Bayern goes on top of table
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Bayern Munich topped the Bundesliga for the first time this season with a 2-0 win over Hanover 96 on Saturday as they prepare to defend their Champions League title.
Second-half goals by Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic and France winger Franck Ribery gave Bayern the three points at Munich’s Allianz Arena, which saw the Bavarians knock Borussia Dortmund, who host Hamburg later, off top spot.
It was the ideal preparation for Pep Guardiola’s team, who begin their Champions League campaign at home to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday. It was especially satisfying as Dutch winger Arjen Robben played a big part in both goals as Bayern enjoyed around 70 percent ball possession.
Hanover, who last won in Munich seven years ago, squandered a chance when Ivory Coast forward Didier Ya Konan hit the crossbar in the first half and the result sees them slip down to fourth.
Bayer Leverkusen, who launch their Champions League campaign at English giants Manchester United on Tuesday, warmed up for their Old Trafford clash with a convincing 3-1 win over 10 man VfL Wolfsburg to stay third. Germany winger Sidney Sam put the hosts ahead before Wolfsburg's Croatia striker Ivica Olic levelled just before the break.
Bayer striker Stefan Kiessling netted twice to give Leverkusen their fourth win from their opening five games, heading home on 65 minutes before slamming in his second in added time.
Easy win for PSG in France
Paris Saint-Germain, though provisionally, went top of the French league table on Friday night with a comfortable 2-0 away win at Bordeaux.
The champions are assured of occupying top spot for at least a further 24 hours, with Marseille visiting bottom club Toulouse late on Saturday night. But the biggest threat to the defence of their crown comes from fellow-big spenders Monaco, who entertain Lorient on Sunday and should logically leapfrog the Parisians.
PSG, who have an important midweek date with Greek side Olympiacos in the Champions League coming up, were always in control of the game and their fluid football meant the result was never in doubt.
But they still had to wait until half-an-hour in to breach the Bordeaux defence for the first time, when Blaise Matuidi collected a deft through ball from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to beat Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso. Yet it was all but over in the 64th minute when the impressive Lucas doubled the score with his first goal for the club.
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