foul on Bayern's Arjen Robben when already booked and an offside against Robert Lewandowski in the second half when the Polish striker was well placed. "It’s very harsh, two offside goals, the red card for Casemiro before mine,” said Vidal. “The dressing room is very sad because we really wanted to go through but we have to keep improving and hope these things will not happen again. “We’re very angry, a game with that much intensity can’t be decided by the referee." Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti agreed with Vidal and said in his media conference that the referees needed video help. “Arturo’s card was not a card and then two goals for Cristiano were offside,” said the Italian. “We are not happy about this. In a quarter-final you have to have a referee with more quality, I think. It’s time to introduce videos for the referees.” His Real Madrid counterpart Zinedine Zidane did not want to discuss the refereeing but he claimed Bayern's second goal could have also been ruled offside. Lewandowski appeared to be fractionally offside in the buildup to Sergio Ramos’s own goal, causing panic in the area before the defender prodded the ball past Keylor Navas. “They have told me their second goal was also offside. It goes both ways, that is football,” said Zidane. “More than the second yellow (for Vidal) or the offside goals, the six goals we scored over the two games mean we deserved to go through in the tie.” (Reuters)

Bayern left fuming over Champions League 'robbery'

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to send Real Madrid through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-2 extra-time win against 10-man Bayern Munich to seal a 6-3 aggregate victory in controversial circumstances.

A bizarre Sergio Ramos own goal forced the extra period after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Bayern from the penalty spot and Ronaldo equalised.

Marcelo twice cleared off the line for Madrid and Jerome Boateng did the same for Bayern in a thrilling game, which was tilted in Madrid&rsquo;s favour by Arturo Vidal&rsquo;s dismissal for two yellow cards, the second of which was harsh.

Ronaldo put Madrid level at 2-2 on the night in the first period of extra time when he scored his 100th Champions League goal, from a clearly offside position, before he wrapped up his treble and Marco Asensio added a fourth.

Carlo Ancelotti&rsquo;s Bayern began well, with Thiago Alcantara&#39;s close-range shot brilliantly blocked on the goal line by Marcelo. Arjen Robben lashed the rebound into the side-netting.

Vidal crashed a strike inches over the crossbar and Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas had to be quick off his line to beat Ribery to a through-ball.

Madrid began to find their feet and were soon dominating, with the effervescent Marcelo crossing for Karim Benzema, who headed wide, and Dani Carvajal also firing an effort just off target.

Ramos nearly put the hosts ahead after the otherwise superb Manuel Neuer spilled a shot, but Jerome Boateng somehow blocked his effort on the line to keep his side in the tie.

Toni Kroos fired over and Ronaldo shot when he should have passed to Benzema as Madrid ended the first half looking far more dangerous than their opponents.

However, it was Bayern who took the lead when Casemiro fouled Robben in the area and Lewandowski sent Navas the wrong way from the spot.

Ronaldo levelled the score, heading beyond Neuer in the 76th minute from a fine cross by Casemiro, but Bayern restored overall parity within a minute.

Ramos, so used to being Madrid&#39;s hero, turned villain when he shinned the ball into his own net after a scramble in the area.

With the game heading towards extra-time Vidal was sent off for a second booking after appearing to win the ball cleanly from Asensio.

It gave Madrid the upper hand going into the added 30 minutes and they took advantage when Ronaldo scored the crucial second from Ramos&#39;s cross, despite being in an offside position.

Madrid added two more late on, leaving Bayern exhausted and angry.

(Reuters)

Ronaldo put Madrid level at 2-2 on the night in the first period of extra time when he scored his 100th Champions League goal

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to send Real Madrid through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 4-2 extra-time win against 10-man Bayern Munich to seal a 6-3 aggregate victory in controversial circumstances. A bizarre Sergio Ramos own goal forced the extra period after Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Bayern from the penalty spot and Ronaldo equalised. Marcelo twice cleared off the line for Madrid and Jerome Boateng did the same for Bayern in a thrilling game, which was tilted in Madrid’s favour by Arturo Vidal’s dismissal for two yellow cards, the second of which was harsh. Ronaldo put Madrid level at 2-2 on the night in the first period of extra time when he scored his 100th Champions League goal, from a clearly offside position, before he wrapped up his treble and Marco Asensio added a fourth. Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern began well, with Thiago Alcantara's close-range shot brilliantly blocked on the goal line by Marcelo. Arjen Robben lashed the rebound into the side-netting. Vidal crashed a strike inches over the crossbar and Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas had to be quick off his line to beat Ribery to a through-ball. Madrid began to find their feet and were soon dominating, with the effervescent Marcelo crossing for Karim Benzema, who headed wide, and Dani Carvajal also firing an effort just off target. Ramos nearly put the hosts ahead after the otherwise superb Manuel Neuer spilled a shot, but Jerome Boateng somehow blocked his effort on the line to keep his side in the tie. Toni Kroos fired over and Ronaldo shot when he should have passed to Benzema as Madrid ended the first half looking far more dangerous than their opponents. However, it was Bayern who took the lead when Casemiro fouled Robben in the area and Lewandowski sent Navas the wrong way from the spot. Ronaldo levelled the score, heading beyond Neuer in the 76th minute from a fine cross by Casemiro, but Bayern restored overall parity within a minute. Ramos, so used to being Madrid's hero, turned villain when he shinned the ball into his own net after a scramble in the area. With the game heading towards extra-time Vidal was sent off for a second booking after appearing to win the ball cleanly from Asensio. It gave Madrid the upper hand going into the added 30 minutes and they took advantage when Ronaldo scored the crucial second from Ramos's cross, despite being in an offside position. Madrid added two more late on, leaving Bayern exhausted and angry. (Reuters)

Real beat Bayern 4-2 (agg 6-3) to reach Champions League semi-final

Arsenal ended Lincoln City&#39;s historic FA Cup run and eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a 5-0 victory over the valiant non-league side in Saturday&#39;s quarter-finals.

After Tuesday&#39;s&nbsp;humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, Wenger had endured calls for his resignation and the Gunners boss must have breathed a sigh of relief as Arsenal avoided even greater ignominy.

A contest that should have been a mismatch given the supposed gulf in class between fifth-tier Lincoln and their illustrious opponents was actually a tense affair until first-half stoppage time when Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead.

