Bayern Munich have taken a big step towards securing another victory after opening up a 4-0 lead over Werder Bremen in the opening 45 minutes at the Allianz Arena.
It was a predictably bright start from the hosts against the league's bottom side, and they took the lead through their first clear chance as Philipp Lahm tapped home from close range after Arjen Robben's cross had caused problems in the Bremen defence.
Bayern's lead should have been doubled moments later, but Lahm failed to pick out the run of Thomas Muller in the box after a counter-attack caught a number of Bremen defenders out of position.
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However, the home fans wouldn't have to wait long for a second goal as Xabi Alonso extended his side's advantage by firing a free kick under the wall and into the bottom corner from just outside the box.
Bayern's dominance continued throughout the first half, and they edged further ahead in the 43rd minute when Thomas Muller fired home from the penalty spot after he had been brought down by Sebastian Prodl in the area.
The visitors seemed powerless to stop the champions as they conceded a fourth just before the interval when Mario Gotze curled home from the edge of the box.
Callum Mulvihill
