Juve built on their 1-0 first-leg advantage as Dusan Vlahovic converted a first-half penalty after home defender Manuel Gulde was controversially sent off for handball inside his own area.
Federico Chiesa added a late second after entering the fray as a substitute, as Juventus maintained their bid for a first major continental title since they won the Champions League in 1996.
However, Allegri was displeased with Juventus' performance after Freiburg went down to 10 men, saying the Bianconeri must improve if they are to progress further in the competition.
"The team got a good result as we progressed. We made a lot of mistakes in the second half with our ball handling, and we need to improve," he said at his post-match press conference.
"We can't play a second half like this against a team of 10. We were made to defend our own box. The second half should have been better. We need to work; we made a lot of wrong decisions.
"Against 10 we lowered our attention and pace. The result is good – excellent even – but let's not get excited because we're in the quarter-finals. We have to think about what we did in the second half and improve."
Chiesa's stoppage-time goal – a driven strike which found the net via the foot of the post – was just his second since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury in November, and the Italy international is looking to find consistency in the coming weeks.
"My first thought is to be available to the coach. Unfortunately I haven't been there in the last few games," he said. "There's still a bit of discomfort, but I'm working even harder to be more ready.
"Unfortunately my father [former Italy striker Enrico Chiesa] had similar injuries. It's a path of great obstacles to come back, but even after that, the journey continues. I just have to stay calm."
Meanwhile, the decision to send Gulde off after his outstretched arm was struck by Federico Gatti's shot infuriated Freiburg boss Christian Streich, as did a failure to punish Wojciech Szczesny for seemingly picking up a Manuel Locatelli back-pass.
"We were brave, we went for it," the Freiburg boss said. "Then there was the situation with the red card and the penalty. That was of course a difficult situation for us.
"I'm speechless. In both games, after every foul, a Juve player plays the ball away. Always. It's a complete mystery to me.
"Then there's the intentional back-pass that isn't blown. It's difficult to accept. Something that was crucial was let go."
Harry Kane was also on target from the penalty spot for the hosts, who made it two Bundesliga wins from two under Vincent Kompany.
Bayern broke through in the 38th minute after Max Rosenfelder was penalised for handball following a VAR review.
Kane stepped up and made no mistake as he calmly sent Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Muller the wrong way from 12 yards.
Thomas Muller climbed off the bench to seal the victory 12 minutes from time, controlling Serge Gnabry's cross before firing into the roof of the net.
Freiburg had the opportunity to grab a consolation in stoppage time after Joao Palhinha handled Ritsu Doan's shot, but Lucas Holer blazed over from the penalty spot.
Data Debrief: Muller marks historic day with landmark goal
The day belonged to Muller, who surpassed Sepp Maier to become Bayern's record appearance maker outright with 710. Fittingly, he marked the occasion with his 150th Bundesliga goal.
The 34-year-old has not found the net in a joint-record 16 successive German top-flight seasons, matching Holger Fach, Mats Hummels, Bernd Nickel, Olaf Thon and Michael Zorc.
Earlier on, Kane maintained his perfect record from the penalty spot in Bundesliga with six consecutive successful kicks.
The England captain has scored against all 17 opponents he has faced in Bundesliga, with only Miroslav Klose facing more opponents and netting against all of them (28).
Bayern gave starts to goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, resting Manuel Neuer, and wingers Michael Cuisance and Sarpreet Singh after clinching the title with victory at Werder Bremen on Tuesday.
Hansi Flick's men were still dominant at the Allianz Arena with Lewandowski - whose goal at the Weserstadion wrapped up an eighth successive Bundesliga crown - unsurprisingly to the fore.
Lewandowski teed up Joshua Kimmich for the opener and his brace, separated by a response from Lucas Holer, secured a routine win that ends Freiburg's Europa League hopes.
His double takes Lewandowski to 33 Bundesliga goals this term, meaning he has sole ownership of the record for most goals in a season by a non-German player.
Despite their changes, Bayern were on the front foot from the off and after 15 minutes they got the reward their start deserved.
Talisman Lewandowski turned provider as he laid the ball off on the edge of the area, Kimmich making no mistake as he slotted into the bottom-left corner.
Lewandowski was soon celebrating his 32nd league goal of the season, though, the Poland international given the simplest of tasks as he nodded in on the rebound after Alexander Schwolow could only parry Leon Goretzka's low effort into the air.
Freiburg halved the deficit against the run of play as Jonathan Schmid's shot from a tight angle deflected off Ulreich and into the path of Holer to tap in from point-blank range.
