Schweinsteiger takes lead as Bayern march on

FC Bayern München midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was delighted with the 4-0 win at CFR 1907 Cluj which ensured last season's finalists UEFA Champions League football in the spring with two games to spare.

Playing in an advanced central midfield role, Schweinsteiger linked up with lone forward Mario Gómez to devastating effect, as two of the striker's three goals came via assists from Schweinsteiger, who was also involved the opener. "It was an important match for us because now we're in the next round. Also, it's the first time we've won our first four matches in the group stage," said Schweinsteiger, who was replaced by Thomas Müller, Bayern's other scorer, after 75 minutes with his evening's work done.

"We played well. We were a little worried in the second half because Cluj came out strongly. They had a good second half, they were very strong collectively. Lacina Traoré, Juan Culio and Roberto De Zerbi in particular played well together. It was important to score the third goal because after that it was over."

Bayern can wrap up first place in Group E with a draw against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Matchday 5, while CFR, three points behind the Italian side and level with FC Basel 1893, will look to take something from their visit to St. Jakob Park before taking on the Giallorossi at home.

Midfielder De Zerbi, perhaps CFR’s most impressive performer on the night, said: "It's a bad result for all of us. We had a 15 to 20-minute period in the second half when we caused them difficulties. We have to pick our heads up."

Left-back Ionuţ Rada, who had found the net in the first two matchdays against Basel and Roma, was downcast yet defiant. "Unfortunately it's a bad result. We gave away two goals. We knew about Bayern but I think we helped them with our performance. You can't gift teams goals at this level, especially a team like Bayern. Even though this is a bad result, in the next two games we can still qualify for the UEFA Europa League if we play well."