Ribery strikes as Bayern go 14 points clear

AFP  |  Berlin 

showed Munich why the leaders should extend his contract as the 34-year-old netted a superb goal today's 3-1 win at Leverkusen. The away victory -- Bayern's first at Leverkusen since 2013 -- leaves them 14 points clear and on course for a sixth straight title as the resumed after the winter break. Both Ribery and Bayern's other veteran winger Arjen Robben, 34, are out of contract in June and the pair hope to be offered extensions in the coming weeks. Ribery, who has spent a decade at Bayern, rolled back the years by scything through Leverkusen's defence and slamming home Bayern's superb second goal. Javi Martinez gave an early lead while Ribery's super second-half strike made it 2-0. pulled a goal back for the hosts only for Bayern's to slot home a late free-kick. The defeat broke Leverkusen's 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions, dating back to the end of September, but the hosts stay fourth in the table. pulled a surprise before kick-off by leaving new signing on the bench until the final 15 minutes. paid around 13 million euros ($15.4m) last month for Wagner, who was signed as back-up for their top-scoring striker The star is returning to full training after a knee injury, but Heynckes opted to start up front for While is still recovering from a fractured foot, Mueller wore the captain's armband and Sven Ulreich was in Bayern's goal. With out with a groin injury, Niklas Suele partnered at centre-back. took a deserved lead on 32 minutes when Martinez slammed home from close range. Robben swung in a cross which headed on target, defender blocked the attempt, but the ball fell to Martinez who fired home. Leverkusen's winger threatened early in the second half. The 20-year-old showed a glimpse of his talent by cutting in from the right, beating two players and clipped the crossbar with his shot. Ribery then made sure of the three points on 59 minutes in emphatic style. He dribbled his way through the defence then unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot which gave Leverkusen's no chance. However, the goal sparked Leverkusen into life. striker Volland, who is on the fringes of the national team, tested Ulreich and then took his chance. The 25-year-old beat David Alaba, Ribery and Vidal, then wrong-footed Suele before firing home on 71 minutes. However Rodriguez, on loan from Real Madrid, showed his class by cooly slotting home a free-kick on the edge of the area after being fouled just outside the box.

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First Published: Sat, January 13 2018. 09:55 IST