Another record for peerless Bayern in Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg - FC Bayern München racked up a record 16th successive Bundesliga win after coming from behind to beat VfL Wolfsburg 6-1 at the Volkswagen Arena.
Naldo opener
Xherdan Shaqiri cancelled out Naldo's surprise opener, paving the way for a gala second-half performance that included a brace apiece from Thomas Müller and Mario Mandzukic as well as a first goal in over a month for returning winger Franck Ribery.
Wolfsburg received an ominous early warning when Arjen Robben had a goal chalked off for offside, before Shaqiri controlled from Müller and warmed the palms of Swiss international team-mate Diego Bengalio.
Bayern were beginning to settle into their insatiable stride, only for a rare lapse in concentration to turn the contest abruptly in the Wolves' favour. Kevin De Bruyne's cross was measured to perfection and with the visiting back four ball-watching, Naldo arrived at the far post to stick away his second Bundesliga goal of the current campaign.
Shaq attack
It was only the second time all season Bayern had shipped the opening goal, but they weren't behind for long after a penalty box scrimmage ended with Shaqiri rifling in, Müller making sure after Benaglio scooped the ball out. The pint-sized Swiss flier thundered another fierce effort against the steel-like hands of Benaglio, before Robben sent a sizzling effort inches over the crossbar.
To their credit, Wolfsburg continued to give as good they got, with De Bruyne spurning a gilt-edged opportunity, Daniel Caligiuri almost getting the better of Neuer and Jerome Boateng denying Bas Dost a near-certain goal after another incisive Wolves counter. The chances were coming thick and fast at both ends, but neither Robben, Ivan Perisic nor Müller could make them count.
Class above
The signs were nevertheless plain to see for Dieter Hecking's men, who soon caved to the growing pressure when Müller collected substitute Thiago Alcantara's sublime reverse pass and rounded Benaglio to put Bayern in front. Guardiola's tinkering was working a treat, with Mandzukic sweeping Rafinha's inviting cross into the net having himself only been on the pitch for nine minutes.
Bayern were cruising, stretching their lead courtesy of Ribery's unstoppable low drive after a selfless bit of play from Robben. Wolfsburg could have at least restored a measure of pride, but Dost was unable to steer his close-range strike beyond Neuer and was made to pay when Müller and Mandzukic added goals five and six to punctuate an emphatic second-half display and extend the Bavarians' unbeaten Bundesliga run to a staggering 49 matches.
Line-ups and statistics
Christopher Mayer-Lodge
