Lewandowski scores with right, left, and head in 5-0 Bayern rout
Any hopes that Eintracht Frankfurt could pull off another sensational upset of German giants FC Bayern München were dashed early. Another Robert Lewandowski hat-trick led the on-fire Bavarians to another romp.
Hans Dieter Flick's FC Bayern München have come full circle. Almost exactly one year after die Adler of Eintracht Frankfurt lit up Niko Kovac's FCB 5-1 to plunge the club into disarray, the new-and-improved German record-champions remained fully dominant in a 5-0 blanking.
The early going did supply the Bavarian XI with something of a scare. Starting left fullback Alphonso Davies twisted his ankle and had to be subbed off in the 3rd minute. Nothing came of the potential set-back. Lucas Hernandez simply suited up to take over the position, as he has done so seamlessly in recent weeks.
Within seven minutes Bayern had the opening goal. A lovely combination play between Kingsley Coman and Thomas Müller in the 10th eventually found its way to Lewandowski. The prolific Pollack finished with his left boot from 10 meters out.
The UEFA footballer of the year would finish again with his head fourteen minutes later. This time Joshua Kimmich served up the assist off a corner. Frankfurt's Stefan Ilsanker stood no chance on the aerial duel.
SGE trainer Adi Hütter brought on Timothy Chandler and Amin Younes at the break. The attempt to freshen up options on the wings proved futile. Douglas Costa played Lewandowski through with a centralized split-pass in the 61st. Making no mistake, this time the super-striker finished with his right foot.
Leroy Sané scored in his re-introduction to the team twelve minutes later. The left-flank attacker looked very fit with a smooth solo dribble and well-placed shot into the far corner. Jamal Musiala would add a fifth two minutes into injury time.
There was also loads of other thrilling action in a wild set of 15:30 kickoffs. Gladbach pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over a surprisingly sharp Mainz side. A late penalty allowed RB Leipzig to slip past Hertha BSC 2-1. SC Freiburg and FC Union Berlin ended 1-1.