However, the two-goal cushion was swiftly re-established as Bayern took advantage of some haphazard defending from the visitors.
Lucas Hernandez was left in far too much space on the left flank and his low near-post cross was deftly turned home by Lewandowski.
Only a superb diving save from Schwolow denied Thomas Muller a goal on his 350th Bundesliga appearance after Freiburg sloppily conceded possession on the edge of their own box.
Bayern took their foot off the gas in the second half but easily saw out the game and were denied a late fourth by the woodwork as substitute Kingsley Coman struck the crossbar.
What does it mean? - Brilliant Bayern end Freiburg dream
On the hunt for the treble, Bayern look well set to challenge for Champions League glory in Lisbon next month. Freiburg's dreams of continental competition next season are over because of this result and wins for Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim.
Lewandowski surpasses Aubameyang
It would take something incredible for Lewandowski to break Gerd Muller's record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season next weekend but, after tying Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's record of 31 from 2016-17, he surpassed the former Borussia Dortmund striker with a typically clinical display of finishing.
Freiburg falter at the back
Defensive solidity was required for Freiburg to have a hope of claiming a shock result. They offered anything but, much to the annoyance of coach Christian Streich on the touchline.
What's next?
Bayern round off a unique but ultimately triumphant league campaign at Wolfsburg on Saturday. Freiburg bid farewell to the Schwarzwald-Stadion, with Schalke the final visitors before they move into a new stadium next season.
The champions, who successfully retained their title with victory at Werder Bremen on Tuesday, have not lost in any competition since back-to-back defeats to Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach in December.
Bayern's winning run that stretches back to February, with RB Leipzig the last team to deny them victory.
Their win over Freiburg also saw Robert Lewandowski take outright possession of the record for most Bundesliga goals in a season by a non-German player.
His double took him to 33 for the campaign, surpassing the 31 scored by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17.
Meanwhile, Jamal Musiala came on as a second-half substitute, becoming the youngest player to appear for Bayern in the Bundesliga at 17 years and 115 days old.
Maximilian Beier, Felix Nmecha, Julian Brandt and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens were all on target for Nuri Sahin's side, who leapfrogged their opponent to fifth place in the Bundesliga table.
The hosts broke through in the seventh minute as Beier latched onto Ramy Bensebaini's throughball before finishing, while Nmecha's superb long-time strike doubled the lead five minutes before the break.
Freiburg were seeking their first away win over Dortmund since October 2001, and their task became even harder in the 63rd minute when Patrick Osterhage was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Sahin's side capitalised on their numerical advantage three minutes later, as Brandt floated a delicious free-kick into the top corner.
Bynoe-Gittens then completed the rout in the 77th minute, with the visitors' misery compounded right at the death when Junior Adamu was given his marching orders for violent conduct.
Data Debrief: Home comforts continue for Dortmund
Dortmund have now won all six of their home league games in 2024-25, stretching their streak across all competitions to 11 matches - only topping that with a run of 14 straight wins in 1994.
They are also now unbeaten in 17 home league meetings with Freiburg, who have failed to score in five Bundesliga outings this term - with only St. Pauli (six) unable to find the net on more occasions.
The pacy attacker will join up with the Premier League side, subject to international clearance, until the end of the season, though Brentford confirmed they then "expect to make the deal permanent for a club-record undisclosed fee", with reports suggesting that could be in the region of £22million (€25m).
Schade made his Freiburg debut in August 2021 and scored seven goals in 36 games for the Bundesliga club.
Speaking to the club's website after the announcement of the 21-year-old's arrival, Bees coach Thomas Frank said: "I think Kevin is a typical Brentford signing. He is a young, promising talent that we see a big potential in. We have been following him for a while and we think he will suit our style of play.
"He can play anywhere across our front three positions. He could play for us on either wing or as the central striker. He has great pace and is very promising in the way he runs behind defences.
"He is very good aerially, in both boxes, and can develop even more to be a real threat as an offensive option with his head.
"We like the way he presses when the team do not have the ball. He is willing to work very hard for his team. We see him as a player that could have a big potential to be a fine goalscorer and it is great to have him at Brentford. Our coaching staff are looking forward to working with him."
Brentford are enjoying another fruitful season in the Premier League, sitting ninth in the table after their 3-1 win against Liverpool on Monday.
Leipzig were 1-0 down behind closed doors at the Red Bull Arena as Manuel Gulde scored with a touch of fortune from Vincenzo Grifo's 34th-minute corner.
