Corentin Tolisso (L) of Bayern Munich vies with Dennis Srbeny of Paderborn during a German Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and SC Paderborn 07 in Munich, Germany, Feb. 21, 2020. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
BERLIN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Robert Lewandowski's brace spared the blushes for Bayern Munich that edged last placed Paderborn who bounced back twice at the opener of the 23rd round in Bundesliga on Friday.
The defending champions opened up a four-point gap atop the standings but the Bavarians had to work hard for the three points as Paderborn restored parity twice.
Paderborn caught a bright start on the road as they broke the deadlock with just four minutes played, but Streli Mamba's goal was ruled offside.
Bayern responded with their first chance of the game four minutes later when Lewandowski's header just went wide.
The hosts controlled possession but still they had to wait until the 25th minute when Serge Gnabry danced through the penalty box to beat goalkeeper Leopold Zingerle into the far post corner.
Paderborn remained unimpressed while Bayern created promising chances through Philippe Coutinho and Lewandowski as the game progressed.
Hansi Flick's men got punished for their wastefulness in front of the target as Manuel Neuer's moment of madness outside the box allowed Dennis Srbeny to tap home the equalizer into the open goal in the 44th minute.
After the interval, Bayern assumed control again but Paderborn goalkeeper Zingerle drove the hosts to desperation after defusing the attempts from Gnabry and Lewandowski.
The Poland international remained in the thick of things as he gave Bayern the 2-1 lead on Gnabry's assist in the 70th minute.
It was however a short-lived joy for the front runners as Paderborn fought back and equalized the scores through Sven Michel, who finished off a fast break five minutes later.
Bayern pressed frenetically and pressed Paderborn into the defence. The host efforts paid off after Lewandowski tapped home Gnabry's square pass to seal the deal with two minutes to the final whistle.
With the result, Bayern stay atop the standings meanwhile Paderborn continue on the last place.
"Paderborn played very well and challenged us. We are happy that we have won the game. It wasn't easy but we know that Paderborn can play football even though they are on the last place," Bayern coach Hansi Flick said.
The following matches are scheduled for Saturday: Borussia Monchengladbach host Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen see Borussia Dortmund, Hertha Berlin face newly promoted Cologne, Freiburg encounter Fortuna Dusseldorf and Schalke clash with runner up Leipzig.
