Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich have clinched the German Cup after beating Bayern Leverkusen 4-2 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday. The German giants are having a dream season as they hope to complete a treble of championships.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-ronaldo-and-dybala-star-as-juventus-beat-torina-4-1-buffon-hits-another-milestone-310821" hreflang="en">Serie A: Ronaldo and Dybala star as Juventus beat Torina 4-1; Buffon hits another milestone</a>

David Alaba opened the score for Bayern Munich after a free-kick in the 16th minute. Serge Gnabry scored in the 24th minute. Robert &nbsp;Lewandowski continued his prolific form and smashed two decisive goals and helped Munich lift the cup for the 20th time. &nbsp;

The Polish striker scored his 50th goal of the season. &nbsp;

Munich hopes to complete the year with a treble by winning the final championship UEFA Champions League. They will play the second leg of Round of 16 against Chelsea. They won the first-leg 3-0.&nbsp;

Leverkusen opened their account four minutes later when Sven Bender headed home at the far post from a corner kick, but it was too little, too late as Lewandowski grabbed a second with a chip over the keeper in the 89th minute.

There was late drama when VAR spotted a handball in the box in stoppage time to award Leverkusen a penalty. Kai Havertz's consolation strike into the top corner proved to be the final kick of the game as Bayern defended their title.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich have clinched the German Cup after beating Bayern Leverkusen 4-2 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday. The German giants are having a dream season as they hope to complete a treble of championships.

Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich have clinched the German Cup after beating Bayern Leverkusen 4-2 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday. The German giants are having a dream season as they hope to complete a treble of championships. Also read: Serie A: Ronaldo and Dybala star as Juventus beat Torina 4-1; Buffon hits another milestone David Alaba opened the score for Bayern Munich after a free-kick in the 16th minute. Serge Gnabry scored in the 24th minute. Robert Lewandowski continued his prolific form and smashed two decisive goals and helped Munich lift the cup for the 20th time. The Polish striker scored his 50th goal of the season. Munich hopes to complete the year with a treble by winning the final championship UEFA Champions League. They will play the second leg of Round of 16 against Chelsea. They won the first-leg 3-0. Leverkusen opened their account four minutes later when Sven Bender headed home at the far post from a corner kick, but it was too little, too late as Lewandowski grabbed a second with a chip over the keeper in the 89th minute. There was late drama when VAR spotted a handball in the box in stoppage time to award Leverkusen a penalty. Kai Havertz's consolation strike into the top corner proved to be the final kick of the game as Bayern defended their title. (Inputs from Reuters)

Robert Lewandowski stars as Bayern Munich win DFB Pokal for 20th time; German giants eye treble finish to the season

Robert Lewandowski said he hopes Bayern Munich will be able to play in front of their own fans again soon after winning an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday behind closed doors.

Lewandowski's first-half goal sealed a 1-0 win at Werder Bremen which saw Bayern become the first team to secure a top league title on the pitch since the coronavirus lockdown.

"It was tough without our fans, without the energy they give us, but we are happy that we are German champions again," said Lewandowski after Bayern won their eighth straight match following the resumption of German football last month.

"It wasn't easy, but we showed our quality.

"I hope we can play in front of our fans in our stadium soon."

Club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted it was a "curious, strange" feeling to see only a handful of Bayern officials and backroom staff in the Weserstadion to cheer the players.

Lewandowski admitted Bayern endured a nervous last few minutes as only a finger-tip save from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer protected the lead.

"When you are 1-0 up, you know you need to score again to be sure. Werder Bremen played well, but luckily for us, we managed to hold them out," said Lewandowski.

"The most important thing is that we can celebrate as German champions.

"That was typical of 'Manu' (Neuer), he loves saves like that and he did really well and we had to be really careful with their long balls."

Bayern face Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup final on July 4 and are among the favourites to win the Champions League.

"We have our next game in three days, that is the priority, but after that, we will have enough time to prepare for the Champions League," said Lewandowski.

Robert Lewandowski said he hopes Bayern Munich will be able to play in front of their own fans again soon after winning an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday behind closed doors.

Robert Lewandowski said he hopes Bayern Munich will be able to play in front of their own fans again soon after winning an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday behind closed doors. Lewandowski's first-half goal sealed a 1-0 win at Werder Bremen which saw Bayern become the first team to secure a top league title on the pitch since the coronavirus lockdown. "It was tough without our fans, without the energy they give us, but we are happy that we are German champions again," said Lewandowski after Bayern won their eighth straight match following the resumption of German football last month. "It wasn't easy, but we showed our quality. "I hope we can play in front of our fans in our stadium soon." Club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted it was a "curious, strange" feeling to see only a handful of Bayern officials and backroom staff in the Weserstadion to cheer the players. Lewandowski admitted Bayern endured a nervous last few minutes as only a finger-tip save from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer protected the lead. "When you are 1-0 up, you know you need to score again to be sure. Werder Bremen played well, but luckily for us, we managed to hold them out," said Lewandowski. "The most important thing is that we can celebrate as German champions. "That was typical of 'Manu' (Neuer), he loves saves like that and he did really well and we had to be really careful with their long balls." Bayern face Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup final on July 4 and are among the favourites to win the Champions League. "We have our next game in three days, that is the priority, but after that, we will have enough time to prepare for the Champions League," said Lewandowski.

Lewandowski misses the fans as Bayern clinch title behind closed doors

Bayern Munich has won its eighth successive Bundesliga title after winning against Werder Bremen after the winning goal was scored by Robert Lewandowski.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-will-the-bundesliga-champions-celebrate-the-title-in-times-of-coronavirus-306254" hreflang="en">How will the Bundesliga champions celebrate the title in times of coronavirus?</a>

This is Bayern's 11th consecutive win in the league and has put them 10 points clear of Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund has three games left.&nbsp;

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🏆 2020 
🏆 2019 
🏆 2018 
🏆 2017 
🏆 2016 
🏆 2015 
🏆 2014 
🏆 2013 
 
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEI8TER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEI8TER</a> <a href="https://t.co/boERc9HOia">pic.twitter.com/boERc9HOia</a>
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1272989949479002112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the match against Werder Bremen, Bayern was reduced to 10 men after Alphonso Davies was sent off for two yellow-card offences.

