Lewandowski double gives Bayern 3-2 win at Dortmund and four-point lead

Dortmund, December 5 (BNA): Top scorer Robert Lewandowski scored two goals, including a penalty kick in the second half, to lead the German champions to a decisive 3-2 victory over rivals Borussia Dortmund, and advance by four points to the top of the league. The Bundesliga.

The Polish opened his account in the ninth minute to equalize after Dortmund took an early lead through Julian Brandt, then converted a controversial penalty in the 77th minute to seal the victory with his 16th goal of the season, Reuters reported.

Kingsley Coman put Bayern in front one minute before the end of the first half before Erling Haaland equalized for the hosts with a superb goal in the 48th minute.

In an action-packed confrontation, Dortmund coach Marco Rose was sent off with a second reservation for objection after the penalty decision.

Bayern, who is chasing its tenth league title, raised its score to 34 points with its sixth consecutive league victory over its rival, leaving Dortmund in second place with 30 points. Bayer Leverkusen is in third place with 27 points.

“I think we deserved to win, but I also understand the discussions about my penalty situation,” Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann said.

The entertaining first half

Dortmund were furious over Bayern’s penalty decision after they were denied a VAR review in their earlier penalty suit.

“It was a very tough match that deserved its reputation,” Nagelsmann said. “We could have scored more in the first half.” “Dortmund did it well at the beginning of the second half but we found our rhythm again and we controlled well.”

The match immediately returned to its billing level as Haaland managed to pass the ball after two minutes and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer cleared the ball in time.

Brandt did it better a little later, peeling off his mark and stunting the lead.

Bayern equalized after four minutes when defender Mats Hummels clumsily tried to clear a high ball before Thomas Muller fired it, but the ball fell to Lewandowski.

In a very interesting and comprehensive first half in front of a limited crowd of 15,000 spectators, both teams had their share of chances, with Haaland firing in sight after the half hour mark and Koeman twice close to the visitors.

The winger got the score sheet one minute before the end of the first half when, after another gifting from Dortmund, the French player fired a shot to defeat goalkeeper Gregor Copil.

Three minutes into the second half, it was Dortmund’s turn to come back, as Judd Bellingham put the ball in for Haaland on the left and the Norwegian scored his 51st goal in his 51st game in the Bundesliga with a superb shot into the top corner.

But Hummels’ controversial decision on handball after a lengthy VAR review allowed Lewandowski to score his 26th goal in all competitions against his former club.