German champions, Bayern Munich have extended their lead in the Bundesliga after a convincing win at Bayer Leverkusen. The Bavarians defeated Leverkusen 3-1 thanks to an inspired man of the match performance from Colombia international, James Rodriguez.
The on-loan playmaker from Real Madrid scored and assisted another goal as Juup Heynckes’ side continued from where they left off before the winter break.
Javi Martinez put Bayern 1-0 up at half time, with Franck Ribery doubling their advantage 14 minutes after the break.
However, Kevin Volland gave the home side hope when he pulled a goal back in the 70th minute. But Rodriguez ensured the visitors had the last laugh when he sealed the win with a deliciously taken late free kick.
“The team played well,” Bayern’s manager, Heynckes said after the game. “We lost a bit of our concentration after 2-0 and [made] errors with the ball. But it’s just tough to win here,” he added.
Leverkusen were on a 12-game unbeaten run prior to the game, but that run has now come to an end just a game into their return from the mid-season break.
Bayern have now moved 14points clear of their nearest challengers, Schalke 04, who are away at RB Leipzig on Saturday, while Leverkusen stay fourth, 16points adrift of their victorious visitors.