Bayern's striker Lewandowski has equalled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's scoring record in a single-season by a foreign player in the league. Lewandowski scored 31 goals this season and Aubameyang, who currently plays for Arsenal, scored 31 goals in Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17.&nbsp;

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Bundesliga Champions 2020! Despite the difficult conditions in the last weeks we can celebrate the eighth German Championship in a row. Congrats to the team and all members of <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayern</a>! These times show the great cohesion of this club and I'm proud of being a part of it 🏆🔴⚪ <a href="https://t.co/kRO4xX7rQ3">pic.twitter.com/kRO4xX7rQ3</a>
— Oliver Kahn (@OliverKahn) <a href="https://twitter.com/OliverKahn/status/1273021237707649026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This year's celebrations were toned down due to coronavirus pandemic after the full time whistle the players' delighted shouts echoed in the empty stadiums. Their manager Hansi Flick, who is also a four-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern as a player, said: "It is sensational the kind of football we have played in the past few months."

"You could feel the passion, the joy for the game and the team spirit."

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🎵CHAMPIOOOOOOONES, CHAMPIOOOOOOONES!🎵🏆🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEI8TER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEI8TER</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gZ5KnwRhFL">pic.twitter.com/gZ5KnwRhFL</a>
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1273023088758788097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The German giants have progressed to the final of the German Cup and will face Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 in Berlin. Their Champions League campaign is yet to resume. They will be facing Chelsea for the second leg of the round of 16 ties. In the first leg, Bayern beat Chelsea 3-0.

"We have now taken the first step and reached our big goal," added Flick.

"But we also have the cup in our sights and then obviously the Champions League games are something you cannot plan for and we still need to survive the Chelsea game."

Few records were equalled after Bayern secured their eighth Bundesliga title. David Alaba and Thomas Muller have equalled Frack Ribery's record by winning their ninth league title.&nbsp;

Hansi Flick has become the third person to win the Bundesliga title for Bayern both as a player and a manager, after Franz Beckenbauer and Niko Kovac.

Bayern Munich has won its eighth successive Bundesliga title after winning against Werder Bremen after the winning goal was scored by Robert Lewandowski. Also read: How will the Bundesliga champions celebrate the title in times of coronavirus?

Bayern Munich has won its eighth successive Bundesliga title after winning against Werder Bremen after the winning goal was scored by Robert Lewandowski. Also read: How will the Bundesliga champions celebrate the title in times of coronavirus? This is Bayern's 11th consecutive win in the league and has put them 10 points clear of Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund has three games left. 🏆 2020 🏆 2019 🏆 2018 🏆 2017 🏆 2016 🏆 2015 🏆 2014 🏆 2013 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 🎉#MEI8TER pic.twitter.com/boERc9HOia — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) June 16, 2020 × In the match against Werder Bremen, Bayern was reduced to 10 men after Alphonso Davies was sent off for two yellow-card offences. Bayern's striker Lewandowski has equalled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's scoring record in a single-season by a foreign player in the league. Lewandowski scored 31 goals this season and Aubameyang, who currently plays for Arsenal, scored 31 goals in Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17. Bundesliga Champions 2020! Despite the difficult conditions in the last weeks we can celebrate the eighth German Championship in a row. Congrats to the team and all members of @FCBayern! These times show the great cohesion of this club and I'm proud of being a part of it 🏆🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/kRO4xX7rQ3 — Oliver Kahn (@OliverKahn) June 16, 2020 × This year's celebrations were toned down due to coronavirus pandemic after the full time whistle the players' delighted shouts echoed in the empty stadiums. Their manager Hansi Flick, who is also a four-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern as a player, said: "It is sensational the kind of football we have played in the past few months." "You could feel the passion, the joy for the game and the team spirit." 🎵CHAMPIOOOOOOONES, CHAMPIOOOOOOONES!🎵🏆🔴⚪️#MEI8TER #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/gZ5KnwRhFL — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) June 16, 2020 × The German giants have progressed to the final of the German Cup and will face Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 in Berlin. Their Champions League campaign is yet to resume. They will be facing Chelsea for the second leg of the round of 16 ties. In the first leg, Bayern beat Chelsea 3-0. "We have now taken the first step and reached our big goal," added Flick. "But we also have the cup in our sights and then obviously the Champions League games are something you cannot plan for and we still need to survive the Chelsea game." Few records were equalled after Bayern secured their eighth Bundesliga title. David Alaba and Thomas Muller have equalled Frack Ribery's record by winning their ninth league title. Hansi Flick has become the third person to win the Bundesliga title for Bayern both as a player and a manager, after Franz Beckenbauer and Niko Kovac.

Bayern Munich win eighth successive Bundesliga title; celebrations toned down due to COVID-19

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice.

Duesseldorf defender Mathias Joergensen scored an early own goal before Benjamin Pavard, Lewandowski (2) and Alphonso Davies hit the target.

With five games left, Bayern, who have won their last eight league games, are comfortably on course for an eighth straight league title.

However, second-placed Borussia Dortmund could trim their lead on Sunday at bottom side Paderborn.

Lewandowski, who had never previously scored in six games against Duesseldorf, made amends with goals either side of half-time.

Fortuna, who were unbeaten in their three games since the league resumed after a two-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus, were humbled at the Allianz Arena where they last poached a 3-3 draw in November 2018.

They fell behind on 15 minutes when Joergensen turned the ball into his own net after Pavard mishit his shot.

Right-back Pavard then grabbed the second with a powerful header on 29 minutes before Lewandowski made it 3-0 just before the break after being presented with a tap-in by Thomas Mueller.

Duesseldorf were floored with two goals in as many minutes as Lewandowski profited again with another poacher's goal after Serge Gnabry's good work.

Davies then scored the game's best goal.

After some high pressing, the Canadian teen won the ball in the Duesseldorf area, barged past a succession of defenders and fired home to make it 5-0 on 52 minutes.

<h2>- US death protest -</h2>

Werder Bremen boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win at Schalke, who are winless in 11 games and continue to plummet.

Midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt scored a first-half winner.

"This is a very, very important away win," said Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt.

"We have taken seven points from the last three games, but if you look at the table, we are still behind."

Bremen have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, but currently sit second from bottom.

However, Saturday's victory leaves them just three points from guaranteed safety with six games left.

They are two points behind Duesseldorf in 16th, which carries a relegation play-off at the end of the season.

Werder could climb out of the relegation places for the first time since December on Wednesday if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home.

Bittencourt hit a stunning strike from just outside the box which beat Schalke's Bayern-bound goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel on 32 minutes.

Schalke succumbed to their fourth straight defeat, piling pressure on head coach David Wagner.&nbsp;

In the same game, Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie wore a 'Justice for George' armband as part of the growing protests over the death of an unarmed black man during a police arrest in the United States.

"To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on too long feels good!!!," tweeted 21-year-old McKennie.

"We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard."

