Mueez Ajao
– Bayern Munich needed a late Robert Lewandowski penalty to squeeze past Augsburg at the Allianz Arena.
– Following Wednesday’s Champions League defeat by Villarreal, the Bundesliga leaders again failed to convince against a side just seven points above the relegation play-offs.
– Lewandowski’s 23rd goal in 19 games against them secured the win after Reece Oxford’s handball.
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– The Bavarians now sit nine points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top.
– A frustrating first half saw Bayern struggle to find any rhythm against a robust Augsburg defence. Lewandowski was left isolated in attack, while neither Leroy Sane nor Serge Gnabry could make inroads from wide positions.
– For all of the home side’s possession, Augsburg looked a threat on the counter-attack and went close through Ruben Vargas 10 minutes before half-time.
– It was much the same story in the second half, Bayern’s play laborious and chances a rarity. Julian Nagelsmann sent on Jamal Musiala, but they still struggled to find their edge.
– With eight minutes remaining, the hosts were awarded a penalty after the video assistant referee deemed that former West Ham defender Oxford had handled the ball in the area.
– Lewandowski scored to snatch all three points, much to Nagelsmann’s relief.