But even after goals from Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and a Luke Waterfall own goal, the day belonged to the fifth-tier leaders, for whom the competition has generated a &pound;1.6 million ($1.9m) cash windfall.

For a club whose record signings, Dean Walling and Tony Battersby, each cost &pound;75,000 in 1997 and 1978, respectively, that is quite a sum.

The 9,000 travelling Lincoln supporters certainly brought their voices and generated more noise than the Emirates Stadium has heard during many Premier League games this season.

Almost 10 minutes had elapsed before Arsenal created an opening. Hector Bellerin slid the ball along the ground from the right-hand side but Ramsey swept his shot just wide of the post.

Four minutes later Walcott connected sweetly with a volley only for Lincoln keeper Paul Farman to plunge to his left to palm the ball on to the same upright.

Arsenal were forced into a change after 26 minutes, although if the non-league side were glad to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain go, the sight of German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil coming on to replace him was less welcome.

Lincoln&#39;s compactness in defence was limiting Arsenal to very few chances.&nbsp;

Urgency 
 
And in contrast to Lincoln&#39;s collective discipline, inspired by the organisational skill of their impressive young manager Danny Cowley, it was the Arsenal players who were guilty of impetuosity in the tackle, with both Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny booked for lunging challenges.

Nathan Arnold, who scored the winning goal against Ipswich Town in the third-round replay, came closest to a goal for the visitors as the half-hour approached.

Cutting inside Kieran Gibbs, he forced Petr Cech to fling himself to his right for a fine save.

Ramsey sent a stabbed effort over the bar as half-time approached, but just as it seemed that Lincoln would deservedly reach the interval on level terms, the Premier League side struck.

Farman had difficulty in dealing with an Ozil cross and from the resulting corner a goalmouth melee ended with Gibbs setting up Walcott to put Arsenal ahead with a deflected effort.

Wenger&#39;s side re-emerged with a sense of urgency that had been largely absent in the first half.

The goal that effectively sealed Arsenal&#39;s passage to a Wembley semi-final arrived after 53 minutes.

Bellerin swapped passes with Sanchez before laying the ball back for Giroud to sidefoot home.

Five minutes later, Arsenal led 3-0. Gibbs drove in a low hard cross that was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Waterfall.&nbsp;

Sanchez then made it four after 73 minutes, riding two challenges before curling home beautifully.

The scoreline began to look unjustifiably one-sided when Ramsey walked the ball home following a Sanchez cross.

At the other end, midfielder Alan Power forced a save from Cech as Lincoln sought the most glorious of consolation goals.

Arsenal progressed to Wenger&#39;s relief, but it is Lincoln who will take home all of the memories.

(AFP)

The win eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger who endured calls for resignation after the humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern

Arsenal ended Lincoln City's historic FA Cup run and eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a 5-0 victory over the valiant non-league side in Saturday's quarter-finals. After Tuesday's humiliating Champions League exit against Bayern Munich, Wenger had endured calls for his resignation and the Gunners boss must have breathed a sigh of relief as Arsenal avoided even greater ignominy. A contest that should have been a mismatch given the supposed gulf in class between fifth-tier Lincoln and their illustrious opponents was actually a tense affair until first-half stoppage time when Theo Walcott put Arsenal ahead. But even after goals from Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and a Luke Waterfall own goal, the day belonged to the fifth-tier leaders, for whom the competition has generated a £1.6 million ($1.9m) cash windfall. For a club whose record signings, Dean Walling and Tony Battersby, each cost £75,000 in 1997 and 1978, respectively, that is quite a sum. The 9,000 travelling Lincoln supporters certainly brought their voices and generated more noise than the Emirates Stadium has heard during many Premier League games this season. Almost 10 minutes had elapsed before Arsenal created an opening. Hector Bellerin slid the ball along the ground from the right-hand side but Ramsey swept his shot just wide of the post. Four minutes later Walcott connected sweetly with a volley only for Lincoln keeper Paul Farman to plunge to his left to palm the ball on to the same upright. Arsenal were forced into a change after 26 minutes, although if the non-league side were glad to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain go, the sight of German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil coming on to replace him was less welcome. Lincoln's compactness in defence was limiting Arsenal to very few chances. Urgency And in contrast to Lincoln's collective discipline, inspired by the organisational skill of their impressive young manager Danny Cowley, it was the Arsenal players who were guilty of impetuosity in the tackle, with both Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny booked for lunging challenges. Nathan Arnold, who scored the winning goal against Ipswich Town in the third-round replay, came closest to a goal for the visitors as the half-hour approached. Cutting inside Kieran Gibbs, he forced Petr Cech to fling himself to his right for a fine save. Ramsey sent a stabbed effort over the bar as half-time approached, but just as it seemed that Lincoln would deservedly reach the interval on level terms, the Premier League side struck. Farman had difficulty in dealing with an Ozil cross and from the resulting corner a goalmouth melee ended with Gibbs setting up Walcott to put Arsenal ahead with a deflected effort. Wenger's side re-emerged with a sense of urgency that had been largely absent in the first half. The goal that effectively sealed Arsenal's passage to a Wembley semi-final arrived after 53 minutes. Bellerin swapped passes with Sanchez before laying the ball back for Giroud to sidefoot home. Five minutes later, Arsenal led 3-0. Gibbs drove in a low hard cross that was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Waterfall. Sanchez then made it four after 73 minutes, riding two challenges before curling home beautifully. The scoreline began to look unjustifiably one-sided when Ramsey walked the ball home following a Sanchez cross. At the other end, midfielder Alan Power forced a save from Cech as Lincoln sought the most glorious of consolation goals. Arsenal progressed to Wenger's relief, but it is Lincoln who will take home all of the memories. (AFP)

Arsenal 5-0 Lincoln City, move to FA Cup semi-finals

RB Leipzig suffered a German title setback on Friday when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Augsburg, handing champions Bayern Munich the chance to go seven points clear by the end of the weekend.

The result kept Leipzig in second spot on 49 points but Bayern can go to 56 points if they defeat seventh-placed Cologne on Saturday.

Augsburg, in 13th, have one of the worst home records this season with just three wins and 10 goals scored before Friday&#39;s clash.

But Kostas Stafylidis gave them the lead after just 19 minutes before the advantage was wiped out six minutes later when Timo Werner levelled.