George Floyd died in Minneapolis in an arrest by a police officer who pinned him to the ground for several minutes by kneeling on his neck.&nbsp;

<h2>- Hertha on the rise -</h2>

Hertha remain unbeaten with three wins and a draw since Bruno Labbadia took charge during the lockdown after their 2-0 win at home to Augsburg thanks for goals by Javairo Dilrosun and Krzysztof Piatek.

Having routed Leverkusen 4-1 away on Tuesday, Wolfsburg&nbsp;crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt.

Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the winner 10 minutes from time while Frankfurt had replacement midfielder Lucas Torro sent off in the dying stages for a second yellow card.

Frankfurt took the lead when striker Andre Silva converted a penalty on 27 minutes, but Wolfsburg equalised when right-back Kevin Mbabu headed home on 58 minutes.

Hoffenheim are seventh after their 1-0 win at Mainz thanks to Ihlas Bebou who darted into the area, swept past two defenders, and fired home on 43 minutes.

On Friday, Leverkusen went third when Germany midfielder Kai Havertz became the first player in Bundesliga history to score 35 goals before his 21st birthday to seal a 1-0 win at Freiburg.

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice.

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice. Duesseldorf defender Mathias Joergensen scored an early own goal before Benjamin Pavard, Lewandowski (2) and Alphonso Davies hit the target. With five games left, Bayern, who have won their last eight league games, are comfortably on course for an eighth straight league title. However, second-placed Borussia Dortmund could trim their lead on Sunday at bottom side Paderborn. Lewandowski, who had never previously scored in six games against Duesseldorf, made amends with goals either side of half-time. Fortuna, who were unbeaten in their three games since the league resumed after a two-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus, were humbled at the Allianz Arena where they last poached a 3-3 draw in November 2018. They fell behind on 15 minutes when Joergensen turned the ball into his own net after Pavard mishit his shot. Right-back Pavard then grabbed the second with a powerful header on 29 minutes before Lewandowski made it 3-0 just before the break after being presented with a tap-in by Thomas Mueller. Duesseldorf were floored with two goals in as many minutes as Lewandowski profited again with another poacher's goal after Serge Gnabry's good work. Davies then scored the game's best goal. After some high pressing, the Canadian teen won the ball in the Duesseldorf area, barged past a succession of defenders and fired home to make it 5-0 on 52 minutes. - US death protest - Werder Bremen boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win at Schalke, who are winless in 11 games and continue to plummet. Midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt scored a first-half winner. "This is a very, very important away win," said Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt. "We have taken seven points from the last three games, but if you look at the table, we are still behind." Bremen have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, but currently sit second from bottom. However, Saturday's victory leaves them just three points from guaranteed safety with six games left. They are two points behind Duesseldorf in 16th, which carries a relegation play-off at the end of the season. Werder could climb out of the relegation places for the first time since December on Wednesday if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home. Bittencourt hit a stunning strike from just outside the box which beat Schalke's Bayern-bound goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel on 32 minutes. Schalke succumbed to their fourth straight defeat, piling pressure on head coach David Wagner. In the same game, Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie wore a 'Justice for George' armband as part of the growing protests over the death of an unarmed black man during a police arrest in the United States. "To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on too long feels good!!!," tweeted 21-year-old McKennie. "We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard." George Floyd died in Minneapolis in an arrest by a police officer who pinned him to the ground for several minutes by kneeling on his neck. - Hertha on the rise - Hertha remain unbeaten with three wins and a draw since Bruno Labbadia took charge during the lockdown after their 2-0 win at home to Augsburg thanks for goals by Javairo Dilrosun and Krzysztof Piatek. Having routed Leverkusen 4-1 away on Tuesday, Wolfsburg crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt. Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the winner 10 minutes from time while Frankfurt had replacement midfielder Lucas Torro sent off in the dying stages for a second yellow card. Frankfurt took the lead when striker Andre Silva converted a penalty on 27 minutes, but Wolfsburg equalised when right-back Kevin Mbabu headed home on 58 minutes. Hoffenheim are seventh after their 1-0 win at Mainz thanks to Ihlas Bebou who darted into the area, swept past two defenders, and fired home on 43 minutes. On Friday, Leverkusen went third when Germany midfielder Kai Havertz became the first player in Bundesliga history to score 35 goals before his 21st birthday to seal a 1-0 win at Freiburg.

Lewandowski hits brace as Bayern Munich go 10 points clear

What Messi, Neymar, Ramos are doing during coronavirus self-quarantine

Bayern Munich continues their dominating streak in London after beating Chelsea 3-0 in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-frank-lampard-prepares-his-team-for-gruesome-clash-with-bayern-munich-282638">Champions League: Frank Lampard prepares his team for gruesome clash with Bayern Munich</a>

A brace from Serge Gnabry and a goal from Robert Lewandowski ensured that Bayern Munich destroyed Chelsea handing a massive advantage to the German team.&nbsp;

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Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was disappointed with the scoreline and he said: “It was a harsh lesson, a reality check for the players of the levels we want to get to,”.&nbsp;

He went on to add: "That's football at this level, the levels of Bayern were fantastic. It was a harsh lesson for the players. It's the reality of the Champions League,"

Lampard blamed this humiliation on their failure to sign players last month: “There’s no point in looking back on anything other than the fact of being real about where we are...we’re now fighting to come in the top four this year because we want to then improve in the summer. We also have to go to Munich and play with a lot of pride in a few weeks. Today was just a clear show that there’s a lot of work to be done and I felt that when I took the job.”

Jorginho will be missing his second leg after a yellow card for arguing with the referee and Marco Alonso's red card left Chelsea manager Lampard fuming. He said: "I learned about the players. We have to show character. They need to use it to positive effect,".&nbsp;

Chelsea has now lost eight matches at their home ground (Stamford Bridge) in all competitions this season. This is the most in a single campaign since 1985-86.

Bayern Munich will host Chelsea in the second leg of the Round of 16 clash on March 19. (Aggregate 3-0) 
&nbsp;

Bayern Munich continues their dominating streak in London after beating Chelsea 3-0 in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge.

