Thomas Müller (2nd l.) and Bayern München eased to a comfortable 4-0 victory at home to SC Paderborn on Matchday 5
Thomas Müller (2nd l.) and Bayern München eased to a comfortable 4-0 victory at home to SC Paderborn on Matchday 5

Dominant Bayern brush Paderborn aside

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Munich - There was to be no fairytale giant-killing at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night as FC Bayern München clinically defeated promoted side SC Paderborn 07 4-0.

At the double

Early goals from Mario Götze and Robert Lewandowski set the tone for a game the hosts dominated from start to finish. Götze struck another after the break before Thomas Müller crowned a fine display with a neat finish from close range.

After resting a handful of first-team regulars away to Hamburger SV at the weekend, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola restored several of his stars to the starting XI, with Götze, Lewandowski and Xabi Alonso all on the pitch from the off. The visitors started brightly and had a half-chance to take the lead when Elias Kachunga’s sideways scissor-kick flew just over, but after that it was one-way traffic towards the Paderborn goal as Bayern exerted their authority.

It didn’t take long for their pressure to take its toll as Müller teed up Götze ten yards out, and Bayern’s No19 made no mistake by slotting the ball home. The hosts doubled their lead shortly afterwards following sublime skill from Lewandowski, whose effort was too powerful for Paderborn keeper Lukas Kruse. Not content to be two ahead, the defending Bundesliga champions were relentless, having close to 80 per cent possession at times and frequently getting behind the visiting defence.

Chance for Paderborn


However, the promoted side had a wonderful opportunity to pull one back midway through the half when Moritz Stoppelkamps' pass sliced open the Bayern defence only for Idir Ouali to fail to get the better of Manuel Neuer when clear through on goal. Bayern eased off as half-time approached but could still have added to their lead following good chances for Robben and Götze.

The match continued in the same vein after the break as the Bavarians played keep-ball in midfield, patiently probing the Paderborn defence and going close several times through David Alaba, Gözte and Robben. Nevertheless, the guests refused to wave the white flag, and their swift breaks occasionally caused the reigning champions problems. Süleyman Koc could even have reduced the arrears when Stoppelkamp’s pass picked him out unmarked in the box, but he snatched at his shot which failed to find the target.

Götze again


Paderborn were left to rue their profligacy when Bayern put the result beyond all doubt in the closing stages. A typically darting run from Robben created the opportunity and his cutback from the right found Müller, whose first-time shot was well saved by Kruse, only for the ball to fall to Götze, who lashed into the net from close range.

Müller flicked in a fourth late on from another Robben cross and the result was fully deserved, although Paderborn can take heart from a brave display despite being outplayed. Victory returned Bayern to the league summit on 11 points, as Paderborn succumbed to their first defeat in the top flight.

Line-ups and statistics

Jonathan Stockitt reporting from the Allianz Arena