It had all the makings of a classic. It was one versus two in the Bundesliga table as Dortmund visited Munich to face the reigning champions, Bayern Munich, in the latest “Der Klassiker.”
It wasn’t a classic, but it was a statement from Bayern, as it rolled to a 5-1 win.
Two goals each from Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski on either side of halftime were the difference in the match, which ended up being a very comfortable victory for the champions.
What it means: Is it too early to declare the Bundesliga title race decided? I don’t think so. This was a battle between the first- and second-place teams, and the gulf is every bit as wide as the score would suggest.
Table watch: Bayern Munich has a maximum 24 points through eight matches atop the table, while Dortmund remains in second place on 17 points.
Men of the match: Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski each had a pair of goal for Bayern. Dortmund’s effort was very poor, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did manage a goal in a losing effort.
Key moment: Lewandowski’s goal just 22 seconds into the second half set the tone for an emphatic second half and took the lid off of a goal barrage from Bayern.
Stat of the day: Lewandowski has now scored 12 times in his last four matches.
Stat of the day, part two: This game marks the fourth time this season that Bayern has tallied at least five goals.
What’s next?: After the break, Bayern visits Werder Bremen on Saturday, Oct. 17. Dortmund returns to action the day before with a trip to Mainz.