Bayern Munich continues their dominating streak in London after beating Chelsea 3-0 in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge. Also read: Champions League: Frank Lampard prepares his team for gruesome clash with Bayern Munich A brace from Serge Gnabry and a goal from Robert Lewandowski ensured that Bayern Munich destroyed Chelsea handing a massive advantage to the German team. 🔴💪 pic.twitter.com/ryftjg0wPM — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 25, 2020 × Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was disappointed with the scoreline and he said: “It was a harsh lesson, a reality check for the players of the levels we want to get to,”. He went on to add: "That's football at this level, the levels of Bayern were fantastic. It was a harsh lesson for the players. It's the reality of the Champions League," Lampard blamed this humiliation on their failure to sign players last month: “There’s no point in looking back on anything other than the fact of being real about where we are...we’re now fighting to come in the top four this year because we want to then improve in the summer. We also have to go to Munich and play with a lot of pride in a few weeks. Today was just a clear show that there’s a lot of work to be done and I felt that when I took the job.” Jorginho will be missing his second leg after a yellow card for arguing with the referee and Marco Alonso's red card left Chelsea manager Lampard fuming. He said: "I learned about the players. We have to show character. They need to use it to positive effect,". Chelsea has now lost eight matches at their home ground (Stamford Bridge) in all competitions this season. This is the most in a single campaign since 1985-86. Bayern Munich will host Chelsea in the second leg of the Round of 16 clash on March 19. (Aggregate 3-0)

Champions League: Bayern Munich thrash Chelsea in first leg of Round of 16

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee&nbsp;came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side.

It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. &nbsp;

In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-forward-coman-out-until-january-with-knee-injury-268037">left-wing</a>, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season –&nbsp;and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign.

The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end.

After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances.

Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-brush-aside-mourinhos-spurs-to-claim-perfect-six-267846">Bayern</a> keeper Manuel Neuer no chance.

Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing.

The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-dortmund-loose-out-on-two-goal-lead-to-draw-3-3-with-rb-leipzig-268861">Leipzig</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-manchester-united-thrash-az-basaksehir-dump-moenchengladbach-out-of-europa-league-268032">Borussia Moenchengladbach</a>.

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⏱️ 90: Subs on Joshua Zirkzee 
⏱️ 90+2: Joshua Zirkzee makes it 2-1 
 
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— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1207419013439131649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl.

Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak.

In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals.

After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays.

Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen.

The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone.

Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat.

Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic.

Bosz gave Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/netherlands-shock-stunned-germany-in-4-2-comeback-win-248233">Jonathan Tah</a> a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension.

Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter.

Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal.

For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing.

The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season.

18-year-old Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 90th minute before breaking a 1-1 deadlock, becoming the youngest player to score a goal this Bundesliga season. Bayern's Serge Gnabry added another in the final minute of injury time to put the result beyond doubt, crushing the hopes of a dogged and determined home side. It was business as usual early for Bayern, with Philippe Coutinho's chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken cleared off the line after just two minutes. In the 16th minute, 19-year-old Canadian Alphonso Davies put in a superb cross from the left-wing, with Robert Lewandowski on the spot to open the scoring. It was Lewandowski's 19th league goal of the season – and the sixth time he opened the scoring for Munich this campaign. The goal seemed to calm Bayern, with the Bavarians content to dominate possession without making too many incursions into the Freiburg end. After the half-time break, Freiburg showed the form that has taken them to sixth in the table, catching Bayern on the counter to create several half chances. Vincenzo Grifo equalised in the 59th minute, nailing Janik Haberer's cross to give Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer no chance. Freiburg had several chances to take the lead as the clock ran down, with Bayern's players visibly shaken by the home team's relentless pressing. The win sees Bayern go into third place, four points behind Leipzig and Borussia Moenchengladbach. ⏱️ 90: Subs on Joshua Zirkzee ⏱️ 90+2: Joshua Zirkzee makes it 2-1 🤷‍♂️#SCFFCB pic.twitter.com/pIqsxRrddN — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 18, 2019 × Moenchengladbach overcame their recent poor form to defeat relegation favourites Paderborn 2-0 through a goal from Alassane Plea and a penalty from Lars Stindl. Gladbach scored immediately after the break, with Plea's goal coming just 13 seconds into the second half to make it Gladbach's best start to the season in 42 years. Wolfsburg left it late to equalise at home to Schalke, Kevin Mbabu scoring in the 82nd minute to cancel out a 51st-minute strike from Ozan Kabak. In Frankfurt, Cologne continued their excellent recent run of form, beating Eintracht 4-2 through three second-half goals. After starting the season in terrible form, Cologne have now claimed the same amount of points in their past four games (seven) as they did in the first 12 matchdays. Earlier, Jurgen Klinsmann claimed a second straight 1-0 win in charge of Hertha Berlin as Karim Rekik's second-half goal was enough to beat Bayern Leverkusen. The three points move Hertha four points away from the relegation zone. Peter Bosz's side are seventh after a second straight defeat. Klinsmann, appointed at the end of November, made one change from Saturday's victory over Freiburg with Norway midfielder Per Skjelbred starting instead of forward Vedad Ibisevic. Bosz gave Germany's Jonathan Tah a first start since November after the defender missed two games due to suspension. Hosts Leverkusen dominated possession throughout much of the game, but Hertha had the best of the scoring chances, frequently breaking on the counter. Hertha's Javairo Dilrosun had the best chance of the first half, with his left-foot shot in the 20th minute agonisingly close to goal. For the home side, Moussa Diaby looked the most dangerous down the right-wing. The visitors got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute after defender Rekik made the most of a second shot at goal after his first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

Football: Teenager Zirkzee sparks Bayern's winning late show

Champions League gears up for Final 16 draw after record breaking group stage

Robert Lewandowski made yet more history on Saturday by netting in Bayern Munich's home game against Union Berlin, setting a new record after scoring in each of the first nine Bundesliga matches this season.

Robert Lewandowski made yet more history on Saturday by netting in Bayern Munich's home game against Union Berlin, setting a new record after scoring in each of the first nine Bundesliga matches this season. The Poland striker showed clinical finishing by tucking away an Alphonso Davies second-half pass at the Allianz Arena to claim his 13th goal in his first nine league games this season. He has now scored in each of his last 13 games for Bayern and means Lewandowski broke the previous league record, set by current Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who scored in each of the first eight games of the 2015/16 season for Borussia Dortmund. Having also scored twice in Bayern's 3-2 midweek win at Olympiakos in the Champions League, the 31-year-old Lewandowski now has 19 goals in just 14 appearances in all competitions during what is turning into the best season of his career. Lewandowski is already the top-scoring foreigner in Bundesliga history with 215 league goals for Bayern and former club Dortmund. He also holds a record from his incredible haul of five goals in just nine second-half minutes when he came off the bench in Bayern's 5-1 thrashing of Wolfsburg in September 2015.

