Robert Lewandowski equalled a 45-year record as Bayern Munich’s march towards another Bundesliga title continued with a 2-1 win against Schalke.
Lewandowski’s sixth-minute opener at Allianz Arena saw him match current Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes’ record of scoring in each of Borussia Monchengladbach’s first 11 home fixtures during the 1972-73 season.
#Lewandowski has now scored in 11 consecutive #Bundesliga home games ?
He has equalled the record held by none other than Jupp #Heynckes ? #FCBS04 pic.twitter.com/WvvRxkbmIJ
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) February 10, 2018
Poland international Lewandowski’s 19th league goal of the season was cancelled out by Schalke’s Franco Di Santo, but Thomas Muller restored Bayern’s lead before half-time.
Breel Embolo’s early shot forced a fine save from Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, but the champions were quick to respond.
Muller’s long-range effort was parried by Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann, but Lewandowski pounced on the rebound to tap home.
11 games in a row at the #AllianzArena – @lewy_official just cannot stop scoring ? #FCBS04 1-0 pic.twitter.com/KXMbs4lX7o
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 10, 2018
Defender Thilo Kehrer headed just wide for Schalke soon after and Lewandowski went close with his header as the early action ebbed and flowed.
Schalke midfielder Alessandro Schopf fired wide and Fahrmann turned away David Alaba’s shot from outside the penalty area at full stretch.
The visitors equalised in the 29th minute when Di Santo fired home a low angled shot from the left side of the box into the bottom corner.
Needle. Threaded. #Mullered.
From the tightest of angles, @esmuellert_ restores @FCBayernEN‘s lead. #FCBS04 2-1 pic.twitter.com/IUMuPcLLfJ
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) February 10, 2018
But parity was short-lived as Muller restored Bayern’s lead with a brilliant finish from the tightest of angles after being set up by Arjen Robben.
Naldo blazed over for Schalke in first-half stoppage time before a comparative lull in the action followed after the restart.
Embolo was denied by another fine save from Ulreich midway through the second half and Lewandowski skewed a right-footed shot off target as clear-cut chances dried up.
Bayern’s 12th straight win in all competitions restored their 18-point lead at the top of the table, while Schalke have won only one of their last seven in the Bundesliga.