Captain Yussuf Poulsen headed an equaliser 13 minutes from time and Nagelsmann's side passed up a host of presentable chances, although they earned a VAR reprieve when Robin Koch's stoppage-time winner for Freiburg was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Speaking to media after the match, Nagelsmann stated top form proved elusive due to the enforced break from action his team and others observed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm happy with the tempo and intensity of the game, not with the result," he said.
"We put them under a lot of pressure in the second half and created some good chances.
"It's been a long break with weeks with no training. You can't recreate the tempo of a match in training. So it hasn't really come together."
Leipzig are now four points behind second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who ran out dominant 4-0 winners over Schalke, while champions Bayern Munich will be seven points better off if they beat Union Berlin on Sunday.
"We played well, but didn't take our chances, so I've got mixed feelings," Poulsen said. "I'm happy that we didn't lose. But we really should've taken all three points."
Leipzig are back in action at Mainz next weekend.
After the German government on Wednesday granted permission for the top two tiers to return behind closed doors, DFL chief executive Christian Seifert confirmed games will get back under way on May 16.
The Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke will headline the first group of matches, while league leaders Bayern Munich are in action next Sunday and Bayer Leverkusen will travel to Werder Bremen the following day.
The rest of the Bundesliga season has also been mapped out, with the eight rounds of fixtures – and Werder's game in hand against Eintracht Frankfurt – to be contested before the final day on June 27.
Matchday 26 (all times local):
May 16 – 15:30: Borussia Dortmund v Schalke
May 16 – 15:30: RB Leipzig v Freiburg
May 16 – 15:30: Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin
May 16 – 15:30: Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn
May 16 – 15:30: Augsburg v Wolfsburg
May 16 – 18:30: Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach
May 17 – 15:30: Cologne v Mainz
May 17 – 18:00: Union Berlin v Bayern Munich
May 18 – 20:30: Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen
Matchday 27 (from May 22-24):
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin
Mainz v RB Leipzig
Freiburg v Werder Bremen
Schalke v Augsburg
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf
Paderborn v Hoffenheim
Matchday 28 (May 26-27):
Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich
RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin
Bayer Leverkusen v Wolfsburg
Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg
Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach
Hoffenheim v Cologne
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Schalke
Augsburg v Paderborn
Union Berlin v Mainz
Matchday 29 (May 29-June 1):
Bayern Munich v Fortuna Dusseldorf
Borussia Monchengladbach v Union Berlin
Wolfsburg v Eintracht Frankfurt
Hertha Berlin v Augsburg
Mainz v Hoffenheim
Freiburg v Bayer Leverkusen
Schalke v Werder Bremen
Cologne v RB Leipzig
Paderborn v Borussia Dortmund
Matchday 24 (June 2/3):
Werder Bremen v Eintracht Frankfurt
Matchday 30 (June 5-8):
Borussia Dortmund v Hertha Berlin
RB Leipzig v Paderborn
Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich
Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz
Werder Bremen v Wolfsburg
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Hoffenheim
Freiburg v Borussia Monchengladbach
Augsburg v Cologne
Union Berlin v Schalke
Matchday 31 (June 12-14):
Bayern Munich v Borussia Monchengladbach
Wolfsburg v Freiburg
Hoffenheim v RB Leipzig
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Borussia Dortmund
Hertha Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt
Mainz v Augsburg
Schalke v Bayer Leverkusen
Cologne v Union Berlin
Paderborn v Werder Bremen
Matchday 32 (June 16-17):
Borussia Dortmund v Mainz
RB Leipzig v Fortuna Dusseldorf
Bayer Leverkusen v Cologne
Borussia Monchengladbach v Wolfsburg
Eintracht Frankfurt v Schalke
Werder Bremen v Bayern Munich
Freiburg v Hertha Berlin
Augsburg v Hoffenheim
Union Berlin v Paderborn
Matchday 33 (all at 15:30 local time on June 20):
Bayern Munich v Freiburg
RB Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund
Hoffenheim v Union Berlin
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Augsburg
Hertha Berlin v Bayer Leverkusen
Mainz v Werder Bremen
Schalke v Wolfsburg
Cologne v Eintracht Frankfurt
Paderborn v Borussia Monchengladbach
Matchday 34 (all at 15:30 local time on June 27):
Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim
Bayer Leverkusen v Mainz
Borussia Monchengladbach v Hertha Berlin
Wolfsburg v Bayern Munich
Eintracht Frankfurt v Paderborn
Werder Bremen v Cologne
Freiburg v Schalke
Augsburg v RB Leipzig
Union Berlin v Fortuna Dusseldorf
The Argentina international settled the opening leg at the Allianz Stadium when he powered home Filip Kostic's 53rd-minute cross for his fourth goal in this season's competition.
