ERLING HAALAND’S early double set up a dazzling Der Klassiker – but Robert Lewandowski’s hat-trick in Bayern’s incredible comeback win showed he is still the master for now.
Manchester United and Chelsea target Haaland fired Dortmund 2-0 up inside nine minutes but Lewandowski’s treble treat and Leon Goretzka’s flashing drive put Bayern two points clear in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski won the battle of the strikers as his treble overturned Erling Haaland’s quickfire double for DortmundCredit: AP:Associated Press
Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski rounded off Bayern’s revival in the 90th minute when he made it 4-2Credit: AFP
Haaland’s poaching had mocked the absence of frontpartner Jadon Sancho as he suggested once again he could shatter Lewandowski’s German top-flight goal records, should he resist the lure of a huge summer move.
The Norwegian began the year by reaching 25 Bundesliga goals quicker than anyone ever – just 25 matches – and last month became the only player to hit 17 goals in his first 13 Champions League games.
Meanwhile, in January, Lewandowski, 32, broke the 20-goal league record held by Gerd Muller for strikes in the first half of the season as his duel with Haaland hots up.
United would need to pay a huge sum to land Haaland in the upcoming transfer window as the 20-year-old’s £65million release clause only kicks in next year.
And he maybe added a few more millions to his value with his staggering start on Saturday night as Dortmund battled in vain to return to the top four.
After just 74 seconds he lashed a 20-yarder that deflected into the bottom corner off Jerome Boateng.
Then he flashed home a near-post second goal after Nico Schulz’s brilliant pass fed Thorgan Hazard for a left-wing cross.
But after Dortmund wasted gaping chances to extend their lead in a cracking Klassiker, Lewandowski’s cool head summed up Bayern’s superiority once he gave them hope on 26 minutes.
Dortmund mob striker Erling Haaland for his early double in the Bundesliga title clash with pacesetters Bayern MunichCredit: AFP or licensors
Erling Haaland doubled Dortmund’s lead – before Bayern battled back wellCredit: Getty – Pool
The Poland superstar swept home former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane’s cross – then levelled from the penalty spot after VAR confirmed Mahmoud Dahoud had tripped Kingsley Coman.
Bayern edged the second period but only struck twice to clinch victory in the final three minutes.
Leon Goretzka rifled them in front before Lewandowski pounced to dumbfound Dortmund.
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Nonetheless, Haaland’s admirers watched on wondering just how valuable his predatory skills are.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fanices him as a long-term successor to Edinson Cavani, as well as a more out-and-out forward than Anthony Martial.
And Chelsea are interested as ex-RB Leipzig star Timo Werner has so far failed to settle in the Premier League, while 34-year-old Olivier Giroud is tipped for a summer exit from Stamford Bridge.
Fans joke Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland won’t leave Dortmund after they hire ‘world’s sexiest athlete’ Alicia Schmidt to train them
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
