Bayern Munich Net Four in Must Win Over Frankfurt

By Peter Herrnreiter

Another capacity crowd filled the Allianz Arena in Munich today to watch the 14^th round of the 2010-11 Bundesliga campaign kick off as Bayern Munich netted four largely important goals against Eintracht Frankfurt.  The win boosted the Bavarians up to fifth spot on 23 points as the visitors dropped to eighth, just three points behind.

A few changes were made by manager Louis van Gaal from the side that lost to AS Roma at midweek.    Hans-Joerg Butt found himself in his normal role between the sticks and captain Mark von Bommel made his long anticipated return, though started the match on the bench.  Bastian Schweinsteiger and Breno also found themselves back in form in Munich, while Toni Kross was placed along side Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.  French international, Frank Ribéry, who saw slight action in Roma at midweek also featured in his first start since August.

Both sides were able to make their mark on the match early, as Bayern netted what seemed to be the opener in only the tenth minute through Mario Gomez, however the inform striker was ruled offside.  Three minutes later, the eventual Frankfurt goal scorer Theofanis Gekas capitalized on some sloppy defending to take a tight angled shot on net which was cleared off the line by Breno.

Bayern were eventually able to swing the momentum back in their favor as Tymoshchuk broke the deadlock in the 29^th via a Thomas Mueller pass at the top of the box.  The blast to the left post was far too strong for Frankfurt keeper Oka Nikolov to handle.

The lead lasted only four minutes however, as Gekas’ headed clanged off the post, though we was able to follow-up his own rebound to level the score.  The home side were soon able to compose themselves and push forward for a second, however chances via Ribéry, Daniel van Buyten and Mueller went begging.

After the restart, Bayern kept the pressure on the Frankfurt backline and their efforts paid dividends as Gomez and Mueller both tallied two minutes apart.  Tymoshchuk, who had scored the opener, netted a late brace in the 88^th minute to mark the final and much deserved 4-1 scoreline.

Bayern Munich will travel to Gelsenkirchen next weekend to face Schalke 04, while Frankfurt will host second place Mainz.