Di Maria, who also netted a hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round, has now been directly involved in seven goals in his last six European appearances.
The 35-year-old endured an injury-hit start to life in Turin after signing a 12-month deal last July, but has already registered 10 goal involvements in 2023 (seven goals, three assists).
Bruno Fernandes and Toulouse's Branco van den Boomen are the only other midfielders in Europe's top five leagues to hit double figures in the calendar year.
Di Maria's future is uncertain, but he said negotiations to extend his stint with Juve are ongoing.
"I'm happy to have helped the team, we are doing a good job and we must continue like this," he told Sky. "The important thing was to win, and we did it.
"We will do our best [to reach the final of this competition]. We will try to win both the Coppa Italia and the Europa League.
"We're talking, I'm happy here, and I'm finally feeling the affection of the people after a difficult start."
Allegri also hailed Di Maria's impact, while saluting his side's display ahead of the second leg in Germany next week.
"Tonight, [Di Maria] scored a wonderful goal but, above all, he gave an extraordinary performance.
"We played a very good match tonight, with great intensity and good technically. The only thing we missed too many times was the last pass. We could have chosen better and that made the difference.
"In Freiburg, it won't be easy, but the thing that makes me think positive is that they will give us spaces, and we will have to exploit them."
Dortmund remained perfect on home soil this season as they cruised to a 4-0 win at Signal Iduna Park after Patrick Osterhage and Junior Adamu were both sent off for the visitors.
Maximilian Bieier and Felix Nmecha scored in the first half before Julian Brandt and Jamie Gittens secured the points in the second during a dominant display as they limited Freiburg to just three shots on target at the other end.
Dortmund have now won 11 home games in a row in all competitions. Since the Bundesliga was founded, they have won more consecutive home matches in a row only once, winning 14 in a row at home in 1994.
Sahin has come under pressure recently for the Black and Yellow's less impressive away form, but he was delighted with the showing he saw from his side.
"We started very well. We controlled the spaces. We allowed very little," Sahin said.
"Overall, it was a mature performance from my boys. We scored great goals, showed good energy.
"We kept them away from our goal throughout. It was a fully deserved victory and I, as a coach, am very satisfied."
Dortmund were, however, without Serhou Guirassy, who is their top scorer in the Bundesliga with six goals, as he pulled out of the game due to a virus.
Next up for Sahin's side is a trip to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, and the head coach is hopeful he will be available for that tie.
"[Saturday] morning again, we got the bad news. Serhou tried everything to play today, but it did not work," Sahin added.
"I hope it will be enough for Zagreb. He is a very important player for us."
Leverkusen were the superior side in a generally low-key contest, playing some eye-catching football on occasions as they bounced back from a shock 4-1 defeat to Wolfsburg on Tuesday.
They were fortunate to be on level terms at half-time, as Roland Sallai fed Lucas Holer in behind Sven Bender, but the forward failed to hit the target when one-on-one with Lukas Hradecky.
The visitors capitalised early in the second half. Leon Bailey, who had been a source of frustration, twisted and turned his way into the Freiburg penalty area and played a reverse pass to Havertz, who somehow poked his effort through the legs of Alexander Schwolow from an acute angle.
Havertz trudged off just past the hour after picking up what appeared to be a minor knock, but Leverkusen held on for a slender win – Hradecky making sure of the victory late on when turning a Nils Petersen effort around the post.
Leverkusen moved a point clear of RB Leipzig, who, along with Borussia Monchengladbach, can usurp Peter Bosz's side again when they face Cologne and Union Berlin respectively.
Juve registered a whopping 20 shots at the Allianz Stadium, where Di Maria's second-half header Bianconeri gave them a slender lead in the tie.
The Argentina international continued to shine in this competition, having netted a hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round.
Freiburg, who saw their five-match unbeaten streak halted, must come from behind when the teams recommence battle in Germany next week.
Massimiliano Allegri's decision to drop Paul Pogba from the squad for disciplinary reasons dominated the build-up to what was Juve's first Europa League showdown against German opposition since they faced Borussia Dortmund in the 1994-95 semi-finals.
Pogba's fellow France international Adrien Rabiot almost opened the scoring when he drew smart reflexes out of Mark Flekken, who also kept out Juan Cuadrado's free-kick.
