MUNICH, MARCH 20

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski scored either side of halftime as the German champions crushed Union Berlin 4-0 on Saturday to stay in the driving seat for the Bundesliga title.

The Pole, who is reportedly unhappy with Bayern's delay of any contract extension talks past 2023, has now netted 31 goals in the league, the third consecutive season he has scored more than 30 goals.

The Bavarians, who returned to winning ways after drawing their last two league games, are on 63 points, seven ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, in action against Cologne on Sunday, with seven games remaining after the weekend.

'We allowed a few situations in the second but overall it was a deserved win,' said Bayern's Joshua Kimmich. 'We had the right attitude and were ready from the start. We decided the game straight after the break.'

Chasing a record-extending 10th league crown in a row, Bayern took the lead in the 16th minute when Union keeper Andreas Luthe was surprised by a Kingsley Coman shot from outside the box.

Tanguy Nianzou powered in a header in the 25th, and Lewandowski converted a stoppage time penalty to go in three goals up at the break.

The Pole added his second two minutes after the restart before the hosts eased off to take much of the pace out of the game.

'You have to say that Robert gives it all he's got,' Kimmich said regarding the contract speculation and potential departure of the striker. 'You don't have the feeling that he is otherwise preoccupied. So I don't expect that he necessarily wants to leave.'

Bayern also set a new league record having scored 81 goals by the 27th matchday, while keeper Manuel Neuer earned his 311th Bundesliga win - another league record.