Sebastian Rode has admitted that it was pleasing to make the most of a rare start as Bayern Munich beat SV Darmstadt 98 3-0 to climb to the top of the Bundesliga.
Despite usually playing a supporting role from the bench, Pep Guardiola's decision to drop the likes of Thiago, Thomas Muller and Xabi Alonso to the bench provided Rode with a platform to impress.
The 24-year-old took the opportunity with both hands as he set up Kingsley Coman for Bayern's second goal, before finding the net a few moments later to wrap up the win.
"The early goal was very important. Darmstadt play a simple game, but also play very well. They also had a few chances. We nipped that in the bud in the second half and deserved to win," Rode told the Bundesliga website.
"Every player really wants to win, but it's not easy to break into the side when you see who's on the pitch at Bayern. So you have to wait for your chance. Today I showed I'm also capable. I'm tremendously pleased about that."
Bayern will aim to make it eight wins in a row in all competitions when they host Wolfsburg on Tuesday night.
Callum Mulvihill
