Daily Times

MUNICH: Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski scored twice to steer the champions to a 2-1 comeback win over VfL Wolfsburg on Wednesday, keeping them a point behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen who crushed Cologne 4-0. Bayern, who travel to Leverkusen on Saturday, fell behind for the sixth consecutive league game when Maximilian Philipp volleyed home in the fifth minute, but Lewandowski struck either side of the break to give his side their first win in the last three games. The Poland striker, whose goals this year have helped win five major trophies for Bayern, levelled in first-half stoppage time for his 250th league goal – only the third player after Gerd Mueller and Klaus Fischer to reach that mark in the Bundesliga. He added another five minutes after the restart following a strong run.

“As a striker, you always have to be selfish,” Lewandowski, in the running to be named FIFA’s best footballer on Thursday, said. “I have no pressure (regarding the award). I was focused on today’s game. I am just happy to have the chance to win a big honour.”

It was the first loss of the season for Wolfsburg, who had late chances to score, only to be denied by two outstanding Manuel Neuer saves. They dropped to fifth on 21 points, with Bayern in second place on 27, level on points with RB Leipzig. Bayern have now made sure they will finish 2020 without a single home loss in any competition, the first time they have achieved a calendar year with no home defeat since 1981. Leverkusen lead the title race on 28 points after thrashing Cologne, early goals from Mitchell Weiser and Moussa Diaby setting them on their way before Patrik Schick and teenager Florian Wirtz struck in the second half to complete the rout. RB Leipzig are level on 27 points with Bayern after edging past Hoffenheim 1-0 thanks to Yussuf Poulsen’s second-half winner.