FRANKFURT: Bayern Munich bounced back from their midweek Champions League by Villarreal to edge a 1-0 home win over Augsburg.

Robert Lewandowski’s 23rd goal in 19 games against them secured the win after Reece Oxford’s handball.

The Bavarians now sit nine points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top.

A frustrating first half saw Bayern struggle to find any rhythm against a robust Augsburg defence. Lewandowski was left isolated in attack, while neither Leroy Sane nor Serge Gnabry could make inroads from wide positions.

For all of the home side’s possession, Augsburg looked a threat on the counter-attack and went close through Ruben Vargas 10 minutes before half-time.

It was much the same story in the second half, Bayern’s play laborious and chances a rarity. Julian Nagelsmann sent on Jamal Musiala, but they still struggled to find their edge.

With eight minutes remaining, the hosts were awarded a penalty after the video assistant referee deemed that former West Ham defender Oxford had handled the ball in the area. Lewandowski scored to snatch all three points, much to Nagelsmann’s relief.

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