Lewandowski makes history after scoring in first nine Bundesliga games

A brace for Robert Lewandowski was not enough to save&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;Munich from making a spluttering start to the new Bundesliga season as the reigning German champions were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday.&nbsp;

Lewandowski insisted that visitors Hertha had been "lucky" after he saved a point for&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;with a second-half penalty.

Hertha, who finished 11th last season, cancelled out Lewandowski's opener with two unusual goals to take a surprise lead in the first half and ultimately deal an early blow to&nbsp;Bayern's title defence.

"We didn't play badly, and they barely had a shot. They were lucky," Lewandowski told ZDF.

"It wasn't a false start to the season. We were the better team and should have won," said coach Niko Kovac.

Despite winning the domestic double last season,&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;opened the season under pressure after a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup two weeks ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Questions over Kovac's tactics and relentless criticism of the club's transfer policy had also unsettled&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;in the build-up, but they looked sharp early on as Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry probed and prodded on the right wing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The duo finally broke Hertha on 24 minutes, as Kimmich set up Gnabry to send a fizzing cross towards Lewandowski, who prodded home at full stretch from close range.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;completely in control, Hertha struck twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The equaliser arrived with a dollop of good fortune on 36 minutes, as a hopeful long-range effort from Dodi Lukebakio deflected off Vedad Ibisevic and wrong-footed goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three minutes later, Hertha took the lead in curious fashion after Marko Grujic clashed heads with new&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;signing Benjamin Pavard.&nbsp;

While Pavard pulled up holding his head, Grujic managed to chase down the loose ball and round Neuer before himself collapsing to the turf.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both players were quickly back on their feet,&nbsp;and Grujic was in the spotlight again when he pulled down Lewandowski off the ball on the hour mark.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The resulting penalty, given by VAR, was coolly converted by the Polish striker to bring&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;back on level terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lewandowski, Gnabry and Corentin Tolisso all came close as&nbsp;Bayern&nbsp;pushed for the winner late on, but Hertha held on to take a well-earned point back to the capital city.

Bayern&nbsp;fans will at least have one new face to cheer on after the club announced they had reached "agreement in principle" to sign Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona.

A brace for Robert Lewandowski was not enough to save Bayern Munich from making a spluttering start to the new Bundesliga season as the reigning German champions were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday.

A brace for Robert Lewandowski was not enough to save Bayern Munich from making a spluttering start to the new Bundesliga season as the reigning German champions were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Friday. Lewandowski insisted that visitors Hertha had been "lucky" after he saved a point for Bayern with a second-half penalty. Hertha, who finished 11th last season, cancelled out Lewandowski's opener with two unusual goals to take a surprise lead in the first half and ultimately deal an early blow to Bayern's title defence. "We didn't play badly, and they barely had a shot. They were lucky," Lewandowski told ZDF. "It wasn't a false start to the season. We were the better team and should have won," said coach Niko Kovac. Despite winning the domestic double last season, Bayern opened the season under pressure after a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the German Supercup two weeks ago. Questions over Kovac's tactics and relentless criticism of the club's transfer policy had also unsettled Bayern in the build-up, but they looked sharp early on as Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry probed and prodded on the right wing. The duo finally broke Hertha on 24 minutes, as Kimmich set up Gnabry to send a fizzing cross towards Lewandowski, who prodded home at full stretch from close range. With Bayern completely in control, Hertha struck twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head. The equaliser arrived with a dollop of good fortune on 36 minutes, as a hopeful long-range effort from Dodi Lukebakio deflected off Vedad Ibisevic and wrong-footed goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Three minutes later, Hertha took the lead in curious fashion after Marko Grujic clashed heads with new Bayern signing Benjamin Pavard. While Pavard pulled up holding his head, Grujic managed to chase down the loose ball and round Neuer before himself collapsing to the turf. Both players were quickly back on their feet, and Grujic was in the spotlight again when he pulled down Lewandowski off the ball on the hour mark. The resulting penalty, given by VAR, was coolly converted by the Polish striker to bring Bayern back on level terms. Lewandowski, Gnabry and Corentin Tolisso all came close as Bayern pushed for the winner late on, but Hertha held on to take a well-earned point back to the capital city. Bayern fans will at least have one new face to cheer on after the club announced they had reached "agreement in principle" to sign Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona.

Robert Lewandowski to the rescue as 'lucky' Hertha hold Bayern in season opener

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-confirm-ribery-departure-and-farewell-match-216093">Champions Bayern Munich</a> beat RB Leipzig 3-0 on Saturday thanks to two goals from Robert Lewandowski to win their 19th German Cup and complete a domestic league and Cup double.

Bundesliga top scorer Lewandowski headed the champions into the lead in the 29th minute, wrong-footing keeper Peter Gulacsi, and Kingsley Coman`s superb first touch and shot in the 78th made it 2-0.

Lewandowski sealed the win with a fine run and superb finish in the 85th minute.

It was the 12th time Bayern won the double as coach Niko Kovac, who lifted the Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt last year and led them to 2017 final, became the first man to win the double with Bayern both as player and coach.

But Bayern also had to thank keeper Manuel Neuer who returned from injury and made two superb point-blank saves to protect their one-goal lead.

"It was the toughest opponent we could have had and we saw that in the opening 30 minutes," said Kovac, whose future at the club looks more secure after winning two titles in the past week.

"Manuel Neuer kept us in the game with two superb saves but overall the victory was deserved," he said. "We had tough times back in October and November so compliments to the team. To be here with two titles makes me very proud."

Leipzig enjoyed the better start and had the first big chance with Yussuf Poulsen`s header palmed on to the crossbar by Neuer in a reflex save before Lewandowski put them ahead.

Coman came close to a second goal but his effort on an empty goal was headed away at the last moment by Ibrahima Konate.

In a highly entertaining game, Neuer again comes to the rescue by stopping Emil Forsberg in a one-on-one situation.

The Bavarians hit back with Coman to create a two-goal cushion before Poland striker Lewandowski struck again to kill off any lingering Leipzig hopes.

"I am very satisfied with the way we played well and won clearly," Lewandowski said. "We had the game under control and the second half we pushed a bit more and won the Cup.

"We gave everything for the double. At the end we can say that this season was very good for us," Lewandowski said.

Bayern winger Franck Ribery, who is leaving Munich along with Arjen Robben, came on as a late substitute to make a record eighth German Cup final appearance in his last game for the club.

Champions Bayern Munich beat RB Leipzig 3-0 on Saturday thanks to two goals from Robert Lewandowski to win their 19th German Cup and complete a domestic league and Cup double.