Werner, who will turn 21 on Monday, now has 14 goals for the season.

Leipzig edged ahead after 52 minutes when centre-half Marvin Compper headed in a corner taken by Swedish star Emil Forsberg.

The visitors had chances to see off the game and make the three points safe but were pegged back on the hour when Martin Hinteregger equalised for Augsburg.

(AFP)

The draw gives Bayern Munich the chance to stretch their lead by seven points this weekend

RB Leipzig suffered a German title setback on Friday when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Augsburg, handing champions Bayern Munich the chance to go seven points clear by the end of the weekend. The result kept Leipzig in second spot on 49 points but Bayern can go to 56 points if they defeat seventh-placed Cologne on Saturday. Augsburg, in 13th, have one of the worst home records this season with just three wins and 10 goals scored before Friday's clash. But Kostas Stafylidis gave them the lead after just 19 minutes before the advantage was wiped out six minutes later when Timo Werner levelled. Werner, who will turn 21 on Monday, now has 14 goals for the season. Leipzig edged ahead after 52 minutes when centre-half Marvin Compper headed in a corner taken by Swedish star Emil Forsberg. The visitors had chances to see off the game and make the three points safe but were pegged back on the hour when Martin Hinteregger equalised for Augsburg. (AFP)

Leipzig suffer title setback after draw at Augsburg

Bayern Munich crushed Arsenal 5-1 in their Champions League round of 16 first leg on Wednesday, scoring three goals in a dazzling 10-minute spell in the second half to extend their record to 16 consecutive home wins in the competition.

Thiago Alcantara struck twice and Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben and substitute Thomas Mueller were also on target as the Bavarians, struggling for form recently, inflicted Arsenal&#39;s first defeat of the season in Europe&#39;s premier club competition.

Alexis Sanchez had equalised for the visitors, scoring on the rebound after Manuel Neuer saved his 30th-minute penalty. 
The sides meet for the second leg in London on March 7.

Bayern, who knocked out Arsenal at this stage of the competition in 2005, 2013 and 2014, got off to a perfect start.

Robben was left with far too much space and the Dutchman did not hesitate, advancing with his trademark move down the right before curling an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner of David Ospina`s goal.&nbsp;

Arsenal were briefly rattled by the early goal but almost levelled when Neuer spilled Mesut Ozil`s free kick.

They did better three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Lewandowski.

Neuer saved Sanchez&#39; spot-kick but the Chilean sneaked in among three Bayern players to lash the ball home from close range.

The game looked to have lost its pace early in the second half before Bayern suddenly stepped on the gas to fire three goals past the English side.

Philipp Lahm floated a perfect cross into the box and Lewandowski rose high above defender Shkodran Mustafi to drill in a header in the 53rd minute.

The Poland striker set up Thiago with a perfect flick for Bayern`s third goal three minutes later and the Spaniard grabbed his second with a low drive.

The English team have lost in the last 16 in each of last six seasons and Bayern missed several chances before Mueller struck two minutes from time as the German champions took a huge step towards a sixth successive quarter-final appearance.

(Reuters)

The hosts inflicted Arsenal's first defeat of the season in Europe's premier club competition

Bayern Munich crushed Arsenal 5-1 in their Champions League round of 16 first leg on Wednesday, scoring three goals in a dazzling 10-minute spell in the second half to extend their record to 16 consecutive home wins in the competition. Thiago Alcantara struck twice and Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben and substitute Thomas Mueller were also on target as the Bavarians, struggling for form recently, inflicted Arsenal's first defeat of the season in Europe's premier club competition. Alexis Sanchez had equalised for the visitors, scoring on the rebound after Manuel Neuer saved his 30th-minute penalty. The sides meet for the second leg in London on March 7. Bayern, who knocked out Arsenal at this stage of the competition in 2005, 2013 and 2014, got off to a perfect start. Robben was left with far too much space and the Dutchman did not hesitate, advancing with his trademark move down the right before curling an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top corner of David Ospina`s goal. Arsenal were briefly rattled by the early goal but almost levelled when Neuer spilled Mesut Ozil`s free kick. They did better three minutes later when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Lewandowski. Neuer saved Sanchez' spot-kick but the Chilean sneaked in among three Bayern players to lash the ball home from close range. The game looked to have lost its pace early in the second half before Bayern suddenly stepped on the gas to fire three goals past the English side. Philipp Lahm floated a perfect cross into the box and Lewandowski rose high above defender Shkodran Mustafi to drill in a header in the 53rd minute. The Poland striker set up Thiago with a perfect flick for Bayern`s third goal three minutes later and the Spaniard grabbed his second with a low drive. The English team have lost in the last 16 in each of last six seasons and Bayern missed several chances before Mueller struck two minutes from time as the German champions took a huge step towards a sixth successive quarter-final appearance. (Reuters)

Champions League: Bayern Munich thrash Arsenal 5-1

Bayern Munich&#39;s captain Philipp Lahm will retire at the end of the season and leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to a report.

German magazine Sport Bild says in its Wednesday edition the 33-year-old, who made his 500th appearance for Bayern last Saturday, will hang up his boots in June -- despite having a year left on his contract.

He has apparently also rejected the vacant sports director role because it would not have included a place on Bayern&#39;s board following recent restructuring at the club.

Lahm has reportedly already told Bayern of his decision.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had hinted last November that the club wanted Lahm to fill the role vacated by Matthias Sammer last year.

Borussia Moenchengladbach&#39;s sports director Max Eberl is now reportedly the favourite to take the job.

Lahm retired from international football after captaining Germany to the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil.

He joined Bayern as an 11-year-old in 1995 and skippered the Bavarian giants to their 2013 Champions League win at Wembley.

That season, they became the first German club to complete the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

He has won the Bundesliga seven times and the German Cup on a further six occasions.

