Wolfsburg vs. Bayern Munich: Final score 0-2, Mandzukic's bicycle kick leads the way

Joern Pollex

Mario Mandzukic scored a spectacular bicycle kick on his return to the Volkswagen Arena as Bayern Munich moved 18 points clear at the top of the table with a 2-0 victory.

Bayern Munich continue their stellar form this season with a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory against Wolfsburg on Friday evening.

The visitors controlled play from the beginning ending up with around 60% of possession. Thomas Müller had the first chance of the match for either side with a header, but it went wide of the goal.

Mario Mandzukic returned to the starting lineup and scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the 36th minute. The former Wolfsburg man scored twice in the reverse match earlier this season, but he made sure his return to the Volkswagen Arena would draw all the headlines with the stunning strike.

Müller thought he made it 2-0 just after halftime when his shot beat Diego Benaglio, but Naldo managed to get back and clear the ball before it crossed the line. Bayern continued to press forward up the pitch and were clearly in control.

Wolfsburg came close to equalizing in the 77th minute with a great free kick, but Manuel Neuer was able to stretch out and make a fantastic save. The put into perspective how dominant Bayern has been since returning from the winter break, this was the first shot on goal Neuer has had to defend in over four hours of gameplay.

Arjen Robben made it 2-0 in stoppage time after Müller sent him one-on-one with Benaglio with a great cross. The goal was Robben's first in league play this season and could be a huge confidence booster for the Dutchman. He's struggled with injuries and a lack of playing time so far in this campaign.

Bayern now have an 18 point lead at the top of the table before Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Eintracht Frankfurt play this week. They have now outscored their opponents 57-7 for an astronomical +50 goal differential. Since returning from the winter break, Bayern have won all 5 games while scoring 11 goals and conceding 0. However, the best stat of all is Bayern's road record. They have played 11 matches with 10 wins and 1 draw. In those matches: 27 scored 1 conceded.