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Bayern Munich win 3-0 at Hannover

Bayern Munich are now playing for the triple after they confirmed their 6th consecutive German League title three weeks ago. The Bavarian’s warmed up for their Champions League game against Real Madrid next Wednesday by thrashing Hanover 96 by 3-0 last weekend and really look the outfit this season.

Coach Jupp Heynckes rested key players ahead of the Real Madrid game but introduced Muller, Lewandowski and Javi Martinez after the break. Bayern dominated the game with 75% possession and managed 8 shots on target to the hosts 2. Thomas Muller, Rudy and Lewandowski scored for the Champions of Germany and the Polish striker now reaches 28 league goals so far this season – 14 ahead of both Mark Uth of Hoffenheim and Kevin Volland of Leverkusen.

Dortmund thrashed Bayer Leverkusen by 4-0 thanks to a brace by Marco Reus that moves them into third ahead of their rivals in 4th. FC Shalke 04 stay second after a well-earned 2-2 away draw at the FC Koln on Sunday.

Real had one week to prepare for the game

Real Madrid were not in action this weekend since their midweek 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao last week. Ronaldo scored in that game to make it 42 goals in all competitions this season and he has 26 goals in his last 16 games. Real stay 3rd in La Liga, 15 points behind leader’s Barça and three behind second-placed Atlético Madrid.

But will the long rest prove to be a poisoned pill  as 1 week without action is a long time to prepare for the Champions League and will they be as sharp as Bayern? Another concern is the “Ronaldo dependence” they have developed over the last three months. Since he has returned to scoring ways, Real have looked much better as a team but as seen against Juventus they have some major defensive issues that Bayern could exploit.

In short, if Bayern can keep Ronaldo at bay they should be able to beat the Spanish giants and revenge their loss of last season. And we think that Bayern are a bit better than they were last season and coach Heynckes has the formula to add the spring to their step and take them through. Even as Real are the bookmakers favourites with Liverpool, we still think that Bayern will qualify for the final because of their athletic ability and their physical game.