Lewandowski penalty fires Bayern past Augsburg | OneFootball

A first-half penalty from Robert Lewandowski was enough to see Bayern Munich past a stubborn Augsburg side and maintain their lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Hansi Flick made just the one change with Alphonso Davies being replaced by Lucas Hernandez, while Serge Gnabry was passed fit for the clash.

Bayern dominated from the first whistle, controlling possession and forcing Augsburg to defend in numbers. There was a clear intent for Hansi Flick’s side to put several balls into the box with Augsburg not being able to deal with the constant barrage.

Bayern’s pressure paid off just 12 minutes in as Lucas Hernandez was caught by a kick from Rani Khedira and the referee pointed to the spot. Robert Lewandowski stepped up and slotted home his 22nd goal of the season.

Hansi Flick’s side was completely dominant with Augsburg not offering anything going forward as Bayern could do as they please.

Serge Gnabry had a chance to double his side’s lead after great build-up play from Lewandowski and Joshua Kimmich with Gnabry’s shot well saved from Rafal Gikiewicz. The rebound fell to Thomas Muller who fired wide.

Bayern had chance after chance with Robert Lewandowski, Kingsley Coman, and Thomas Muller all having great chances however could not find the net as the German champions owned the first half.

Augsburg did not have a single shot on goal in the first half while Bayern had 15, somehow Augsburg managed to get to half time just one goal down and miraculously still in the match.

Augsburg came out in the second half a completely different side as they dominated the early exchanges and looked more of a threat going forward as they searched for an equalizer.

Bayern slowly grew into the half and got the game back on their terms, however only briefly. Hansi Flick decided to make changes just 20 minutes into the half and one was surprising. Serge Gnabry was taken off for Leroy Sane and Robert Lewandowski was replaced by Corentin Tolisso with Thomas Muller now playing through the middle.

Augsburg’s pressure paid off with just 15 minutes to go as they were awarded the match’s second penalty. Benjamin Pavard was deemed to have handled the ball and the referee pointed to the spot. It was a glorious opportunity for Augsburg to draw level, however, Finnbogason’s shot cannoned off the upright and spared Bayern’s blushes.

Despite the miss, Augsburg was still in control and they looked the more likely to score. Bayern looked ragged at the back and substitute Fredrik Jensen had a chance to bring his side level, however, his shot blazed over the bar.

It was a truly enthralling match with Augsburg pressing for an equalizer and Bayern sitting back soaking up the pressure. Hansi Flick brought on Javi Martinez to replace Thomas Muller to shore up his side in defence.

Augsburg had a chance at the death to grab a point, with Felix Uduokhai rising to meet a cross at the back post, but his header went wide as Bayern held on for a nervy 1-0 victory.

The win sees Bayern maintain their four-point lead over RB Leipzig at the top of the Bundesliga, while Augsburg remains in 12th. Up next for Bayern is bottom of the table Schalke, a team who they thumped 8-0 on the opening day of the season.