Four days before they host Liverpool in their Champions League last 16 second leg, the Bavarians were brutally efficient, scoring twice in three minutes through Serge Gnabry and Lewandowski late in the first half to take control. James Rodriguez fired in their third in the 52nd and Thomas Mueller, dropped along with Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng from the national team this week, added their fourth. Goals from Joshua Kimmich and Lewandowski completed their rout. Bundesliga Highlights: Lewandowski breaks Muller's goalscoring record in Bayern win 24/05/2021 AT 09:45 Bayern are on 57 points, ahead on goal difference from Dortmund, who won 3-1 against strugglers VfB Stuttgart. It was also the 12th consecutive defeat for Wolfsburg coach Bruno Labbadia against Bayern, more than any other coach against a single opponent. Bundesliga Lewandowski breaks Muller’s 49-year record with 41st Bundesliga goal of season 22/05/2021 AT 15:43<doc-sep>Cristiano Ronaldo is facing the real possibility of crashing out of the Champions League this week. Despite dominating Europe with Real Madrid over the last three seasons, his first campaign with Juventus could be ending in the round of 16 and against his old rivals Atletico Madrid at that. The Old Lady slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat during the first leg with goals from Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin leaving the Italians with a mountain to climb. And Ronaldo himself was slammed in the Italian media with one newspaper writing: "Juve signed Ronaldo to make the difference in these games. Against Atletico he seemed just like any other player." However, if there is any consolation, Juventus have home advantage in the second leg and will be hoping to produce a comeback similar to that of Manchester United's last week. Juventus vs Atletico Madrid They can also take inspiration from Ronaldo's remarkable goal-scoring record against Atletico, having scored 22 times during Madrid derbies. There is no substitute for experience and even if we remove those factors, Ronaldo has faced a 2-0 deficit during the Champions League knockout stages before. We have to rewind to the 2015-16 season when goals from Ricardo Rodriguez and Maximilian Arnold saw Los Blancos on the brink of quarter-final elimination against Wolfsburg. Ronaldo's masterclass vs Wolfsburg Of course, Real Madrid would eventually turn things around, winning the second leg 3-0 and bagging their first Champions League crown under Zinedine Zidane. And while all the players contributed, it was Ronaldo who stole the show - scoring a hat-trick to deliver one of his all-time greatest performances in Europe. The Portuguese eliminated the deficit with two goals in the opening 17 minutes, before wrapping up the tie with a trademark free-kick late on. So, ahead of Ronaldo's plan to replicate that performance, it makes sense to look back at his 2016 masterclass and enjoy his brilliance that day. Take a look below: Ronaldo and the Champions League, it's a match made in heaven. There are days when the greatest of players - like Ronaldo - come into their own and can literally turn a game on its head. That match against Wolfsburg was one of those days. Now, it goes without saying that Ronaldo has a much tougher task on his hands this time around and the current Atletico team will be harder to break down than Wolfsburg. Nevertheless, it would be unwise to write off Juventus, especially when their star player has such a remarkable record in European competition. Ronaldo might need a little more help from his teammates this time around, but he's been there, done that and won't give up his Champions League domination without a fight. Do you think Juventus can turn things around vs Atletico? Have your say in the comments section below. News Now - Sport News<doc-sep>Bayern Munich are heating up just at the right moment. Niko Kovac seems to have finally gotten through to his team of stars as the Bavarian giants have been dominant on both ends of the pitch. Following a defensive masterclass against Liverpool, Kovac has unleashed his side’s attacking prowess, while maintaining a stranglehold on the opposition attack. Not even an ill-timed and seemingly poor decision to exile Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller from the National Team could slow the German juggernaut. In fact, Sandro Wagner was (unsurprisingly) right. Bayern are playing like a team with a chip on their shoulder and a fire in their bellies. Today’s performance was absolutely faultless from the manager to the ball boys to the Südkurve. Jurgen Klopp must be worried as Liverpool prepare for a trip to the Allianz Arena. Note: Literally every player could have been selected for an award. Jersey Swap: Bruno Labbadia and Koen Casteels A huge shout-out to Bruno Labbadia who is winless in his last FIFTEEN matches against Bayern