Despite a goalless first half, Bayern Munich turned on the style to move 15 points clear at the top of the Frauen-Bundesliga.

SC Freiburg and Laura Benkarth did admirably in the opening period, but Bayern's quality shone through in the end.

Goals from Melanie Behringer, Vivanne Miedema and Sara Däbritz secured the win.

Stuttering start, Miedema looks lively

The game began rather slowly, though Bayern were on top. Freiburg pressed hard when the Bavarians got into their half, but the reigning champions were picking holes through midfield. For all their clever play in the hosts' third of the field, they had very few chances to show for it.

Vivanne Miedema, fresh from her hat-trick last weekend, had the most promising early chance; the forward's shot was straight at Laura Benkarth, however. The Dutch forward then carved out a chance for Gina Lewandowski, who say her close range effort well blocked by the Freiburg defence.

There was little to excite the home fans in the opening half hour, though they were reasonably comfortable against the league leaders. Cinzia Zehnder was showing just why she is so highly rated with a tireless performance in midfield, which would have pleased head coach Jens Scheuer.

Brilliant Benkarth

Sara Däbritz had a strong drive well held by the impressive Benkarth, and Mana Iwabuchi felt she should have had a penalty when she was under pressure from Carolin Schiewe. Referee Ines Appelmann was decided against awarded a penalty, though.

The best opportunity of the half arrived in the final exchanges for both sides, as Iwabuchi found Lewandowski free on the overlap. The American strode into the box but some more strong goalkeeping from Benkarth kept Bayern at bay. At the other end, Clara Schöne was inches away from tapping home a back post cross.

It turned out to be an exciting end to a slow burner of a half, with Benkarth the key reason as to why Bayern weren't ahead at the break.

Stunning strike from Behringer

After the break it was a similar story, although Freiburg had a great chance to go ahead. After Zehnder had a strong shot blocked by Nora Holstad, a strong follow up from Anja Maike Hegenauer flew just past the post. Despite the promise, it was Bayern who took the lead.

A poor clearance after a strong run from Iwabuchi went straight to the edge of the area and found Melanie Behringer. On her 250th appearance, the veteran midfielder took aim and struck a bouncing ball that swerved into the top corner. Benkarth's best efforts were in vain, as Behringer celebrated a landmark game in style.

Miedema and Däbritz seal the win

Both sides made changes later on in the game, as Lena Petermann and Verena Aschauer came on for the hosts. Bayern were able to call on Veronica Boquete and Carina Wenninger, who seemed to spark a dull period into life. Freiburg were struggling to come forward, and the visitors took full advantage after a period of pressure.

Wenninger created the goal with a driving run and perfectly weighted pass into the pass of Miedema. The Dutch forward stayed calm to slot past the onrushing Benkarth, who puffed out her cheeks in despair; for all their hard work, Freiburg would get no reward.

Däbritz then got in on the act late on to continue her superb season. The attacker made space for a shot with some trademark tricky dribbling and then curled a shot into the far corner. Bayern turned on the style in the second half and proved why they deserve to be crowned champions. Freiburg could count themselves unfortunate to lose three-nil, but the visitors were superior and fully deserved the three points; Thomas Wörle's side could now confirm the title next matchday if results go their way.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]