Robert Lewandowski (L) of Bayern Munich vies with Marvin Friedrich (C) of Union Berlin during a German Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and 1.FC Union Berlin in Munich, Germany, on Oct. 26, 2019. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
BERLIN, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Robert Lewandowski's record goal helped Bayern Munich to down newly-promoted Union Berlin 2-1 and jump atop the standings at the 9th round in Bundesliga on Saturday.
Bayern Munich ended their two-game winless streak as goals from Benjamin Pavard and Robert Lewandowski ensured their fifth victory of the season.
The German record champions didn't need long to turn onto the road to victory as Frenchman Pavard capitalised on a clearance from Union Berlin goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz to hammer home with a dropkick from 16 meters with 14 minutes played,
Union tried to respond but were unable to force Bayern goalie Manuel Neue into action meanwhile Bayern lacked in accuracy in front of the target for the rest of the first half.
After the restart, Union assumed control but it was the hosts who doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Lewandowski became the first ever Bundesliga player who scored in the first nine consecutive matches.
The second goal gave the visitors a boost and they had the golden chance to pull one back but for all that Sebastian Andersson was unable to beat Neuer with a handball penalty in the 58th minute.
Bayern focused on fast breaks for the rest of the second half and should have put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages but neither substitute Serge Gnabry nor Lewandowski was able to make the most of their promising chances.
Union Berlin eventually reduced the arrears in the dying minutes of the game as Pavard felled Sebastian Polter inside the box. Polter stepped up and made no mistake to beat Neuer from the spot.
With the victory, Bayern Munich climb atop the standings for the moment meanwhile Union Berlin slumped to the 15th position of the table.
Elsewhere, Freiburg also returned to winning ways and punished wasteful Leipzig 2-1 to move on the 2nd place.
Hoffenheim edged resilient Hertha Berlin 3-2 on the decider from Benjamin Hubner in the closing period.
Newly promoted Paderborn recorded their first victory of the season after beating Fortuna Dusseldorf 2-0 whereas Schalke and rivals Borussia Dortmund played out a goalless stalemate at the "Revierderby".
