"?Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has highlighted his team's "will to win" as the key reason behind their last minute victory over Freiburg on Friday evening.
Playing in their first competitive match following the Bundesliga winter break, the league leaders responded will to falling behind early on and restored parity before the break, thanks to Robert Lewandowski's acrobatic effort.
Robert Lewandowski's second of the night ensured Bayern won 2-1 at Freiburg for their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions. #UCL pic.twitter.com/l5VOygdPJK
With the Bavarians well below their best, the match appeared to be heading for a draw until the Polish striker popped up in the last minute to fire the ball into the Freiburg net and send Ancelotti's team six points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig.
Speaking after the game, the Bayern manager said that he was pleased with his side's character and determination, although he did also admit he was unhappy with their overall performance.
Ancelotti told German broadcaster ARD (as quoted by "?ESPN): "We faced a difficult opponent, but we didn't play well, especially in the first half.
"But I did like the team's character. Their will to win enabled us to win the game right at the end.
"I wasn't pleased with the way we played but obviously I'm very happy with the win. To start the second half of the season with three points means a lot."
Robert Lewandowski has now scored 89 goals in just 125 games for Bayern Munich:
25 in 2014/15
42 in 2015/16
22 in 2016/17
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Whilst Ancelotti was happy with the win, Arjen Robben, who celebrated his new one-year deal with the club by playing the full 90 minutes, conceded that the end result was perhaps harsh on Freiburg, who were left to rue a late lapse in concentration.
The Dutchman said: "We are happy with the three points, but Freiburg perhaps deserved a draw.
"Naturally, it's frustrating for Freiburg and it hurts. But that's football. A game last 90 minutes -- today 93 or 94 minutes when you can score a goal too."