Müller scores in milestone match as Bayern beat Gladbach
Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller crowned his 250th Bundesliga appearance with a goal as the league leaders overcame Borussia Mönchengladbach 1-0 to go 13 points clear at the top.
Gladbach 0-1 Bayern
Goals: 0-1 Müller (63')
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Bayern wasted little time in asserting their authority on the game, monopolising possession as they probed Gladbach's defence for an opening. They only managed to create half-chances until just before the break, when Arjen Robben struck the post with a trademark curling shot after cutting in from the right. Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer then made an astonishing reflex save to deny Robert Lewandowski's diving header on the rebound to ensure the sides went in level at half-time.
Bayern were repeatedly frustrated by the hosts' resilient rearguard in the second period, but eventually found the net when Müller collected Thiago's excellent pass into the box to slot past Sommer. Gladbach continued to threaten on the counter-attack but lacked the necessary precision in the final third to do any damage. Bayern looked the side more likely to score again, but there were to be no further goals in an entertaining spectacle to round out the weekend.
Man of the match
With more touches and passes than anyone else on the pitch, Thiago was once again sensational for Bayern and proved to be the key to unlocking the Gladbach defence with an excellent assist for Müller's goal.
Talking point
Boasting a commanding lead at the summit and with just nine games left to play, Carlo Ancelotti looks well on course to win the league title in his maiden Bundesliga season with Bayern.
Match stats
- Müller made his 250th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern in this match.Robben's shot off the post was the 18th time Bayern have hit the woodwork this season.Javi Martinez has won each of the last 15 away games he's played in the Bundesliga, equalling a record set by team-mate Franck Ribery.
Line-ups
Gladbach: Sommer – Elvedi, Christensen, Vestergaard, Wendt (c) – Herrmann (Hazard 64'), Jantschke (Drmic 73'), Strobl, Hahn (Benes 81') – Hofmann, Raffael
Coach: Dieter Hecking
Bayern: Neuer – Lahm (c), Martinez, Hummels, Alaba – Alonso (Kimmich 77'), Thiago – Robben (Sanches 85'), Müller, Ribery (Coman 73') - Lewandowski
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Watch: Müller reacts to reaching the 250-game milestone