BERLIN (AFP) - Manuel Neuer said Bayern Munich had sent a message to the chasing pack after they strengthened their grip on the top of the Bundesliga table with a thrilling 3-2 win over RB Leipzig.
“We can be happy with this win, in part because it’s a signal to other teams,” Bayern goalkeeper Neuer told Sky after equalling Oliver Kahn’s record of 310 Bundesliga victories.
The champions held off a spirited display from Leipzig to decide a dramatic, end-to-end battle in their favour and pull nine points clear at the top overnight.
“Both teams had so many chances today, too many from a defensive point of view. But it was an important win for us,” Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann said.
Bayern’s eighth win in nine games heaps pressure on second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who face Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.
Thomas Mueller opened the scoring on 12 minutes, tapping into the empty net after Peter Gulacsi parried a low shot from Robert Lewandowski.
Neuer twice denied Dani Olmo at the other end, before a mistake from Corentin Tolisso in midfield allowed Leipzig to break and Andre Silva to equalise just before the half-hour mark.
Mueller then had a goal ruled out by VAR before Lewandowski restored the lead shortly before half-time.
Tolisso tore Leipzig apart with a brilliant through ball, Kingsley Coman curled the ball into the box and Lewandowski sent a ferocious header past Gulacsi.
The game continued to sparkle in the second half, Lewandowski coming close at one end before Bayern were caught off guard by another cut-throat Leipzig attack.
Konrad Laimer picked up his second assist with a devastating pass through to Christopher Nkunku, who slotted the ball past Neuer.
Bayern were in front again just five minutes later, however, when Josko Gvardiol diverted a Serge Gnabry cross into his own net.