Bayern Munich prepare for Real Madrid with win over Hanover

German league champions win 3-0, coach says team in top form

BERLIN: Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich warmed up for Real Madrid with a 3-0 win at Hanover 96 on Saturday as Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski both scored after coming off the bench.

Muller struck 12 minutes after his half-time introduction before Lewandowski doubled the lead and Sebastian Rudy added a third as coach Jupp Heynckes started a weakened team.

"All in all, we played excellent football," beamed Heynckes. "The team is in top form, regardless of who plays and in what position. When you have a Champions League game on the horizon, it's important to win league games like this."

With an eye on Wednesday's blockbuster Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Real, Heynckes left out several regulars while handing 18-year-old centre-back Lars Lukas Mai his Bundesliga debut.

Both sides had their chances in a goalless first half before Bayern pulled away.

After Muller replaced Arjen Robben, the Germany international struck on 57 minutes when his first-time shot from a Juan Bernat cross deflected off Salif Sane and past goalkeeper Philipp Tschauner.

Bayern's top scorer Lewandowski added a second just six minutes after coming on himself for his 38th time this season in all competitions.

Defensive midfielder Rudy capped the win a minute from time to leave Bayern 23 points clear of second-placed Schalke, who are at bottom side Cologne on Sunday.

Later Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus inspired Borussia Dortmund to a 4-0 romp at home to Bayer Leverkusen.

Even with striker Michy Batshuayi sidelined by an ankle, the pair shone in front of goal.

Sancho, 28, a former Manchester City winger, leapt for joy after becoming the youngest Englishman to score in the Bundesliga when he hit the bottom corner with 13 minutes gone.