Defending champions Bayern Munich had to again depend on Franck Ribery to come to the rescue as they beat Michael Frontzeck’s Arminia Bielefeld 3-1 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. Ribery scored in the 77th minute, and also won a penalty seven minutes later that assured the German giants of victory.
Match reviews
Wolves 2-1 Swansea – Championship
A brace from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake was enough for Mick McCarthy’s Wolverhampton Wanderers to beat Swansea 2-1 at Molineux on Wednesday night. The result, coupled with 10 man Queens Park Rangers’ astonishing 1-0 win over Birmingham City, ensures that Wolves are back on top of the Championship.
With Richard Stearman turning up late, McCarthy had to play Neill Collins in defence. Michael Mancienne, signed from Chelsea on loan, was on the bench. Ebanks-Blake struck his first with a high quality finish on the stroke of half time, but the goal was cancelled out by Darren Pratley in the 49th minute. However the Swans again fell behind as Blake showed his class three minutes before the hour mark, heading home from a Carlos Edwards cross.
Norwich City 5-2 Wolves- Leroy Lita scores hat trick
Former Reading striker Leroy Lita grabbed a hat trick as Glenn Roeder’s Norwich City beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-2 at home. The result, Wolves’ third defeat in their last four games, sees Mick McCarthy’s side conceding their top spot in the Championship table to Birmingham City, who beat Crystal Palace thanks to a late goal from Garry O’Connor.
Carl Ikeme gifted Norwich the lead by tipping a Sammy Clingan free kick into his own net, and Lita doubled Norwich’s lead six minutes before half time. Neil Collins pulled one back for Wolves almost immediately, but Lita again restored their two goal advantage when he lobbed home from 20 yards in the 58th minute.