Bayern with Thomas Mueller re-enacting his famous namesake Gerd Mueller, fired in a hat trick as the Bavarian giants ran riot against a relegation bound Bochum. Mueller’s debut season has been nothing short of fantastic.
Any opposition with Arjen Robben and Philip Lahm providing the sort of cut and parry on the right flank will find themselves in trouble. It was a Mark Van Bommel- Philip Lahm move that led to Mueller’s first goal.
Franck Ribery seems to have shrugged off the Zahia Dehar blues by providing a beautiful volleyed cross for Mueller’s second goal.
Mueller had a golden chance of completing his hat trick but his shot struck the upright after Ribery put him through. No matter. The way Bayen carved up the Bochum defense, he was going to get a few more opportunities.
By now news had filtered into the Allianz Arena that Werder Bremen were a couple of goals up against rivals Schalke. The Bayern supporters erupted in celebration with Paul Breitner and Uli Hoeness caught fist pumping.
And in the 69th minute, they have even more reason to cheer. Robben cut in with his trademark mincing touch on the ball and fed the ball to Van Bommel who found Mueller. The youngster dodged past a couple of defenders and with a flourish buried the ball past Heerwagen. Mueller’s first hattrick and his 13th goal for Bayern. What a self assured young man.
Christian Fuchs with a delectably placed free kick reduced Bochum’s deficit. But it was a little too late. Dariusz Wosz first game taking from Heiko Herrlich did not provide the boost needed to stave off relegation.
Schalke winning the Bundesliga is now merely hypothetical. They need to overcome Mainz by more than 17 goals and hope Bayern lose to relegated Hertha Berlin. Not going to happen.