Bremer then somehow failed to find an open goal in the 31st minute, the defender heading over Di Maria's deep corner from just two yards out, while Cuadrado stung Flekken's palms once more before the break.
Juve eventually made the breakthrough eight minutes into the second half, when Di Maria powered home a header from Filip Kostic's centre.
Freiburg thought they had responded in the 62nd minute but, following a consultation with the VAR, Lucas Holer's wonderful volley was ruled out as Matthias Ginter handled in the build-up.
Vincenzo Grifo was then marginally off target with a free-kick that represented the visitors' only recorded attempt on goal, as the Serie A side saw out a narrow victory.
Muller made his 710th appearance across all competitions for Bayern, coming off the bench to overtake the record for the most outings for the club, set by goalkeeper Sepp Maier, who retired in 1979.
The Germany veteran marked the milestone in style, scoring to seal a 2-0 victory for Bayern after Harry Kane was also on target with a penalty on Sunday.
Muller made his Bayern debut back in 2008 when Kompany appeared in his final club appearance in Germany, before the Belgian boss left Hamburg to join Manchester City.
Their careers have now met once again, with Kompany moving to the touchline, and the Bayern head coach is delighted to have reunited with Muller in a bizarre twist of fate.
"Outstanding. I witnessed his first game. I was there with Hamburg on this pitch. 710 games later, it's unbelievable," Kompany said.
"He gave 100% in 710 games, but not only in the games, but also in training. That's what makes Thomas so special.
"There are a few more games that he can still play and we are definitely pleased that he's got a few more in his locker and the fact that he can keep going like this, it's so important for us."
Muller has now found the net in a joint-record 16 successive German top-flight seasons, matching Holger Fach, Mats Hummels, Bernd Nickel, Olaf Thon and Michael Zorc.
His 150th Bundesliga goal on Sunday, sweeping home from Serge Gnabry's cross, marked the perfect end to a special day for the 34-year-old.
As for Bayern overall, Kompany said his side's performance dipped after the break, but luckily he has players like Muller he can call upon when the need arises.
"Very positive first half, and then in the second half we were just one step later than Freiburg on second balls, and we lost a little bit of the momentum," he said.
"But then I have to say that we're very fortunate to have very good players that can come on and make the difference, and Thomas Muller came on, Kingsley Coman too, and the players from the bench were very important for us to win this game.
"Positives and things to learn and we also got to celebrate a fantastic moment for Thomas Muller and that was important as well for us today."
Havertz scored the winning goal as Leverkusen moved up to third in the Bundesliga by edging Freiburg 1-0 away from home.
The in-demand Germany international, who made it five goals in four games since the coronavirus-enforced break ended this month, hobbled off just past the hour with a knock but Bosz allayed the injury concerns.
"He is fine. I don't know how bad it is, but I think he's gonna be okay," Bosz said after the match.
It was a record-breaking outing for Havertz, who has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
The 20-year-old midfielder scored his 35th Bundesliga goal, making him the first player under the age of 21 to reach that total.
"I'm very happy for him, of course," Leverkusen team-mate Leon Bailey told bundesliga.com. "He's very, very talented - I think we all know that."
"For him to be able to be doing that gives young players a vision," Bailey added. "Anything is possible once you work hard. I think Kai Havertz is a very hardworking player.
"He's smart, and very intelligent on the pitch. I hope he continues to do this and help the team as much as possible because we need him."
Di Maria scored the only goal as the Bianconeri drew first blood in the opening leg of the Europa League last-16 tie, thumping home a header from Filip Kostic's 53rd-minute cross.
Following his hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round, the World Cup winner has now been directly involved in 10 goals in 2023 (scored seven, assisted three).
The 35-year-old revealed he is in talks with Juve over extending his 12-month contract, which expires at the end of the season, and Locatelli hailed his team-mate's influence on the side.
"Angel is a phenomenon, he's in another category, I think he's really a champion," the midfielder said. "For us, it's an honour to have him with us in training and in the game. We have to be thankful that he is here.
"We are only 1-0 up, today was only the first half, we must play a mature game there [in Freiburg next week]. The 1-0 may be enough, but we have to go there and play a great game.
Although they lead, Juventus will feel their advantage should be greater, having converted just one of their 20 shots on goal during the first leg.
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his players to demonstrate a greater clinical edge, though he also encouraged Dusan Vlahovic to stay patient with the striker now having gone five matches without finding the net.
