League leaders FC Bayern München got off to winning start in 2017 thanks to a Robert Lewandowski brace. The record champions fought back from a goal down to win 2-1 against Freiburg, with the Poland international sealing the winner in injury time. Jannik Haberer had put the newly-promoted side in the lead within 4 minutes, before Lewandowski leveled shortly before the break.
The early goal for the hosts was fully deserved, after several early counters unsettled the reigning champions. Even after Haberer’s goal – his second of the season – Freiburg continued to cause Bayern problems, forcing them back into their own half.
Freiburg brave in defence
Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which was without the injured Thiago and Jerome Boateng, looked lacklusture in attack for much of the first half, stumbling whenever it met the Freiburg defence. Bayern upped the tempo after 20 minutes, but even then found it difficult to create any clear-cut chances for Lewandowski. Chile international Arturo Vidal tested Freiburg keeper Alexander Schwolow with a curling effort in the 28th minute, before Lewandowski saw his effort inside the six-yard box blocked at the last moment shortly after. Seconds later and the ball was in the back of the net from the resulting corner. 1-1
Lewandowski with late sucker punch
It was a tight encounter in the second period, with Bayern controlling possession but creating little. Freiburg broke quickly whenever the regained possession and sought to hit their opponents on the break. Arjen Robben’s curling effort in the 56th minute was one of few notable chances, but once again Schwolow refused to be beaten.
The Dutchman spurned an even greater chance in the final ten minutes, before Maximilian Philipp passed on the opportunity of a dream finish for Freiburg. With four minutes of injury time signaled, Lewandowski grabbed the dramatic late winner with a superb piece of skill and a soft strike in off the post.
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