Record-breaking Bayern Munich blow Hertha Berlin away

Hertha Berlin 1-4 Bayern Munich
Goals: 0-1 Tolisso 25' (assist: Coman), 0-2 Müller 45' (assist: Kimmich), 0-3 Sané 75', 0-4 Gnabry 79' (assist: Kimmich), 1-4 Ekkelenkamp (assist: Belfodil)

Bundesliga leaders Bayern arrived in Berlin with the aim of putting daylight back between themselves and nearest challengers Borussia Dortmund, who had previously reduced the gap at the top of the table to three points. Hertha's nerves jangled early on when the record champions had a Tolisso goal ruled out for offside. The game's pattern then took on a Kingsley Coman v. Alexander Schwolow hew, the latter twice denying the France international to keep parity. Smarting from a midweek DFB Cup K.O. against cross-city rivals Union Berlin, Die Alte Dame took their time to begin testing their distinguished visitors. Ishak Belfodil headed off target before later freeing teammate Myziane Maolida, whose strike from a tight angle went wide. Momentarily distracted, Julian Nagelsmann's men were soon back in the hunt for the goal that would make it 67 consecutive Bundesliga games in which they have found the net. It duly arrived via Tolisso's powerful header from a Coman cross. Hertha's second-half prospects then took another dent when Müller directed in Joshua Kimmich's inviting set-piece.

Nagelsmann had never before lost in 12 previous Bundesliga meetings against Hertha as a coach. The hosts should have at least given the tactician cause for concern on that front when Maximilian Mittelstädt found Suat Serdar inside the area. From just six yards out, however, the midfielder somehow fired wide. In terms of keeping Tayfun Korkut's men in touch with their opponents, that miss would eventually prove costly. So long a solid presence even despite the scoreline, Hertha 'keeper Schwolow's loose pass across goal was converted by the quick-thinking Sane. Remaining relentless going forward, Bayern were soon out of sight when Gnabry accepted Kimmich's super assist before sliding a silky finish into the corner. Hertha's Jurgen Ekkelenkamp netted a late consolation to give the home fans some cheer, but the night belonged to Bayern, once again six points clear at the Bundesliga summit.

• Bayern’s tally of 65 goals after 20 rounds of matches is a new league record. If they keep scoring at this rate they’ll end up with 111 goals this season.
• Müller scored his 135th Bundesliga goal.
• Müiller’s goal was also the 100th of the Nagelsmann era, coming in the tactician's 29th game.
• Gnabry has now reached double figures for goals in his first six Bundesliga seasons. The last player to do so was Claudio Pizarro, who managed the feat in his first seven campaigns from 1999 to 2006.
• Five of Tolisso’s 11 Bundesliga goals have been headers.
• Fürth are the only side to have conceded more goals from set pieces (13) than Hertha’s 12, and to have let in more headers (12) than Hertha (11).
• Bayern have scored at least once in a record 67 straight Bundesliga matches.

Watch: Kimmich: “We had a very attack-minded side”

Hertha: Schwolow - Pekarik, Dardai (André Bjørkan 58'), Boyata (c), Mittelstädt (Plattenhardt 58') - Gechter, Tousart, Darida (Ascacíbar 58'), Serdar - Belfodil (Ekkelenkamp 80'), Maolida (Jovetic 69')
Unused subs: Christensen, Klünter, Richter, Boateng
Out: Jarstein (knee), Torunarigha (ankle)
Coach: Tayfun Korkut

Bayern: Neuer (c) - Kimmich, Pavard, Süle, Hernandez (Upamecano 79') - Tolisso (Sabitzer 69') - Gnabry (Musiala 80'), Müller (Wanner 80'), Sane, Coman (Richards 69') - Lewandowski
Unused subs: Ulreich, Nianzou, Roca, Tillman
Out: Choupo-Moting (Africa Cup of Nations), Davies (heart), Goretzka (knee), Sarr (Africa Cup of Nations), Stanisic (muscular)
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

Watch: Nagelsmann: “One of our best first halves this season”