Mueller Scores in 400th Game as Bayern Beat Wolfsburg
Thomas Mueller scored and set up a goal in his 400th Bundesliga game for Bayern Munich on Friday, and the champions went into the winter break nine points clear at the top.
A few minutes from the end, Robert Lewandowski also broke the record for most league goals in a calendar year. He volleyed in his 43rd goal for 2021 to break Gerd Mueller’s record of 42 set in 1972.
Müller opened the scoring in the seventh minute, tapping in on the rebound from Serge Gnabry’s shot that was mishandled by keeper Koen Casteels.
In the 57th minute, he set up Dayot Upamecano with a clever chip to head in their second goal before Leroy Sane curled a lovely shot into the top far corner two minutes later to end the game.
“I am very satisfied with the way we played,” said Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann. “It was a bit tougher in the first half when Wolfsburg were a bit more disciplined. We started well but then lost some possession.
“But we defended well and our second half was impressive with the way we were pressing extremely high. The result was deserved,” he added.
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Lewandowski was keen to conclude the year on a good note after losing the global player of the year title to Lionel Messi, but blasted over the bar in the 66th minute and was subsequently stopped at point-blank range by Casteels’ excellent goalkeeping.
However, he did not miss from close range in the 87th minute, handing toothless Wolfsburg their fourth successive league defeat and eighth in a row overall.
Lewandowski now has 19 league goals this season, two more than the whole Wolfsburg club.
The Wolves slip to 12th, three points clear of the relegation playoff berth.
Bayern Munich, who are seeking a record-extending tenth consecutive league title, are on 43 points, while Borussia Dortmund, who are in second place on 34 points, go to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
Bayern is also on course to exceed the Bundesliga record for most league goals in a season (101) established by Bayern in 1971-72.