Munich in all competitions. He was even nice enough to help the Bavarian giants overcome a four-goal differential to overtake Borussia Dortmund for the league lead. On a more serious note, Koen Casteels performed valiantly in defeat. The Beglian keeper faced 12 shots on target, saving six. He really didn’t have much of a chance on any of the six goals scored by the Bavarians. Tip of the Cap: Serge Gnabry Serge Gnabry is turning into one of Bayern’s most consistent threats in the attacking third. His movement in and around the box resembles that of a striker, while his pace and ability on the ball place him in an elite attacking class. His first goal was a brilliant tap-in, for which he cut across the face of the Wolfsburg defense to connect with Thomas Müller’s driven cross. Gnabry’s next moment of class put his improved decision-making on full display as he received a well-weighted through-ball and slid it across the face of the goal to Lewandowski for an easy finish. He could have gone for goal himself, but his unselfishness ensured his Polish teammate could guide the ball into the back of the net. Two key passes, a goal and an assist make a solid shift for the German winger, who was subbed early into the second half to rest ahead of the midweek tie with Liverpool. Kovac’s men need more of the same if they want to advance past Jurgen Klopp and the Reds. Golf Clap: Robert Lewandowski Two goals and a record-breaking performance for the Polish Hitman don’t even begin to explain the quality of Robert Lewandowski’s performance. The Bundesliga’s top-scoring foreign player put on a clinic in hold-up play and served as the focal point of the Bayern attack all afternoon. His ability to link with the midfield and his wingers allowed attackers to flood forward, leaving Wolfsburg with little to do but grab the ball out of the back of the net. Three dribbles, one key pass, and an active display make this a Man-of-the-Match-worthy performance. Lewandowski makes Bundesliga history pic.twitter.com/Rs4CNBBj0w — B/R Football (@brfootball) March 9, 2019 Standing Ovation: James Rodriguez James Rodriguez looked his old self tonight as he pulled the strings from central midfield. His vision and passing absolutely dissected the Wolfsburg back line all match. With three key passes, three accurate crosses and four accurate long balls, the former-Madrid man was precision personified. In addition to his passing prowess and a gorgeous goal from the top of the box, the Colombian play-maker made multiple passes that led to goals or goal-scoring opportunities. He was truly untouchable in the midfield today. A confident James bodes extremely well as Bayern gear up to face a Liverpool midfield with Fabinho at the base. Meister of the Match: Thomas Müller TAKE THAT JOGI LÖW! The Raumdeuter raumdeuter’d all game in Munich. He looked like a man on a mission on the right wing, connecting with Joshua Kimmich, drifting inside, and pressing relentlessly. His pinpoint cross to find Gnabry opened the scoring and his deft flick left Casteels frozen in position for the fourth. He gave the Wolfsburg back line and midfield fits all afternoon as he consistently changed his point of attack opening up space for Joshua Kimmich, James Rodriguez and Robert Lewandowski alike. He will be missed in the midweek match against Liverpool, but if the Bavarians can advance he will be vital as Bayern challenge across three competitions. Honorable Mentions Thiago Alcantara : The Spanish maestro continues to serve as the heartbeat of Niko Kovac’s side. Four key passes, three interceptions and a 95% (!) pass accuracy tell you all you need to know about the performance of Bayern’s number 6. His assist provided the cherry on top of yet another metronomic display. : The Spanish maestro continues to serve as the heartbeat of Niko Kovac’s side. Four key passes, three interceptions and a 95% (!) pass accuracy tell you all you need to know about the performance of Bayern’s number 6. His assist provided the cherry on top of yet another metronomic display. Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng: TAKE THAT JOGI LOW x2!! Hummels and Boateng are both worthy of a shout for any of the match awards, but such a dominating attacking display bumps them to honorable mention. The Volkswagen club only managed one shot on target and this was largely due to their sound defending, positioning and decision-making with the ball. This duo has something to prove after a trying couple of seasons, but this performance served as a flashback to the 2014 World Cup winning partnership. TAKE THAT JOGI LOW x2!! Hummels and Boateng are both worthy of a shout for any of the match awards, but such a dominating attacking display bumps them to honorable mention. The Volkswagen club only managed one shot on target and this was largely due to their sound defending, positioning and decision-making with the ball. This duo has something to prove after a trying couple of seasons, but this performance served as a flashback to the 2014 World Cup winning partnership. Joshua Kimmich: On any other night, Kimmich would have received a match award for an active attacking display that saw him score a goal, complete five accurate long passes, and three quite impressive dribbles. He too, will be missed against Liverpool. On any other night, Kimmich would have received a match award for an active attacking display that saw him score a goal, complete five accurate long passes, and three quite impressive dribbles. He too, will be missed against Liverpool. Franck Ribery : Enough said. What did you think of tonight’s performance?<doc-sep>
