Bayern Munich have claimed a ninth successive Bundesliga victory thanks to a Thomas Muller strike in a 1-0 win over Werder Bremen.
Despite controlling the game for most of the afternoon, Bayern were forced to battle to protect their 100% record as they moved seven points clear at the top of the table.
© Getty Images
Pep Guardiola's side were short of their fluent best in possession for much of the early stages, and they were given an early warning when Melvyn Lorenzen created the space to fire a low effort straight at Manuel Neuer.
Bayern did start to dominate as the first half progressed, but they barely caused a threat until breaking the deadlock midway through the half.
Thiago Alcantara was the creator on the edge of the box as he delivered a cross to Thomas Muller, who lost his markers to control the ball before poking in at the front post.
Werder responded well to falling behind to keep the pressure on Bayern's creative players and the visitors were unable to pull further clear in a frustrating finish to the first half.
Using the wings more often after the break, Bayern created a great chance to score a second when Juan Bernat's inviting cross was sent just wide by Muller.
The game would follow a similar pattern for much of the second half as Bayern kept the ball but struggled to break down Werder on a regular basis.
Neuer would be forced to come to the rescue to keep out an effort from the unmarked Anthony Ujah, whose movement was often the biggest threat to the Bayern defence.
However, the late twist never arrived as Bayern finished comfortably to collect all three points and retain their firm grip on the Bundesliga.
Callum Mulvihill