Champions Bayern Munich beat RB Leipzig 3-0 on Saturday thanks to two goals from Robert Lewandowski to win their 19th German Cup and complete a domestic league and Cup double. Bundesliga top scorer Lewandowski headed the champions into the lead in the 29th minute, wrong-footing keeper Peter Gulacsi, and Kingsley Coman`s superb first touch and shot in the 78th made it 2-0. Lewandowski sealed the win with a fine run and superb finish in the 85th minute. It was the 12th time Bayern won the double as coach Niko Kovac, who lifted the Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt last year and led them to 2017 final, became the first man to win the double with Bayern both as player and coach. But Bayern also had to thank keeper Manuel Neuer who returned from injury and made two superb point-blank saves to protect their one-goal lead. "It was the toughest opponent we could have had and we saw that in the opening 30 minutes," said Kovac, whose future at the club looks more secure after winning two titles in the past week. "Manuel Neuer kept us in the game with two superb saves but overall the victory was deserved," he said. "We had tough times back in October and November so compliments to the team. To be here with two titles makes me very proud." Leipzig enjoyed the better start and had the first big chance with Yussuf Poulsen`s header palmed on to the crossbar by Neuer in a reflex save before Lewandowski put them ahead. Coman came close to a second goal but his effort on an empty goal was headed away at the last moment by Ibrahima Konate. In a highly entertaining game, Neuer again comes to the rescue by stopping Emil Forsberg in a one-on-one situation. The Bavarians hit back with Coman to create a two-goal cushion before Poland striker Lewandowski struck again to kill off any lingering Leipzig hopes. "I am very satisfied with the way we played well and won clearly," Lewandowski said. "We had the game under control and the second half we pushed a bit more and won the Cup. "We gave everything for the double. At the end we can say that this season was very good for us," Lewandowski said. Bayern winger Franck Ribery, who is leaving Munich along with Arjen Robben, came on as a late substitute to make a record eighth German Cup final appearance in his last game for the club.

Robert Lewandowski strikes twice as Bayern seal German double

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski says he envisages finishing his career with the Bavarian club after this summer's talk of a possible transfer for the prolific Pole.

"I'm not thinking of changing club. I admit it, this summer it could have been a subject for debate but that's now all finished," Lewandowski said in an interview with German sports daily Bild.

"It's very likely that I'll stay here for a long time. I identify totally with Bayern," added the 30-year-old who joined Bayern in 2014 but who was on the radar of both Real Madrid and Chelsea in the summer.

Bayern bosses, however, averted a transfer, insisting that last season's top Bundesliga scorer, with 29 goals, was not for sale.

"I have the feeling that since all these rumours and problems were buried, I am once again with all my heart with Bayern, at 100 per cent."

Lewandowski, however, did urge Bayern to sign up some stars to help their bid for a first Champions League trophy since 2013.

The German champions have been linked with a big-money move for French World Cup-winning defender Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid.

"It would help us more if one or two world-class players join us rather than five good-level players," he said.

Bayern face a tough draw in Champions League last 16, where they will play Premier League leaders Liverpool, away on February 19 and home on March 13.

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski says he envisages finishing his career with the Bavarian club after this summer's talk of a possible transfer for the prolific Pole.

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski says he envisages finishing his career with the Bavarian club after this summer's talk of a possible transfer for the prolific Pole. "I'm not thinking of changing club. I admit it, this summer it could have been a subject for debate but that's now all finished," Lewandowski said in an interview with German sports daily Bild. "It's very likely that I'll stay here for a long time. I identify totally with Bayern," added the 30-year-old who joined Bayern in 2014 but who was on the radar of both Real Madrid and Chelsea in the summer. Bayern bosses, however, averted a transfer, insisting that last season's top Bundesliga scorer, with 29 goals, was not for sale. "I have the feeling that since all these rumours and problems were buried, I am once again with all my heart with Bayern, at 100 per cent." Lewandowski, however, did urge Bayern to sign up some stars to help their bid for a first Champions League trophy since 2013. The German champions have been linked with a big-money move for French World Cup-winning defender Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid. "It would help us more if one or two world-class players join us rather than five good-level players," he said. Bayern face a tough draw in Champions League last 16, where they will play Premier League leaders Liverpool, away on February 19 and home on March 13.

Robert Lewandowski envisages ending career at Bayern

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski scored once in each half and set up a third goal to steer the German champions, playing with 10 men, to a 3-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday for their first win in five games in all competitions.

The Poland striker opened his account on the half hour and doubled it four minutes after the re-start to give embattled Bayern a much-needed boost, a day after club bosses launched a scathing attack on the media while backing coach Niko Kovac and his players despite their dip in form.

"We had a lot of pressure," Kovac told reporters. "We wanted everyone to focus over 90 minutes and give it all for the club. The team did this unusually well and the final score is fully deserved.

"Overall it was a solid performance, even when we were down to 10 men. Even when they pulled a goal back we did not falter."

The game looked to be turning for the hosts in the 57th minute when Bayern winger Arjen Robben was sent off after a second booking. It was the Dutchman's first dismissal in more than seven years.

The Wolves then cut the deficit through Wout Weghorst six minutes later and launched an all-out offensive in search of the equaliser before James Rodriguez stunned the home crowed with a curling shot following a Lewandowski pass.

The win will no doubt ease some of the pressure on Kovac, in his first season at Bayern, and the team can earn more bonus points with fans if they beat AEK Athens in Greece in the Champions League next week.

Bayern, whose president Uli Hoeness and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on Friday accused the media of unfair and "shameful" reporting of their team's current form, are now provisionally in second place on 16 points, four behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski scored once in each half and set up a third goal to steer the German champions, playing with 10 men, to a 3-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday for their first win in five games in all competitions.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski scored once in each half and set up a third goal to steer the German champions, playing with 10 men, to a 3-1 victory over VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday for their first win in five games in all competitions. The Poland striker opened his account on the half hour and doubled it four minutes after the re-start to give embattled Bayern a much-needed boost, a day after club bosses launched a scathing attack on the media while backing coach Niko Kovac and his players despite their dip in form. "We had a lot of pressure," Kovac told reporters. "We wanted everyone to focus over 90 minutes and give it all for the club. The team did this unusually well and the final score is fully deserved. "Overall it was a solid performance, even when we were down to 10 men. Even when they pulled a goal back we did not falter." The game looked to be turning for the hosts in the 57th minute when Bayern winger Arjen Robben was sent off after a second booking. It was the Dutchman's first dismissal in more than seven years. The Wolves then cut the deficit through Wout Weghorst six minutes later and launched an all-out offensive in search of the equaliser before James Rodriguez stunned the home crowed with a curling shot following a Lewandowski pass. The win will no doubt ease some of the pressure on Kovac, in his first season at Bayern, and the team can earn more bonus points with fans if they beat AEK Athens in Greece in the Champions League next week. Bayern, whose president Uli Hoeness and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on Friday accused the media of unfair and "shameful" reporting of their team's current form, are now provisionally in second place on 16 points, four behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Robert Lewandowski double hands Bayern first win in five games

Two strikes from captain Robert Lewandowski followed by goals from Dawid Kownacki and Jakub Blaszczykowski gave Poland a 4-0 victory over Lithuania in their final pre-World Cup friendly in Warsaw on Tuesday.

