Bayern Munich's Bundesliga bandwagon continued to gather pace as they stretched their lead at the top to 10 points with a brilliant 4-0 win in the Bavarian derby in Augsburg. They fired four goals in a 13-minute second half spell to seal a sixth-straight Bundesliga win while extending their unbeaten run to 19 games.
It was billed as the game of the day as the league leaders faced third-placed Augsburg. A mere 80 kilometres separate the two sides but in reality, they are a world apart. The routine win means the most futile of accolades is already safely stowed away for the 20th time. The Autumn Championship (Herbstmeister) -- is awarded figuratively to the half-way leaders and it's Bayern again.
The champions -- and Manuel Neuer in particular -- have now conceded just three goals in 15 games, surpassing Stuttgart's record of a decade ago. It's all too predictable ...
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Manuel Neuer, 7 -- The Ballon d'Or contender enjoyed another untroubled afternoon to easily rack up a 12th clean sheet in 15 games. Watch out for numerous clips of his latest foray far from his area late in the first half.
DF Rafinha, 7 -- Bayern haven't conceded in the 11 Bundesliga games the Brazilian defender has graced. That stat gives you an indication of his improvement this season.
DF Jerome Boateng, 7 -- The World Cup winning defender remains unbeaten in 54 successive league games and that record is set to run and run.
DF Medhi Benatia, 8 -- Back in favour after his poor performance against Manchester City in the Champions League and the Moroccan defender opened the floodgates, deftly heading in his first Bundesliga goal.
DF Juan Bernat, 8 -- Despite Pep Guardiola's recent rotation of his men, Bernat is the only outfield player to have featured in all 15 league games this season. The Spaniard has made a massive impression since his summer signing from Valencia.
MF Xabi Alonso, 7 -- Lined up refreshed alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger for the first time in midfield after a well-deserved breather in midweek. He almost put Bayern ahead with a header, but was denied by a smart save.
MF Sebastian Rode, 8 -- Has been a revelation this season since his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt. Robert Lewandowski has a serious rival for the title of "Bayern's best free transfer" of the summer.
MF Bastian Schweinsteiger, 8 -- Germany's new skipper was rewarded for a sound display with hugs and kisses from a very emotional Guardiola after being substituted.
MF Franck Ribery, 7 -- The Frenchman was a key component in Bayern turning the screw in the second period. He did miss an easy chance to open the scoring with the goal gaping, though.
MF Arjen Robben, 9 -- The dazzling Dutchman is in the form of his life and once again was the standout player. Robben must be really scratching his head at not making that Ballon d'Or shortlist. Two more trademark goals make him Bayern's top league scorer with eight in 11 games.
FW Robert Lewandowski, 6 -- Notched his seventh league goal of the season as Bayern romped to victory. The Polish striker might have added more from his six shots at goal.
Substitutes:
FW Thomas Muller, N/R -- Replaced Robben for the final 15 minutes and enjoyed a gentle stretch just going through the motions.
FW Mario Gotze, N/R -- Arrived for Alonso with the game well and truly decided. Will get more game time against Freiburg and Mainz.
MF Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, N/R -- Came on late, allowing Guardiola the opportunity to embrace Schweinsteiger as he departed.