Pep Guardiola ready to scoop up title in record time
If Bayern - now on 65 points - maintain their dominance, boss will secure crown by March 29
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola is set to scoop his first German title in record time later this month after the Bundesliga holders opened a 20-point lead.
Arjen Robben of the Netherlands hit a hat-trick as Bayern romped to a 5-1 home victory over Schalke 04 to equal their own league record of 15 straight wins and extend their unbeaten run to 48 Bundesliga matches.
Having dropped just four points all season, his side have now claimed 65 points after 23 games - setting another league record.
Congratulations to the team. With every game, we move a little closer to defending the league title
Bayern won last season's treble of league, cup and Champions League titles.
They had wrapped up the Bundesliga with a record six games to spare and Guardiola's side is on course to at least equal that.
Having won 14 titles in four years as Barcelona coach before standing down in 2012, Guardiola could have his first Bundesliga title confirmed by the end of this month in his first season in charge.
"In the break, we talked about respect for the opponent and about how we needed to keep serious," said Guardiola, ever the perfectionist as his side led 4-0 at half-time at Munich's Allianz Arena.
"Congratulations to the team. With every game, we move a little closer to defending the league title," he added with 11 games left in the Bundesliga.