Poland took the lead after 19 minutes when Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, preparing for his first appearance at a World Cup, finished a team move with a precise strike.

The 29-year-old doubled his tally after the half-hour mark from a free kick, following a foul on teammate Arkadiusz Milik. Lewandowski's strike cannoned off the bar and bounced out of the goal but the referee was informed by goal-line technology that the ball had indeed crossed the line.

Poland coach Adam Nawalka gave his talisman a rest at halftime, but the team continued to score in his absence. Sampdoria's Kownacki found the net after being set up by his club teammate Bartosz Bereszynski in the 71st minute.

Blaszczykowski completed the rout ten minutes later when he converted a penalty after the Video Assistant Referee signalled that Lithuania's Algis Jankauskas had handled the ball in the area.

Poland begins their World Cup Group H campaign in Moscow against Senegal on June 19, before facing Colombia and Japan.

Poland coach Adam Nawalka gave his talisman a rest at halftime, but the team continued to score in his absence

Two strikes from captain Robert Lewandowski followed by goals from Dawid Kownacki and Jakub Blaszczykowski gave Poland a 4-0 victory over Lithuania in their final pre-World Cup friendly in Warsaw on Tuesday. Poland took the lead after 19 minutes when Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski, preparing for his first appearance at a World Cup, finished a team move with a precise strike. The 29-year-old doubled his tally after the half-hour mark from a free kick, following a foul on teammate Arkadiusz Milik. Lewandowski's strike cannoned off the bar and bounced out of the goal but the referee was informed by goal-line technology that the ball had indeed crossed the line. Poland coach Adam Nawalka gave his talisman a rest at halftime, but the team continued to score in his absence. Sampdoria's Kownacki found the net after being set up by his club teammate Bartosz Bereszynski in the 71st minute. Blaszczykowski completed the rout ten minutes later when he converted a penalty after the Video Assistant Referee signalled that Lithuania's Algis Jankauskas had handled the ball in the area. Poland begins their World Cup Group H campaign in Moscow against Senegal on June 19, before facing Colombia and Japan.

Lithuania fall 4-1 to Poland in World Cup warm-up

Thomas Mueller says Bayern Munich could repeat their 2013 treble after crushing 10-man Besiktas 5-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Bayern have one foot in the quarter-finals with Besiktas facing a near impossible task for the return leg in Istanbul on March 14.

Both Mueller and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Bayern ran riot in the second half in Germany.

&quot;Everything is possible,&quot; Mueller said when asked whether Bayern can repeat their 2013 haul of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup titles.

However head coach Jupp Heynckes, 72, who oversaw the treble five years ago, insists Bayern must do better if they want all three titles again.

&quot;Any talk like that is the job of journalists, the Champions League is a different competition and we must improve,&quot; said Heynckes.

&quot;Everyone in the stadium saw that we found it hard in the first half.

&quot;We didn&#39;t find our rhythm and we were nervous -- I don&#39;t know my team like that.

&quot;In the first half there wasn&#39;t any tempo to our game, our passing was off and it allowed Besiktas to attack us more.

&quot;The opener before the break gave us a psychological advantage and in the second half we saw a different Bayern team.

&quot;We scored some great goals and played some good football.&quot;

- Costly red card -

Disaster struck for Besiktas after just 16 minutes at the Allianz Arena when Croatian defender Domagoj Vida was sent off for hauling down Lewandowski as he was through on goal.

Mueller broke the deadlock just before half-time when he scored his first from close range.

The floodgates then opened after the break as Kingsley Coman struck before Mueller poached his second.

Lewandowski then scored two late goals to leave him with 29 goals in all competitions this season, as Bayern -- 19 points clear in the league and through to the German Cup semi-finals -- claimed their 14th straight victory.

Mueller said the introduction of veteran wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery off the bench made the difference.

&quot;It&#39;s been five years since all our outfield players were fit and the trainer doesn&#39;t have it easy, but everyone who came on did a good job,&quot; said Mueller.

&quot;Arjen made us a bit more aggressive, Franck also did well and we need that extra bit of power from the bench.&quot;

Robben came on when James Rodriguez limped off with a calf injury on 44 minutes.

The Dutchman was heavily involved in Mueller and Lewandowski&#39;s second goals, but was unhappy at being left out of the starting side.

- &#39;Speak my mind&#39; -

&quot;Of course, I was disappointed, but I don&#39;t want to say any more because if I speak my mind, I will end up in front of &#39;Brazzo&#39; (Bayern&#39;s director of sport Hasan Salihamidizic),&quot; said Robben.

Like Ribery, Robben, who scored Bayern&#39;s winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final is out of contract in June.

However, Heynckes sees it as a positive to have so much experience on Bayern&#39;s bench.

&quot;I am very pleased to have a squad like this in case of injuries and illness in the future,&quot; he said.

&quot;Any top player like Arjen Robben wants to play from the start, but we have so many good players.

&quot;Anyone who signs a contract for Bayern Munich has to accept that they won&#39;t start every game.&quot;

Besiktas were making their debut in the knock-out stages of the Champions League and their head coach Senol Gunes said his side learned a harsh lesson.

&quot;We won or drew all our games in the group phase, but tonight the opponent was better,&quot; he said glumly.

&quot;After the sending off, it became too difficult for us.

&quot;We suffered mentally and physically, they took advantage.&quot;

Gunes swapped striker Vagner Love for defender Dusko Tosic in the second half, but it made little difference.

&quot;We tried to limit the damage and focus on the second half, but we couldn&#39;t manage it,&quot; said the Besiktas boss.

