Arjen Robben scores in winning return for Bayern Munich vs. Hertha

Carlo Ancelotti became the first coach to win his first seven games in charge of Bayern Munich with a 3-0 victory over Hertha Berlin taking the record champions clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Franck Ribery set them on their way in the 16th minute before two goals in four minutes from Thiago Alcantara and the returning Arjen Robben sealed a triumph which also ended Hertha's 100 per cent start to the season.

Victory takes Bayern clear at the top of the table for the first time this term, with two points between them and Cologne.

Robert Lewandowski's weak header after less than a minute gave Rune Jarstein some work to do before Thomas Muller somehow contrived to miss the target with the goal gaping from close to the penalty spot.

Hertha tried to relieve the pressure with a counter-attack, but once that came to an unsuccessful end, they were on the back foot again, defending a Javi Martinez header off the goalline.

A. Beier/Getty Images for FC Bayern

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Ribery then tricked his way into the six-yard box, turning left, then right, then left again before sending a shot in which squirmed under Jarstein and trickled over the line.

The Frenchman nearly bettered that 10 minutes later when his volley flashed just wide of the left-hand upright, while Lewandowski went equally close with a lob that landed just the wrong side of the same post.

Ribery was certainly looking inspired and his lung-busting run down the right, after a neat exchange of passes with Lewandowski, spread panic in the Hertha defence once again, although his low cross was cut out.

Manuel Neuer was given some work to do on the hour mark when substitute Valentin Stocker, who scored at the weekend, delivered Hertha's first shot on target of the night.

Robben made his entrance for his first appearance of the season and immediately dribbled his way into the area, claiming a penalty as he went down. That was not given and neither was the goal Lewandowski scored minutes later, with the offside flag rightly raised to deny him.

There was no doubting the goal Thiago scored moments later, though, as he robbed debutant Allan of possession just outside the Hertha area and provided a composed finish.

Thiago then turned provider for Robben to mark his return from injury with a trademark goal, cutting in on his left foot to curl his effort beyond Jarstein and complete the scoring at the Allianz Arena.