(AFP)

He will leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to Sport Bild

Bayern Munich's captain Philipp Lahm will retire at the end of the season and leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to a report. German magazine Sport Bild says in its Wednesday edition the 33-year-old, who made his 500th appearance for Bayern last Saturday, will hang up his boots in June -- despite having a year left on his contract. He has apparently also rejected the vacant sports director role because it would not have included a place on Bayern's board following recent restructuring at the club. Lahm has reportedly already told Bayern of his decision. Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had hinted last November that the club wanted Lahm to fill the role vacated by Matthias Sammer last year. Borussia Moenchengladbach's sports director Max Eberl is now reportedly the favourite to take the job. Lahm retired from international football after captaining Germany to the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil. He joined Bayern as an 11-year-old in 1995 and skippered the Bavarian giants to their 2013 Champions League win at Wembley. That season, they became the first German club to complete the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup. He has won the Bundesliga seven times and the German Cup on a further six occasions. (AFP)

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm to retire in June

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich&#39;s draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang&#39;s 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern&#39;s Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings.

Leipzig&#39;s loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke.

Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead.

But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end.

Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund&#39;s net, but was flagged for a marginal offside.

Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended.

&quot;We won the game, that&#39;s what counts,&quot; a relieved Reus told Sky.

&quot;We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay.&quot;

Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin&#39;s Olympic Stadium.

Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste&#39;s second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area.

Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern could only muster a draw against Schalke but Dortmund's 1-0 win over second-placed Leipzig means they are four points clear

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich's draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern's Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings. Leipzig's loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke. Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead. But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end. Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund's net, but was flagged for a marginal offside. Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended. "We won the game, that's what counts," a relieved Reus told Sky. "We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay." Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste's second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area. Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern Munich sluggish but stretch lead as Leipzig fall to Dortmund

Arsenal will have another chance to beat Bayern Munich in a Champions League knockout tie after the sides were paired yet again in the round of 16 following Monday&#39;s draw.

The teams met at the same stage in 2005, 2013 and 2014 with the German champions winning on all three occasions - 3-2 on aggregate in 2005, on away goals after a 3-3 draw in 2013 and 3-1 in 2014.

Paris St Germain will also try to break a jinx when they face Spanish champions Barcelona, who knocked them out in the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2014.

Holders Real Madrid, who like Bayern finished as runners-up in their group and will therefore play the first leg at home, were given a tricky clash with Serie A side Napoli.

The draw also produced a potential grudge match as it pitted Bayer Leverkusen against Atletico Madrid, whose respective coaches Roger Schmidt and Diego Simeone were involved in an ugly touchline spat when the sides met two seasons ago.

On that occasion, Atletico went through on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw.

Arsenal may feel this could be their best chance to beat Bayern, whose domestic and European form has not been as dominant as in recent seasons.

&quot;We are through to the knockout stage for the 14th consecutive season, which is testament to Arsene Wenger and the teams throughout that time,&quot; club secretary David Miles said.

&quot;The fans will think we have got the rough end of the draw again - at some stage the tide has got to turn and we will beat them.&quot;

Serie A champions Juventus were drawn against Porto in a repeat of the 1984 European Cup Winners&#39; Cup final which the Italian side won 2-1.

Sevilla and English champions Leicester City will meet for the first time as will Manchester City and AS Monaco.

Benfica and Borussia Dortmund will renew their rivalry after a 52-year wait, the sides having previously met in the 1963-64 European Cup.

(Reuters)

Holders Real Madrid were given a difficult tie against Napoli as were Spanish champions Barcelona who take on Paris St Germain

Arsenal will have another chance to beat Bayern Munich in a Champions League knockout tie after the sides were paired yet again in the round of 16 following Monday's draw. The teams met at the same stage in 2005, 2013 and 2014 with the German champions winning on all three occasions - 3-2 on aggregate in 2005, on away goals after a 3-3 draw in 2013 and 3-1 in 2014. Paris St Germain will also try to break a jinx when they face Spanish champions Barcelona, who knocked them out in the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2014. Holders Real Madrid, who like Bayern finished as runners-up in their group and will therefore play the first leg at home, were given a tricky clash with Serie A side Napoli. The draw also produced a potential grudge match as it pitted Bayer Leverkusen against Atletico Madrid, whose respective coaches Roger Schmidt and Diego Simeone were involved in an ugly touchline spat when the sides met two seasons ago. On that occasion, Atletico went through on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw. Arsenal may feel this could be their best chance to beat Bayern, whose domestic and European form has not been as dominant as in recent seasons. "We are through to the knockout stage for the 14th consecutive season, which is testament to Arsene Wenger and the teams throughout that time," club secretary David Miles said. "The fans will think we have got the rough end of the draw again - at some stage the tide has got to turn and we will beat them." Serie A champions Juventus were drawn against Porto in a repeat of the 1984 European Cup Winners' Cup final which the Italian side won 2-1. Sevilla and English champions Leicester City will meet for the first time as will Manchester City and AS Monaco. Benfica and Borussia Dortmund will renew their rivalry after a 52-year wait, the sides having previously met in the 1963-64 European Cup. (Reuters)

Champions League last 16: Arsenal paired with Bayern Munich, City get Monaco

Borussia Dortmund stunned champions and arch-rivals&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;Munich 1-0 on Saturday in a bad-tempered clash in&nbsp;&quot;Der Klassiker&quot; to leave RB Leipzig the shock Bundesliga leaders.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prodded in on 11 minutes at a frenzied Signal Iduna Park to propel Dortmund up to third on 21 points, three points behind&nbsp;Bayern, for whom this was a first defeat of the league season.

RB Leipzig are top, unbeaten and three points clear of the mighty&nbsp;Bayern, after a thrilling 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Friday signalled another milestone in their fast rise to the top of German football.

Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game -- he should have gone on to grab at least two more -- poking in the ball from close range after ex-Bayern&nbsp;man Mario Goetze&#39;s cross.

The striker celebrated with three push-ups and the home side were on the attack again moments later, the&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;rearguard creaking as the fans at the intimidating 81,000 arena ratcheted up the volume once more.

The game had simmered to this point, but it threatened to boil over as the half wore on, with Dortmund conceding a series of free-kicks and referee Tobias Stieler struggling to keep a lid on it.

Stieler had a word with Thomas Tuchel after the Dortmund coach protested one challenge and Marc Bartra was booked for a bad challenge on&nbsp;Bayern&#39;s Thomas Mueller.

Soon after Bartra was penalised again for tugging down Robert Lewandowski and was fortunate that Stieler decided to keep his cards in his pocket.

The momentum was now with Carlo Ancelotti&#39;s men and&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;piled on the pressure, Thiago Alcantara just failing to properly connect with a flying scissor kick five minutes before half-time.