"We have to improve in the number of goals scored," Allegri said. "We create enough, the [conversion] percentage is low. We need lucidity when we attack the area, we have to improve.
"I'm happy because physically Dusan is much better, he has to be calm. Maybe on Sunday [against Sampdoria], he will score."
Although the title was already secured, Hansi Flick's side were ruthless at the Allianz Arena as Robert Lewandowski scored twice and set up Joshua Kimmich for another goal.
It was a dominant display from Bayern despite them having made changes to their regular line-up and meant they claimed a club-record 15th-straight win in all competitions.
Lewandowski's goals also moved him on to 33 for the league season, setting a new best for a non-German player in Bundesliga history.
Muller was frustrated not to have scored himself but was proud of the way they kept up their winning momentum.
"We wanted to be greedy," he said. "All teams have ambitious goals before matches. We're doing a very good job at the moment. It's down to our inner motivation that entitles us to play for Bayern and enables us to push ourselves to our limits week in, week out.
"We're expected to achieve nothing but success. We've dedicated ourselves to that. We showed superb energy today. It's a shame we didn't score in the second half. I should have added my name to the scoresheet at least once."
Kimmich wants them to maintain their winning run to boost their chances of a treble, with the DFB-Pokal final against Bayer Leverkusen to come and the Champions League set to return in August.
"You saw we're hungry and greedy, that we wanted to win the match even though we've already won the title," he said. "We want fair competition, we want to keep up our rhythm, even if nothing's at stake anymore.
"It's a special kind of mentality. A lot of work has gone into it. We don't only push ourselves on matchdays; it begins in training, in our preparations.
"We still have ambitious goals this season. We absolutely want to win the cup final and go on the attack in the Champions League and use our momentum. We didn't always dominate because of individual quality. It was often down to our mentality, fighting and will to win."
Head coach Flick is also keen to keep Bayern's momentum going, adding: "We wanted to be in control, create chances and put our opponents under pressure. It's just the way we play.
"I'm really pleased with it. But the players share the goals around, which is why it's working so well at the moment. It's important to keep up our rhythm after winning the title. We want to use our matches for that. It worked out very well today, and we want to build on it again away to Wolfsburg."
Players have had plenty of time to analyse their performances this season and we have previously used Opta data to examine some of the best attacking and passing numbers from 2019-20. Now it's the turn of the defence.
We have analysed nine metrics for defenders to have featured in at least 10 league games this season, thereby giving us a good summary of those who have led the way at the back.
The metrics include success rates in duels, tackling and aerial challenges, and for these we have only included players who have completed 20 actions in each category, which accounts to two per game.
The below therefore provides a good indication of who has been excelling in defence. There are some familiar names, but also others you might not be expecting...
THE BEST DEFENDING STATS IN EUROPE'S TOP-FIVE LEAGUES 2019-20:
BUNDESLIGA:
Most tackles won: Kingsley Ehizibue (47)
Best tackle success: Rafael Czichos (90.63 per cent)
Most duels won: Christopher Lenz (180)
Best duel success: Salif Sane (73.08 per cent)
Most aerials won: Robin Koch (88)
Best aerial success: Salif Sane (87.76 per cent)
Most clearances: Dedryck Boyata (120)
Most interceptions: Nico Elvedi(58)
Most blocks: Dedryck Boyata (24)
LALIGA:
Most tackles won: Marc Cucurella (41)
Best tackle success: Jaume Costa (84 per cent)
Most duels won: Pervis Estupinan (181)
Best duel success: Jose Gimenez (72.5 per cent)
Most aerials won: David Garcia (109)
Best aerial success: David Garcia (77.3 per cent)
Most clearances: Mohammed Salisu (136)
Most interceptions: Kiko Olivas and Unai Bustinza (48)
Most blocks: Gabriel Paulista (26)
LIGUE 1:
Most tackles won: Issiaga Sylla and Fabien Centonze (49)
Best tackle success: Bafode Diakite (82.61 per cent)
Most duels won: Issiaga Sylla (207)
Best duel success: Presnel Kimpembe (68.85 per cent)
Most aerials won: Pablo (114)
Best aerial success: Leo Dubois (76.92 per cent)
Most clearances: Damien da Silva (138)