Bayern Munich looked motivated, crisp, and dangerous in its impressive victory over Wolfsburg. Here are some quick hitters on the match: After a tumultuous week off the field (thanks to the ever-arrogant Joachim Low), Thomas Muller , Jerome Boateng , and Mats Hummels responded to their unceremoniously axing from Die Mannschaft like true competitors. Each player was terrific against Wolfsburg, especially Muller, who had a goal and an assist, and looked tremendous throughout the contest. The message to Low was loud and clear: The national team legends have much more to offer. , , and responded to their unceremoniously axing from Die Mannschaft like true competitors. Each player was terrific against Wolfsburg, especially Muller, who had a goal and an assist, and looked tremendous throughout the contest. The message to Low was loud and clear: The national team legends have much more to offer. Serge Gnabry continues to be a menace on the wing. Aside of his goal, his mature and smart decision to feed Robert Lewandowski for the Poland international’s first goal shows how the 23-year-old is maturing with each game. continues to be a menace on the wing. Aside of his goal, his mature and smart decision to feed for the Poland international’s first goal shows how the 23-year-old is maturing with each game. Lewandowski’s record-setting performance was excellent as well. The Polish Hitman’s brace showed just how lethal he can be heading into the Champions League showdown with Liverpool. It was good to see James Rodriguez find his goal scoring touch. The Colombia international star had missed several opportunities over his past handful of games, but the 27-year-old came through yesterday and had a very good game overall. find his goal scoring touch. The Colombia international star had missed several opportunities over his past handful of games, but the 27-year-old came through yesterday and had a very good game overall. Rafinha was solid against the Wolves. He’ll likely need to be a bit more conservative against Liverpool where he will play for suspended starter Joshua Kimmich (yellow card accumulation), but it was a good showing for the 33-year-old. The veteran turned in a solid effort in filling in for David Alaba yesterday and can hopefully build from that performance. (yellow card accumulation), but it was a good showing for the 33-year-old. The veteran turned in a solid effort in filling in for yesterday and can hopefully build from that performance. Don’t let the scoreline fool you, Wolfsburg is a very good team competing for a spot in European football next season. That said, a motivated Bayern is a devastating Bayern. If you missed our Match Awards or Observations, give them a look: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola visited Munich back in November, but it allegedly had nothing to do with Die Roten. The mysterious visit of Pep Guardiola in Munich has nothing to do with a possible return to Bayern. There is now a new change rumor. The Catalan could still leave Manchester City in the summer. The goal is to be Juventus Turin. At least that’s what the Italian journalist Luigi Guelpa claims at the radio station CRC . “I learned that Pep Guardiola has reached an oral agreement with Juventus Turin over the next four years,” said the reporter from the Daily Il Giornale. The source is “the same person who has already announced the move from Cristiano Ronaldo to Italy. It would be an earthquake!” Not a bad way to spend your first visit to the Allianz Arena. I don’t know this person, but well done! Real Madrid is jumping into the fray for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe. According to latest French news, Real Madrid are challenging both Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona over Ivorian international winger/forward Nicolas Pepe (23). Lille are putting the player up for sale on an about 45 million euros exit fee. Marco Reus and his Borussia Dortmund teammates are certainly not going to wilt in the face of a challenge. Der Klassiker should be off-the-charts on April 6th. American midfielder Taylor Booth made his debut for the Bayern U19 squad. Check out the details here.