Aubameyang should have put the home side 2-0 up soon after the restart, but he headed feebly over, and then Goetze got away with only a yellow card for a nasty challenge on Franck Ribery that left the Frenchman in agony on the turf.

The visitors were a whisker from equalising around the hour mark when Xabi Alonso let fly from distance, the ball crashing off the crossbar.

On 71 minutes Aubameyang should have sealed the game for Dortmund, but he shot straight at Manuel Neuer after a&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;lapse at the back.

Ribery was in the thick of it again in the dying minutes and was booked when the two sides clashed once more, the referee&#39;s assistants running onto the pitch to help restore order.

Polish predator Lewandowski should have levelled the score at the death but he inexplicably headed wide when clear and unmarked.

(AFP)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prodded in on 11 minutes at a frenzied Signal Iduna Park to propel Dortmund up to third

Borussia Dortmund stunned champions and arch-rivals Bayern Munich 1-0 on Saturday in a bad-tempered clash in "Der Klassiker" to leave RB Leipzig the shock Bundesliga leaders. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prodded in on 11 minutes at a frenzied Signal Iduna Park to propel Dortmund up to third on 21 points, three points behind Bayern, for whom this was a first defeat of the league season. RB Leipzig are top, unbeaten and three points clear of the mighty Bayern, after a thrilling 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Friday signalled another milestone in their fast rise to the top of German football. Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game -- he should have gone on to grab at least two more -- poking in the ball from close range after ex-Bayern man Mario Goetze's cross. The striker celebrated with three push-ups and the home side were on the attack again moments later, the Bayern rearguard creaking as the fans at the intimidating 81,000 arena ratcheted up the volume once more. The game had simmered to this point, but it threatened to boil over as the half wore on, with Dortmund conceding a series of free-kicks and referee Tobias Stieler struggling to keep a lid on it. Stieler had a word with Thomas Tuchel after the Dortmund coach protested one challenge and Marc Bartra was booked for a bad challenge on Bayern's Thomas Mueller. Soon after Bartra was penalised again for tugging down Robert Lewandowski and was fortunate that Stieler decided to keep his cards in his pocket. The momentum was now with Carlo Ancelotti's men and Bayern piled on the pressure, Thiago Alcantara just failing to properly connect with a flying scissor kick five minutes before half-time. Aubameyang should have put the home side 2-0 up soon after the restart, but he headed feebly over, and then Goetze got away with only a yellow card for a nasty challenge on Franck Ribery that left the Frenchman in agony on the turf. The visitors were a whisker from equalising around the hour mark when Xabi Alonso let fly from distance, the ball crashing off the crossbar. On 71 minutes Aubameyang should have sealed the game for Dortmund, but he shot straight at Manuel Neuer after a Bayern lapse at the back. Ribery was in the thick of it again in the dying minutes and was booked when the two sides clashed once more, the referee's assistants running onto the pitch to help restore order. Polish predator Lewandowski should have levelled the score at the death but he inexplicably headed wide when clear and unmarked. (AFP)

Dortmund beat Bayern 1-0 to leave new boys Leipzig new league leaders

RB Leipzig continued their fairytale run by coming from behind to win against Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 and keep the pressure on giants Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga new boys were 2-1 down and had to save a penalty after that to remain in hunt, which they did superbly to score two goals in 14 minutes to maintain their 11-match unbeaten run.

Leipzig&#39;s win takes them three points clear of Bayern Munich, who will now have to beat a tough Borussia Dortmund on their own turf to regain the top ranking in the German first division.

&quot;From a psychological point of view we really did very well in the second-half when we were behind twice,&quot; said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl.

After exchanging goals in the first four minutes -- Leverkusen&#39;s Kevin Kampl scoring after a minute before teammate Julian Baumgartlinger&#39;s own goal drew Leipzig level -- Leverkusen&#39;s German international winger Julian Brandt put the hosts ahead again just before half-time.

The turning point came when Brandt earned a penalty on 54 minutes only for Hakan Calhanoglu&#39;s shot to be cleared by Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Swedish international Emil Forsberg equalised for Leipzig following an impressive solo run on 67 minutes and defender Willi Orban headed in the winner on 81 minutes for the Bundesliga upstarts.

Leipzig earned their place in Germany&#39;s top flight with four promotions in seven years and have now set a Bundesliga record run for a newly promoted club by going 11 games unbeaten.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Leipzig's pulsating comeback win at Leverkusen means Bayern Munich would have to beat Dortmund to regain the top spot

RB Leipzig continued their fairytale run by coming from behind to win against Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 and keep the pressure on giants Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga new boys were 2-1 down and had to save a penalty after that to remain in hunt, which they did superbly to score two goals in 14 minutes to maintain their 11-match unbeaten run. Leipzig's win takes them three points clear of Bayern Munich, who will now have to beat a tough Borussia Dortmund on their own turf to regain the top ranking in the German first division. "From a psychological point of view we really did very well in the second-half when we were behind twice," said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl. After exchanging goals in the first four minutes -- Leverkusen's Kevin Kampl scoring after a minute before teammate Julian Baumgartlinger's own goal drew Leipzig level -- Leverkusen's German international winger Julian Brandt put the hosts ahead again just before half-time. The turning point came when Brandt earned a penalty on 54 minutes only for Hakan Calhanoglu's shot to be cleared by Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Swedish international Emil Forsberg equalised for Leipzig following an impressive solo run on 67 minutes and defender Willi Orban headed in the winner on 81 minutes for the Bundesliga upstarts. Leipzig earned their place in Germany's top flight with four promotions in seven years and have now set a Bundesliga record run for a newly promoted club by going 11 games unbeaten. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Modest Leipzig beat Leverkusen 3-2, topple Bayern to top Bundesliga standings

Borussia Moenchengladbach have accused Bundesliga bosses of favouritism towards Bayern Munich as they face a successive Friday night match, three days after a mid-week game in Europe.

Gladbach were held to a 1-1 draw home to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and play Hertha Berlin away in a key Bundesliga match on Friday.

It is the second time in quick succession Gladbach have been given a short turn-around by the German Football League (DFL) after they drew 0-0 with Frankfurt last Friday, three days after a German Cup win home to Stuttgart.