Most interceptions: Issiaga Sylla (67)
Most blocks: Jason Denayer (29)
PREMIER LEAGUE:
Most tackles won: Ricardo Pereira (68)
Best tackle success: Serge Aurier (78.38 per cent)
Most duels won: Ricardo Pereira (256)
Best duel success: Virgil van Dijk (74.9 per cent)
Most aerials won: James Tarkowski (145)
Best aerial success: Bernardo (83.33 per cent)
Most clearances: Jan Bednarek(158)
Most interceptions: Diego Rico (62)
Most blocks: James Tarkowski and Tyrone Mings (37)
SERIE A:
Most tackles won: Stefano Sabelli (36)
Best tackle success: Samir (80 per cent)
Most duels won: Stefano Sabelli (176)
Best duel success: Bruno Alves (78.38 per cent)
Most aerials won: Amir Rrahmani (145)
Best aerial success: Bruno Alves (87.18 per cent)
Most clearances: Jhon Chancellor (134)
Most interceptions: Armando Izzo (58)
Most blocks: Andrea Cistana (34)
AND THE TOP NINE:
Most tackles won: Ricardo Pereira (68)
Best tackle success: Rafael Czichos (90.63 per cent)
Most duels won: Ricardo Pereira (256)
Best duel success: Bruno Alves (78.38 per cent)
Most aerials won: James Tarkowski and Amir Rrahmani (145)
Best aerial success: Salif Sane(87.76 per cent)
Most clearances: Jan Bednarek(158)
Most interceptions: Issiaga Sylla(67)
Most blocks: James Tarkowski and Tyrone Mings (37)
Using Opta data, we have already examined some of the worst attacking and passing numbers from 2019-20, so now it's the turn of the defence.
We have analysed nine metrics for defenders to have featured in at least 10 league games this season, thereby giving us a good summary of those whose defending could use some improvement.
The metrics include success rates in duels, tackling and aerial challenges, errors leading to shots and goals and how many times a player has been dribbled past by an opponent.
As always when it comes to data, context is key. For success rates in duels, tackling and aerial challenges we have only included players who have completed 20 actions in each category, which accounts to two per game.
The below therefore provides a good indication on where improvement is needed, and there are a few surprising names…
THE WORST DEFENDING STATS IN EUROPE'S TOP-FIVE LEAGUES 2019-20:
BUNDESLIGA:
Most tackles lost: William (29)
Worst tackle success: Alexander Hack (40.91 per cent)
Most errors leading to goals: Robin Koch (3)
Most errors leading to shots (including goals): Robin Koch (3)
Most dribbled past by an opponent: William (32)
Most duels lost: Stefan Lainer(125)
Worst duel success: Julian Ryerson (35 per cent)
Most aerials lost: Robin Koch and Sven Bender (56)
Worst aerial success: Christian Gunter (22.86 per cent)
LALIGA:
Most tackles lost: Pervis Estupinan (34)
Worst tackle success: Nacho Monreal (40 per cent)
Most errors leading to goals: Joseph Aidoo and Sergio Ramos (2)
Most errors leading to shots (including goals): Pervis Estupinan (5)
Most dribbled past by an opponent: Marc Cucurella (35)
Most duels lost: Marc Cucurella (167)
Worst duel success: Daniel Carrico (40.3 per cent)
Most aerials lost: Didac Vila (55)
Worst aerial success: Xavi Quintilla (25.71 per cent)
LIGUE 1:
Most tackles lost: Boubacar Kamara (33)
Worst tackle success: Lionel Carole (34.78 per cent)
Most errors leading to goals: Sofiane Alakouch, Timothee Kolodziejczak and Stefan Mitrovic(2)
Most errors leading to shots (including goals): Wesley Fofana, Alexander Djiku and Malang Sarr(4)
Most dribbled past by an opponent: Arturo Calabresi (42)
Most duels lost: Issiaga Sylla(161)
Worst duel success: Colin Dagba (40 per cent)
Most aerials lost: Pablo Martinez (59)
Worst aerial success: Hamza Mendyl(17.39 per cent)
PREMIER LEAGUE:
Most tackles lost: Ricardo Pereira (50)
Worst tackle success: Calum Chambers (38.46 per cent)
Most errors leading to goals: Jan Bednarek (3)
Most errors leading to shots (including goals): Jan Bednarek, Tyrone Mings, John Egan, Davinson Sanchez and James Tarkowski (4)
Most dribbled past by an opponent: Ricardo Pereira(53)
Most duels lost: Ricardo Pereira (215)
Worst duel success: Benjamin Mendy (37.38 per cent)
Most aerials lost: Ben Mee (84)
Worst aerial success: Max Aarons (26.09 per cent)
SERIE A:
Most tackles lost: Matteo Darmian (32)
Worst tackle success: Andrea Cistana (40 per cent)
Most errors leading to goals: Jhon Chancellor, Fabio Lucioni, Jose Luis Palomino, Alex Sandro (2)
Most errors leading to shots (including goals): Fabio Lucioni (5)
Most dribbled past by an opponent: Stefano Sabelli (40)
Most duels lost: Giovanni Di Lorenzo (126)
Worst duel success: Hans Hateboer (40.63 per cent)
Most aerials lost: Mattia Bani (57)
