Götze the key figure

“I’m really pleased for him,” declared Guardiola, “we need someone between the lines capable of playing an intelligent final ball.” Müller joined in the chorus of praise: “After Mario came on, we were more inventive. He opened up gaps in attack and laid on goals. He might have been the key figure.“ Müller himself brought up the final score with his second goal, a penalty eight minutes from time.

“But it was hard work,” summarised Robben, although Bayern ultimately recorded a seventh victory of the campaign and ensured they stay top of the standings. “Fortunately, a game lasts 90 minutes,” reflected Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. FCB are back in action again on Wednesday, when Czech champions Viktoria Plzen visit the Allianz Arena. “They won’t be coming here just to hand us the victory,” warned Robben, “we’ll have to be up for it from the start.”