Borussia, 11th in Germany&#39;s top flight, are struggling for form and are winless in their last four German league games.

&quot;I have to say, what were the league thinking giving a Champions League side a game directly on a Friday?&quot; Max Eberl, Gladbach&#39;s director of sport, asked magazine Kicker.

&quot;That would never happen to Bayern Munich. I have never heard of Bayern playing on a Friday after a Champions League game.

&quot;They always play on Saturdays and Sundays. Borussia Moenchengladbach must now run out at Hertha Berlin. I find that extremely unfortunate.&quot;

Following their Champions League draw Gladbach remain third in Group C, three points behind Manchester City, who they host in three weeks&#39; time in a must-win clash.

Eberl is realistic about his side&#39;s chances of progressing to the knock-out stages with Pep Guardiola&#39;s City and Barcelona in pole position to reach the last 16.

But the Germans are still mathematically in contention and third at least carries automatic qualification for the Europa League, if it comes to that.

&quot;We still have matters in our own hands and can go into the winter break (in January) in the Europa League,&quot; said Eberl.

&quot;Bold fans have dreamt of &#39;a final&#39; against Manchester City, but that was not in our heads against Celtic.&quot;

(AFP)

Gladbach were held to a 1-1 draw home to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and play Hertha Berlin on Friday

Borussia Moenchengladbach have accused Bundesliga bosses of favouritism towards Bayern Munich as they face a successive Friday night match, three days after a mid-week game in Europe. Gladbach were held to a 1-1 draw home to Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday and play Hertha Berlin away in a key Bundesliga match on Friday. It is the second time in quick succession Gladbach have been given a short turn-around by the German Football League (DFL) after they drew 0-0 with Frankfurt last Friday, three days after a German Cup win home to Stuttgart. Borussia, 11th in Germany's top flight, are struggling for form and are winless in their last four German league games. "I have to say, what were the league thinking giving a Champions League side a game directly on a Friday?" Max Eberl, Gladbach's director of sport, asked magazine Kicker. "That would never happen to Bayern Munich. I have never heard of Bayern playing on a Friday after a Champions League game. "They always play on Saturdays and Sundays. Borussia Moenchengladbach must now run out at Hertha Berlin. I find that extremely unfortunate." Following their Champions League draw Gladbach remain third in Group C, three points behind Manchester City, who they host in three weeks' time in a must-win clash. Eberl is realistic about his side's chances of progressing to the knock-out stages with Pep Guardiola's City and Barcelona in pole position to reach the last 16. But the Germans are still mathematically in contention and third at least carries automatic qualification for the Europa League, if it comes to that. "We still have matters in our own hands and can go into the winter break (in January) in the Europa League," said Eberl. "Bold fans have dreamt of 'a final' against Manchester City, but that was not in our heads against Celtic." (AFP)

'Wouldn't happen to Bayern', fumes Gladbach boss

Defeating all odds, an 11-year-old football player from Odisha&#39;s Sabar Sahi slum has made the country proud by making his way to Germany&#39;s Bayern Munich Club. 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PVceV-lv_o4?list=PLmWa9ZZLlCjt0Jlg7kN3JBNX4LH1sRsGh" width="970"></iframe> &nbsp; 
 
The young football genius, Chandan Nayak, has been chosen to travel to Munich to get a two-month training at the reputed club. Nayak, who hails from an extremely underprivileged family, will stay there as an academy player in an all-expenses-paid junior football camp. 
 
Bayern Munich is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria, best known for its professional football team, which plays in the Bundesliga. It is the most successful club in German football history, having won a record 26 national titles and 18 national cups.

Nayak will stay there as an academy player in an all-expenses-paid junior football camp

Defeating all odds, an 11-year-old football player from Odisha's Sabar Sahi slum has made the country proud by making his way to Germany's Bayern Munich Club. The young football genius, Chandan Nayak, has been chosen to travel to Munich to get a two-month training at the reputed club. Nayak, who hails from an extremely underprivileged family, will stay there as an academy player in an all-expenses-paid junior football camp. Bayern Munich is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria, best known for its professional football team, which plays in the Bundesliga. It is the most successful club in German football history, having won a record 26 national titles and 18 national cups.

Video: An Indian village boy makes it to Germany's top football club

Bayern Munich broke their three-game winless streak with an emphatic 4-1 win at home to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday in the Champions League with winger Arjen Robben outstanding.

Thomas Mueller and Joshua Kimmich put Bayern ahead at the Allianz Arena before Luciano Narsingh netted for Eindhoven before the break, but Robert Lewandowski made it 3-1 on the hour mark.

Robben, who created two goals, capped an eye-catching display with a fourth goal as Bayern got their Group D campaign back on track after their 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid three weeks ago.

&quot;We started well and created good chances to go 2-0, we weren&#39;t that dominant and we had to be careful at the back. They showed what they can do on the counter,&quot; said Robben.

&quot;We dominated in the second and deserved the high win.&quot;

After talk from the German media of a &#39;mini-crisis&#39;, following three games without a win in all competitions, this was the result and performance Bayern needed.

But the German league leaders were aided and abetted by an Eindhoven defence which left acres of space to exploit, especially early on, allowing Bayern 28 shots on goal, while the Dutch managed only eight in reply.

Robben, 32, scored his first header in the Champions League, but credited the goal to Thiago Alcantara&#39;s superb chip.

&quot;It was nice to get the header, but it was down to the beatiful pass from Thiago, he deserves the credit,&quot; said Robben.

Bayern remain second in Group D, three points behind leaders Atletico, who won 1-0 at Rostov, while Eindhoven are third with a single point.

Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted at changes from the side which drew 2-2 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, a Bundesliga performance chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had branded &quot;unacceptable&quot;.

Lewandowski was the only change to the starting line-up in a 4-3-3 formation as Mueller switched to the wing and Kingsley Coman dropping to the bench.

Eindhoven coach Phillip Cocu made two changes from their 1-1 Dutch league draw with Heracles Almelo as Netherlands striker Narsingh and Mexico winger Andres Guardado returned.

Bayern needed just 12 minutes to take the lead thanks to quick thinking from Mueller and Robben, who fired in a short pass from a corner.

Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet parried Mueller&#39;s shot, but the Germany international snapped up the rebound and slotted home off his right foot.

