Bayern Munich topped the Bundesliga for the first time this season with a 2-0 win over Hanover 96 on Saturday as they prepare to defend their Champions League title.
Second-half goals by Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic and France winger Franck Ribery gave Bayern the three points at Munich’s Allianz Arena, which saw the Bavarians knock Borussia Dortmund, who host Hamburg later, off top spot.
It was the ideal preparation for Pep Guardiola’s team, who begin their Champions League campaign at home to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.
It was especially satisfying as Dutch winger Arjen Robben played a big part in both goals as Bayern enjoyed around 70 per cent ball possession.
Hanover squandered a chance when Ivory Coast forward Didier Ya Konan hit the crossbar in the first half.
Bayer Leverkusen, who face Manchester United on Tuesday, warmed up for their Old Trafford clash with a 3-1 win over 10-man VfL Wolfsburg to stay third.