Bayer Leverkusen extended their lead in Bundesliga after beating second-placed Bayern Munich 3-0.
BERLIN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Front runners Bayer Leverkusen established a five-point gap atop the standings after upsetting defending champions Bayern Munich 3-0 thanks to goals from Josip Stanisic, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong in the 21st round on Saturday.
Both sides started cautiously into the encounter as Bayern controlled possession, while Leverkusen lurked for counterattack opportunities.
As the match progressed, Leverkusen took over and created a clearcut chance in the 18th minute, when Florian Wirtz's through ball allowed Amine Adli to test Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a low shot.
Neuer was hapless moments later as Robert Andrich's low square pass to the far post found Bayern loanee Stanisic, who tapped home the opener with all time and space.
The Werkself gained momentum and pressed for another goal but Neuer defused Nathan Tella's effort from tight angle as well as Jonathan Tah's dangerous header on target in quick succession.
Bayern posed no threat to Leverkusen's defense hence the German record champions chanced its luck with long-range efforts, but Noussair Mazraoui couldn't overcome Leverkusen custodian Lukas Hradecky at the half-hour mark.
The hosts kept Bayern on the distance for the most of the first half only Leroy Sane came close but pulled wide from promising position in the closing stages.
Leverkusen came out with its guns blazing and doubled its advantage five minutes into the second half as Tella and Grimaldo exchanged passes before Girmaldo put the ball past Neuer from tight angle.
Xabi Alonso's men remained on the front foot and nearly made it three at the hour mark, but Grimaldo rattled only the crossbar.
Bayern lacked in penetration and in ideas whereas Leverkusen remained active and got rewarded. Joker Frimpong hit the right post following a fast break in the 88th minute before putting the result beyond doubt in the injury time after finishing off a counter into the empty goal.
"We played very well. We staged a disciplined and compact performance. The opener was important. We were able to create chances but keeping Bayern at bay. I am proud of the boys," commented Leverkusen coach Alonso.
In other matches, Augsburg held Leipzig to a 2-2 draw by courtesy of Ermedin Demirovic's equalizer.
Union Berlin secured a 1-0 win and extended Wolfsburg's winless run to six games.
Werder Bremen's unbeaten run of seven games came to an end as Heidenheim secured a 2-1 win on the road.
Eintracht Frankfurt shared the spoils with Bochum after a 1-1 stalemate while last placed Darmstadt secured vital point in the relegation battle following goalless draw. ■