&quot;It&#39;s my eighth season playing with Thomas,&quot; explained Robben.

&quot;I often know what he&#39;s going to do, and we work on things like that in training and we used the chance well.&quot;

Bayern exploited the space Eindhoven generously gave them at the back.

David Alaba&#39;s cross clipped a defender, but Kimmich tracked the looping ball to header over the line on 21 minutes for his seventh goal in eight games.

Eindhoven then tightened their defence and started to attack.

Uruguay winger Gaston Pereiro had the ball in the Munich net on their first meaningful attack on 39 minutes, but the goal was incorrectly ruled off side.

The Dutch clawed one back two minutes later when Narsingh&#39;s superb shot from outside the area crashed in off the post to the annoyance of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 2-1 at the break.

Lewandowski fired wide in the first two minutes after the break, but only Neuer&#39;s reflex save denied Pereiro at the other end.

Just as PSV were gaining momentum, Bayern extended their lead.

Robben beat two defenders before Zoet parried his shot before Lewandowski headed in the rebound on 59 minutes.

Zoet&#39;s saves, to deny Alaba and Mueller, kept the score respectable before Thiago Alcantara&#39;s chip saw Robben nudge the ball over the Eindhoven keeper on 84 minutes. 
 
(AFP)

Bayern remain second in Group D, three points behind Atletico, while Eindhoven are third with a single point

Bayern Munich broke their three-game winless streak with an emphatic 4-1 win at home to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday in the Champions League with winger Arjen Robben outstanding. Thomas Mueller and Joshua Kimmich put Bayern ahead at the Allianz Arena before Luciano Narsingh netted for Eindhoven before the break, but Robert Lewandowski made it 3-1 on the hour mark. Robben, who created two goals, capped an eye-catching display with a fourth goal as Bayern got their Group D campaign back on track after their 1-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid three weeks ago. "We started well and created good chances to go 2-0, we weren't that dominant and we had to be careful at the back. They showed what they can do on the counter," said Robben. "We dominated in the second and deserved the high win." After talk from the German media of a 'mini-crisis', following three games without a win in all competitions, this was the result and performance Bayern needed. But the German league leaders were aided and abetted by an Eindhoven defence which left acres of space to exploit, especially early on, allowing Bayern 28 shots on goal, while the Dutch managed only eight in reply. Robben, 32, scored his first header in the Champions League, but credited the goal to Thiago Alcantara's superb chip. "It was nice to get the header, but it was down to the beatiful pass from Thiago, he deserves the credit," said Robben. Bayern remain second in Group D, three points behind leaders Atletico, who won 1-0 at Rostov, while Eindhoven are third with a single point. Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted at changes from the side which drew 2-2 at Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, a Bundesliga performance chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had branded "unacceptable". Lewandowski was the only change to the starting line-up in a 4-3-3 formation as Mueller switched to the wing and Kingsley Coman dropping to the bench. Eindhoven coach Phillip Cocu made two changes from their 1-1 Dutch league draw with Heracles Almelo as Netherlands striker Narsingh and Mexico winger Andres Guardado returned. Bayern needed just 12 minutes to take the lead thanks to quick thinking from Mueller and Robben, who fired in a short pass from a corner. Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet parried Mueller's shot, but the Germany international snapped up the rebound and slotted home off his right foot. "It's my eighth season playing with Thomas," explained Robben. "I often know what he's going to do, and we work on things like that in training and we used the chance well." Bayern exploited the space Eindhoven generously gave them at the back. David Alaba's cross clipped a defender, but Kimmich tracked the looping ball to header over the line on 21 minutes for his seventh goal in eight games. Eindhoven then tightened their defence and started to attack. Uruguay winger Gaston Pereiro had the ball in the Munich net on their first meaningful attack on 39 minutes, but the goal was incorrectly ruled off side. The Dutch clawed one back two minutes later when Narsingh's superb shot from outside the area crashed in off the post to the annoyance of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to make it 2-1 at the break. Lewandowski fired wide in the first two minutes after the break, but only Neuer's reflex save denied Pereiro at the other end. Just as PSV were gaining momentum, Bayern extended their lead. Robben beat two defenders before Zoet parried his shot before Lewandowski headed in the rebound on 59 minutes. Zoet's saves, to deny Alaba and Mueller, kept the score respectable before Thiago Alcantara's chip saw Robben nudge the ball over the Eindhoven keeper on 84 minutes. (AFP)

Bayern Munich break winless streak with 4-1 win over Eindhoven

World Cup-winning German midfielder Toni Kroos extended his contract with the Spanish giants Real Madrid for two years until 2022. His contract was to expire in 2020.&nbsp;

&quot;Real Madrid and Toni Kroos have agreed on the extension of the contract which will keep the player at the club until June 30, 2022,&quot; Real said in a statement.

Kroos had joined the club from Bayern Munich on a six-year deal in 2014 for 25 million euros (27.5 million dollars).&nbsp;

The 26-year-old has made 108 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring four goals. Part of Germany&#39;s 2014 World Cup-winning team, Kroos has established himself as a favourite in the midfield.&nbsp;

He was helped the club win the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in May. He has also won two UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time in Spain.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The midfielder, who had signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid in 2014, has decided to stay on with the club for another two years

World Cup-winning German midfielder Toni Kroos extended his contract with the Spanish giants Real Madrid for two years until 2022. His contract was to expire in 2020. "Real Madrid and Toni Kroos have agreed on the extension of the contract which will keep the player at the club until June 30, 2022," Real said in a statement. Kroos had joined the club from Bayern Munich on a six-year deal in 2014 for 25 million euros (27.5 million dollars). The 26-year-old has made 108 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring four goals. Part of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning team, Kroos has established himself as a favourite in the midfield. He was helped the club win the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid in May. He has also won two UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup during his time in Spain. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Germany's Kroos extends Real Madrid contract until 2022

Bayern Munich will aim for its fifth successive Bundesliga title in the season&nbsp;which kicks off on Friday. 
 
Pep Guardiola has won the Bundesliga in each of his three seasons and has&nbsp;been replaced by coach Carlo Ancelotti. 
 
In sync with its history of buying players from rivals Borussia Dortmund,&nbsp;Bayern have spent an estimated 35 million euros ($39.4 million) on Germany&nbsp;defender Mats Hummels. 
 
