Lewandowski stars in Bayern’s 3-0 win over Schalke

Matthew Marshall –

Schalke v Bayern Munich – August 24, 2019 – Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen

Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich created the first two opportunities for Robert Lewandowski, but Alexander Nübel stood firm. The Polish striker didn’t have to wait long for another chance, however, sending Nübel the wrong way from the penalty spot after Jonjoe Kenny’s clumsy tackle on Kingsley Coman.

The Bavarians were controlling the match with ease, getting around Schalke’s high press and monopolising the ball. Omar Mascarell shot wide, Guido Burgstaller’s cross was cleared, and Amine Harit shot at Neuer, but Bayern’s shot-stopper wasn’t seriously tested in the opening period as the visitors led 1-0 lead at half-time.

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Just five minutes into the second half, Bayern doubled their lead. Mascarell gave away a cheap free-kick, Lewandowski stepping up with a trademark effort over the wall and into the top corner. David Wagner responded immediately by replacing Benito Raman with Ahmed Kutucu.

Schalke had a great chance to score from a corner after Weston McKennie’s shot was blocked. Nico Kovač brought on new signings Ivan Perišić and Philippe Coutinho, Kutucu shooting wide and Caligiuri with an effort cleared off the line but it appeared it would be Bayern’s day.

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Those assumptions were confirmed in the 75^th minute. Coman raced down the right-wing and picked out Lewandowski who sealed his hat-trick with a composed finish. Schalke’s efforts were summed up when Caligiuri released Burgstaller into the box, the striker rounded Neuer and hit the bar with a goal begging but was ruled offside.

Schalke v Bayern Munich – Three Stars 

Schalke v Bayern Munich – Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and FC Bayern Muenchen at Veltins-Arena on August 24, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

The prolific striker had two early sighters before burying a penalty to open the scoring. The perfect free-kick gave Bayern a 2-0 cushion before finishing off a swift counter-attack to secure another Bundesliga hat-trick.

Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich)

The central midfielder was busy up and down the pitch with Kimmich in the holding role. Saw difficult chances miss the target to end both halves but his energy and ability gives Kovač an option he was missing last season.

Daniel Caligiuri(Schalke)

Continues to be Schalke’s best player and most creative outlet. With all their chances seemingly coming through or from Caligiuri, he will be vital if Schalke want to have any chance of getting into the top half this season.

Schalke v Bayern Munich – Goals: 0-1 (Lewandowski 20‘), 0-2 (Lewandowski 50‘), 0-3 (Lewandowski 75‘)

Schalke 04 v Bayern Munich – Line-ups

Schalke 04 (4-2-3-1)

Nübel – Kenny, Stambouli, Nastasic, Oczipka – McKennie, Mascarell (Sane 59‘) – Caligiuri, Harit (Mercan 86‘), Raman (Kutucu 51‘) – Burgstaller

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)

Neuer – Pavard, Süle, Hernandez (Martinez 76‘), Alaba – Kimmich, Tolisso – Gnabry (Perisic 57‘), Müller (Coutinho 57‘) , Coman – Lewandowski

Matthew Marshall is a freelance football journalist. Born in Australia and living in Germany, he is sports mad but his passion is undoubtedly the beautiful game. Primarily covering the Bundesliga and the Portuguese national team, he follows all the major European domestic leagues intently alongside both UEFA club competitions. A member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). Follow Matthew Marshall on Twitter @noobzcorp