Bayern set scoring record and close in on title as Dortmund lose
Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka (2nd L) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the game during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC St. Pauli and Bayern Munich at Millerntor Stadium. Christian Charisius/dpa Bayern Munich triumphed 5-0 at St Pauli as they bettered the 54-year-old Bundesliga scoring record with now 105 goals and moved close to a 35th national title because their only rivals Borussia Dortmund lost earlier on Saturday.
League leaders Bayern equalled their 101 goals from the 1971-72 season through Jamal Musiala's header in the ninth minute and bettered the mark to 102 when Leon Goretzka, who will leave in summer, fired home for 2-0 in the 53rd minute. Michael Olise got the third a minute later before Nicolas Jackson in 65th and Raphael Guerreiro in the 88th wrapped up matters and boosted morale for their big Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on Wednesday, having won the first leg in Spain 2-1. Bayern have scored 45 goals more than the second best team, Dortmund, who have 60.
The final tally is expected to be even higher as there are five more matchdays. Bayern moved 12 points clear of Dortmund who lost 1-0 at home against top four candidates Bayer Leverkusen from Robert Andrich's 42nd-minute winner. They have a first chance to clinch the title next weekend if they win against VfB Stuttgart and Dortmund don't get full points in Hoffenheim, or if Bayern draw and Dortmund lose.
Bayern record Bayern coach Vincent Kompany made seven changes from the team that beat Real, with Harry Kane and Luis Diaz among those benched while Musiala started for the first time since a recent ankle problem. And Germany star Musiala opened the scoring in the ninth with a diving header at the far post off Konrad Laimer's cross. Musiala missed the goal record when he hit the right post in the 28th and St Pauli finally threatened as well two minutes later when defender Kim Minjae blocked a shot from Mathias Pereira Lage.
The record came eight minutes after the restart when Joshua Kimmich's free-kick was deflected towards the far post where Goretzka volleyed home. Goal 103 followed a minute later when Goretzka blocked a St Pauli pass into the path of Olise who fired home for 3-0. Bayern weren't finished yet as Musiala set up Jackson in the 65th for 4-0 and Guerreiro completed the big win late on.
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