The also paid a similar amound for 19-year-old midfielder Renato Sanches&nbsp;from Benfica, a Euro 2016 winner with Portugal. 
 
Borussia Moenchengladbach let go of Granit Xhaka to Arsenal for around 45&nbsp;million euros and Schalke 04 pocketed some 50 million euros for 20-year-old&nbsp;Leroy Sane who has moved to Manchester City. 
 
This has led to a hasty rebuilding for Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, who led&nbsp;his side to second place last season. 
 
Dortmund have spent more than 100 million euros on replacements, including&nbsp;Andre Schuerrle, Mario Goetze, Raphael Guerreiro and Ousmane Dembele. 
 
The new season will also feature newcomers RB Leipzig. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Bayern Munich continue to remain all-time favourites to win their fifth successive title

Bayern Munich will aim for its fifth successive Bundesliga title in the season which kicks off on Friday. Pep Guardiola has won the Bundesliga in each of his three seasons and has been replaced by coach Carlo Ancelotti. In sync with its history of buying players from rivals Borussia Dortmund, Bayern have spent an estimated 35 million euros ($39.4 million) on Germany defender Mats Hummels. The also paid a similar amound for 19-year-old midfielder Renato Sanches from Benfica, a Euro 2016 winner with Portugal. Borussia Moenchengladbach let go of Granit Xhaka to Arsenal for around 45 million euros and Schalke 04 pocketed some 50 million euros for 20-year-old Leroy Sane who has moved to Manchester City. This has led to a hasty rebuilding for Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, who led his side to second place last season. Dortmund have spent more than 100 million euros on replacements, including Andre Schuerrle, Mario Goetze, Raphael Guerreiro and Ousmane Dembele. The new season will also feature newcomers RB Leipzig. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Another season of Bayern Bundesliga dominance beckons

Germany&#39;s World Cup winning goalscorer Mario Goetze has returned to Borussia Dortmund after a frustrating three seasons with Bayern Munich, the clubs announced Thursday. The 24-year-old has never established himself with the German champions. The clubs did not give a transfer fee but Bild newspaper said Dortmund paid between 22 and 25 million euros ($24-27.5 million). 
 
That would mean Bayern have booked a loss of about 13 million euros on the price they paid for Goetze. Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge called the deal &quot;a good solution for all sides&quot;. 
 
The player said he now has &quot;a different view&quot; of his decision to move. 
 
&quot;I want to try to convince everyone with my performances, especially those who are welcoming me with open arms,&quot; Goetze said. 
 
Goetze scored the winning goal in Germany&#39;s World Cup final triumph over Argentina in 2014. But under Pep Guardiola, he was often on the Bayern substitutes&#39; bench. He was also often among the replacements for Germany at Euro 2016. 
 
Bayern&#39;s new coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted in recent weeks that he has told Goetze to find a new club. 
 
Dortmund fans repeatedly jeered Goetze when he appeared for Bayern against his old team. 
 
In recent weeks, Dortmund have lost defender Mats Hummels to Bayern, midfielder Henrich Mchitarjan to Manchester United and defender Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Bayern Munich books a loss of 13 million euros on the price paid for German goalscorer Mario Goetze

Germany's World Cup winning goalscorer Mario Goetze has returned to Borussia Dortmund after a frustrating three seasons with Bayern Munich, the clubs announced Thursday. The 24-year-old has never established himself with the German champions. The clubs did not give a transfer fee but Bild newspaper said Dortmund paid between 22 and 25 million euros ($24-27.5 million). That would mean Bayern have booked a loss of about 13 million euros on the price they paid for Goetze. Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge called the deal "a good solution for all sides". The player said he now has "a different view" of his decision to move. "I want to try to convince everyone with my performances, especially those who are welcoming me with open arms," Goetze said. Goetze scored the winning goal in Germany's World Cup final triumph over Argentina in 2014. But under Pep Guardiola, he was often on the Bayern substitutes' bench. He was also often among the replacements for Germany at Euro 2016. Bayern's new coach Carlo Ancelotti had hinted in recent weeks that he has told Goetze to find a new club. Dortmund fans repeatedly jeered Goetze when he appeared for Bayern against his old team. In recent weeks, Dortmund have lost defender Mats Hummels to Bayern, midfielder Henrich Mchitarjan to Manchester United and defender Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester City. (AFP)

Goetze moves back to Dortmund after dismal season with Bayern

Japan striker Takashi Usami, one of the country&#39;s most coveted players, is set to join German Bundesliga side Augsburg, his J-League club, Gamba Osaka said today. 
 
The 24-year-old, who helped Gamba achieve a domestic treble in 2014 and has previously had spells at Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim, will play his final J-League game at home to Nagoya Grampus this weekend. 
 
Usami joined German giants Bayern on loan as a teenager in 2011 amid much fanfare in Japan, scoring six goals in 18 appearances but ultimately failing to force his way into the side for Bundesliga games. 
 
The former J-League young player of the year subsequently moved on to Hoffenheim, where he endured a season of frustration before returning to Osaka, helping them return to the top flight after a season in division two. 
 
Augsburg, who finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season, currently have three South Korean internationals on their books, including former skipper Koo Ja-Cheol and former Sunderland striker Ji Dong-Won. 
 
(AFP)

Takashi Usami joined Bayern Munich on loan as a teenager in 2011 amid much fanfare in Japan, scoring six goals in 18 appearances

Japan striker Takashi Usami, one of the country's most coveted players, is set to join German Bundesliga side Augsburg, his J-League club, Gamba Osaka said today. The 24-year-old, who helped Gamba achieve a domestic treble in 2014 and has previously had spells at Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim, will play his final J-League game at home to Nagoya Grampus this weekend. Usami joined German giants Bayern on loan as a teenager in 2011 amid much fanfare in Japan, scoring six goals in 18 appearances but ultimately failing to force his way into the side for Bundesliga games. The former J-League young player of the year subsequently moved on to Hoffenheim, where he endured a season of frustration before returning to Osaka, helping them return to the top flight after a season in division two. Augsburg, who finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season, currently have three South Korean internationals on their books, including former skipper Koo Ja-Cheol and former Sunderland striker Ji Dong-Won. (AFP)

Japan striker Usami set for Augsburg switch

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