Bayern smash Bochum to reclaim top spot in Bundesliga

Bayern Munich hammered VfL Bochum 5-0 on Monday (AEDT) at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, reclaiming top spot in the 2024-25 Bundesliga standings.

The visitors took the lead within 16 minutes through a fantastic Michael Olise free-kick before adding a second 10 minutes later through German international Jamal Musiala.

England captain Harry Kane scored his ninth league goal of the campaign in the 57th minute, while Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman also got on the scoresheet for the rampant Bavarians.

The emphatic win offers much-needed breathing room for head coach Vincent Kompany, who faced backlash after Bayern’s 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in Matchday 3 of the Champions League.

Victory ensured the Bavarian giants leapfrogged RB Leipzig to sit top of the Bundesliga table on goal difference, while winless Bochum remain bottom of the league after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat.

Speaking after the game, Kompany emphasised the need to remain focused.

“It was a game we took very seriously,” he said.

“We’d lost here twice in the last three years. I found it good that we stayed calm. Bochum were very aggressive, pressed high and had that chance at the start.

“We stayed calm and serious, from the first minute till the last. It’s a good result for us. We want to keep going just like this in the Bundesliga.”

Kompany also praised Musiala, who netted his fourth league goal of the season.

“Every time Jamal is in the team, we have that something extra,” he said.

“Jamal has unique, special qualities. We all see that. But it’s always about the team.

“From my point of view, it was a very good performance. We’re pleased.”

Bayern will host fourth-placed Union Berlin in the league next weekend, and top bookmakers are paying -555.56 for the hosts to beat the capital outfit (+1200).

Meanwhile, Bochum are +650 outsiders at Marantelli Bet for their upcoming trip to face Eintracht Frankfurt (-303.03).

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