&quot;We are an attacking team, but we had to defend and we couldn&#39;t play our football because the opponent was too strong.&quot;

Thomas Mueller says Bayern Munich could repeat their 2013 treble after crushing 10-man Besiktas 5-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. Bayern have one foot in the quarter-finals with Besiktas facing a near impossible task for the return leg in Istanbul on March 14. Both Mueller and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Bayern ran riot in the second half in Germany. "Everything is possible," Mueller said when asked whether Bayern can repeat their 2013 haul of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup titles. However head coach Jupp Heynckes, 72, who oversaw the treble five years ago, insists Bayern must do better if they want all three titles again. "Any talk like that is the job of journalists, the Champions League is a different competition and we must improve," said Heynckes. "Everyone in the stadium saw that we found it hard in the first half. "We didn't find our rhythm and we were nervous -- I don't know my team like that. "In the first half there wasn't any tempo to our game, our passing was off and it allowed Besiktas to attack us more. "The opener before the break gave us a psychological advantage and in the second half we saw a different Bayern team. "We scored some great goals and played some good football." - Costly red card - Disaster struck for Besiktas after just 16 minutes at the Allianz Arena when Croatian defender Domagoj Vida was sent off for hauling down Lewandowski as he was through on goal. Mueller broke the deadlock just before half-time when he scored his first from close range. The floodgates then opened after the break as Kingsley Coman struck before Mueller poached his second. Lewandowski then scored two late goals to leave him with 29 goals in all competitions this season, as Bayern -- 19 points clear in the league and through to the German Cup semi-finals -- claimed their 14th straight victory. Mueller said the introduction of veteran wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery off the bench made the difference. "It's been five years since all our outfield players were fit and the trainer doesn't have it easy, but everyone who came on did a good job," said Mueller. "Arjen made us a bit more aggressive, Franck also did well and we need that extra bit of power from the bench." Robben came on when James Rodriguez limped off with a calf injury on 44 minutes. The Dutchman was heavily involved in Mueller and Lewandowski's second goals, but was unhappy at being left out of the starting side. - 'Speak my mind' - "Of course, I was disappointed, but I don't want to say any more because if I speak my mind, I will end up in front of 'Brazzo' (Bayern's director of sport Hasan Salihamidizic)," said Robben. Like Ribery, Robben, who scored Bayern's winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final is out of contract in June. However, Heynckes sees it as a positive to have so much experience on Bayern's bench. "I am very pleased to have a squad like this in case of injuries and illness in the future," he said. "Any top player like Arjen Robben wants to play from the start, but we have so many good players. "Anyone who signs a contract for Bayern Munich has to accept that they won't start every game." Besiktas were making their debut in the knock-out stages of the Champions League and their head coach Senol Gunes said his side learned a harsh lesson. "We won or drew all our games in the group phase, but tonight the opponent was better," he said glumly. "After the sending off, it became too difficult for us. "We suffered mentally and physically, they took advantage." Gunes swapped striker Vagner Love for defender Dusko Tosic in the second half, but it made little difference. "We tried to limit the damage and focus on the second half, but we couldn't manage it," said the Besiktas boss. "We are an attacking team, but we had to defend and we couldn't play our football because the opponent was too strong."

Mueller starts treble talk as Bayern rout Besiktas

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

Poland face a test of patience and their nerves when they open their Euro 2016 campaign against a Northern Ireland side who want to make themselves &quot;horrible&quot; to play against. 
 
Sunday&#39;s group C match will pit one of the most attack-minded of the 24 teams at Euro 2016 against a team who have made no bones about their intentions. 
 
Spearheaded by the attacking duo of Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik, Poland were the highest-scoring team in the qualifying competition with 33 goals, 13 of them coming from Bayern Munich&#39;s Lewandowski. 
 
Coach Adam Nawalka has turned them from a counter-attacking side into one that keeps possession and build attacks carefully. 
 
He has also bucked the trend of teams playing with a single, or no, striker, expressly to give Lewandowski more support, a tactic which has worked wonders so far. 
 
The huge expectations back home, however, will put Poland under considerable pressure as they attempt to pass the group stage at the Euros for the first time, and Northern Ireland are just the team to play on their anxiety. 
 
Northern Ireland have limited resources but manager Michael O&#39;Neill clearly knows their place and makes no apologies for a playing style which is likely to prove a test of endurance for spectators as well as the opposition. 
 
&ldquo;We are going to have to be horrible to play against,&rdquo; he said recently. &ldquo;We are going to be really good without the ball, run further than any other team, drill all the statistics back in their face. Sixty-five per cent possession? We don&rsquo;t expect to have that.&rdquo; 
 
The Euro debutants&#39; squad includes 13 players based with lower-tier sides in England, five from the English Premier League, four from the Scottish Premier League and one from Australia&#39;s A-League. None of them play in continental Europe. 
 
Despite this, they conceded only eight goals in qualifying and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, a run stretching back to March last year and the longest in the team&#39;s history. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s a fantastic achievement to be out here but having achieved that we want to leave our mark on the tournament,&quot; said O&#39;Neill. &quot;There is a sense of excitement for all of us. This is a new experience for myself (and) for all of the players.&quot; 
&nbsp;

And the Irish hope to be "horrible" to play against

Poland face a test of patience and their nerves when they open their Euro 2016 campaign against a Northern Ireland side who want to make themselves "horrible" to play against. Sunday's group C match will pit one of the most attack-minded of the 24 teams at Euro 2016 against a team who have made no bones about their intentions. Spearheaded by the attacking duo of Robert Lewandowski and Arkadiusz Milik, Poland were the highest-scoring team in the qualifying competition with 33 goals, 13 of them coming from Bayern Munich's Lewandowski. Coach Adam Nawalka has turned them from a counter-attacking side into one that keeps possession and build attacks carefully. He has also bucked the trend of teams playing with a single, or no, striker, expressly to give Lewandowski more support, a tactic which has worked wonders so far. The huge expectations back home, however, will put Poland under considerable pressure as they attempt to pass the group stage at the Euros for the first time, and Northern Ireland are just the team to play on their anxiety. Northern Ireland have limited resources but manager Michael O'Neill clearly knows their place and makes no apologies for a playing style which is likely to prove a test of endurance for spectators as well as the opposition. “We are going to have to be horrible to play against,” he said recently. “We are going to be really good without the ball, run further than any other team, drill all the statistics back in their face. Sixty-five per cent possession? We don’t expect to have that.” The Euro debutants' squad includes 13 players based with lower-tier sides in England, five from the English Premier League, four from the Scottish Premier League and one from Australia's A-League. None of them play in continental Europe. Despite this, they conceded only eight goals in qualifying and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, a run stretching back to March last year and the longest in the team's history. "It's a fantastic achievement to be out here but having achieved that we want to leave our mark on the tournament," said O'Neill. "There is a sense of excitement for all of us. This is a new experience for myself (and) for all of the players."

Poland face test of patience against Northern Ireland

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