Bayern rejoice in the title fight

Bayern can simply rely on Robert Lewandowski. The goalscorer's double pack for the late 3-2 win against Paderborn gives the Munich team important points in the title race - and a clear head for the Champions League round of 16 against Chelsea.

Munich (AP) - After the late forced home win against a rebellious SC Paderborn, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer felt a thief's delight. The soccer goalkeeper suspected how the 3-2 (1-1) win for the title rivals in the Bundesliga would have been.

"There were three important points. They count on a Friday, when some teams in the hotel might have watched the game and are a little annoyed," said Neuer in the catacombs of the Munich stadium with a mischievous smile.

The leader of the table extended the lead over RB Leipzig (45), Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach (42 each) with 49 points. The trio must now reload under increased pressure over the course of Saturday.

"Paderborn made life difficult for us. We did it anyway and scored the three points. That is the most important thing," said Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic. Munich's success was once again guaranteed by Robert Lewandowski, who scored his goals 24 and 25 on Matchday 23 and made the decision in the 88th minute. International player Serge Gnabry also met.

Bayern coach Hansi Flick praised his team for having forced the 194th win in the 250th Bundesliga game at home in the Allianz Arena in the final phase with absolute will. "It is also part of the team to fight the draw together," said Flick. After the happy ending, Bayern switched straight to Champions League mode. "It was important to win because we want to get Chelsea head on," said Salihamidzic. In the first knockout round of the premier class, FC Bayern will compete with the Londoners on Tuesday.

For promoters Paderborn it was a big football evening in front of 75,000 spectators to the bitter end. A point win would have been a deserved reward in the relegation battle for coach Steffen Baumgart's courageously acting team. The East Westphalia twice made up for a deficit by Dennis Srbeny and Sven Michel. The goalkeeper Leopold Zingerle, who was born in Munich and trained at Bayern, was outstanding. "It has been following us all season that we are not getting the points," said the 25-year-old in frustration.

Coach Steffen Baumgart spoke of "a huge experience" for his team and expressed a wish despite the difficult table situation. "I hope to see you again," he said to colleague Flick at the press conference. "I hope so too," replied the Bayern coach.