Worst aerial success: Jeremy Toljan (28.00 per cent)
AND THE TOP NINE:
Most tackles lost: Ricardo Pereira (50)
Worst tackle success: Lionel Carole (34.78 per cent)
Most errors leading to goals: Robin Koch and Jan Bednarek(3)
Most errors leading to shots (including goals): Pervis Estupinan and Fabio Lucioni (5)
Most dribbled past by an opponent: Ricardo Pereira(53)
Most duels lost: Ricardo Pereira (215)
Worst duel success: Julian Ryerson (35 per cent)
Most aerials lost: Ben Mee (84)
Worst aerial success: Hamza Mendyl (17.39 per cent)
Meslier, 22, arrived at Elland Road on loan as a 19-year-old in 2019, forcing his way into the starting role as they won the Championship and earned promotion before the club made his deal permanent for £5million.
Since then, he has become the youngest goalkeeper to reach 50 Premier League appearances, and the youngest goalkeeper to tally 10 Premier League clean sheets, earning 11 caps for France's under-21 team in the process.
His exploits – including a season-high nine saves in a 2-1 win against Liverpool in October – have caught the eye of some of Europe's big spenders, and Leeds could be forced into a tough decision sooner rather than later.
TOP STORY – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPEFULS QUEUE UP FOR LEEDS' MESLIER
According to RMC Sport, Bayern view Meslier as a potential long-term successor to Manuel Neuer, although they need the reinforcements as soon as possible due to Neuer's season-ending injury.
Leeds will be in the driver's seat in negotiations, however, with Meslier's contract tying him to the club until 2026.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Newcastle have been impressed with his performances in the Premier League and would like to add him to their ranks.
It was reported two weeks ago by the Daily Mail that Eduoard Mendy had rejected a six-year contract extension from Chelsea, which would add fuel to this fire, while it is unclear how Newcastle view Nick Pope in their long-term plans.
ROUND-UP
– Fabrizio Romano is reporting Bayern, Newcastle, Liverpooland Paris Saint-Germain will all make a run at signing 21-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Koneat the end of the season.
– According to The Times, Brentfordare in the final stages of a £22m move for 21-year-old Freiburg forward Kevin Schade.
– Chelseawill make a late charge for 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger and Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk, per Fabrizio Romano.
– Calciomercato is reporting 24-year-old Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has turned down transfers to Bournemouthand Aston Villa in the hope of landing at a bigger club.
– According to The Athletic, Manchester United could still sell right-back Aaron Wan-Bissakathis month despite starting in all three of United's wins since the Premier League season resumed.
The former Borussia Dortmund star is not short of suitors amid uncertainty over his future in London.
And Real Madrid are reportedly making their move.
T OP STORY – MADRID TELL ARSENAL TO DECIDE OVER AUBA
Real Madridhave set Arsenal a deadline as they look to sign star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to The Mirror.
Aubameyang is out of contract in June 2021 and the Gabon international has been tipped to leave Arsenal.
Madrid reportedly want Arsenal to make a decision on Aubameyang's future by June 15 as the likes of Inter and Paris Saint-Germain also circle.
ROUND-UP
- Sport reports Barcelona are on the brink of signing Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic. The LaLiga giants are close to agreeing a four-year deal with the Bosnia-Herzegovina international.
- Pjanic had been mentioned in a possible swap deal with Barca's Arthur, who has previously dismissed an exit. However, Tuttosport claims Juventus have not given up on signing Arthur.
- Former RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick is set to become head coach of Milan, reports Calciomercato.
- The Express says Manchester United have identified Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek as a top transfer target. Van de Beek has also been linked to Madrid and Juve.
- Madrid want Casemiro to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Mundo Deportivo reports the futures of captain Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquezand James Rodriguezare up in the air.
- According to The Sun, Borussia Dortmund want to sign Chelsea teenager Charlie Webster.
- Inter have set their sights on Freiburg centre-back Robin Koch, reports Tuttomercatoweb. Koch has also been linked to Napoli and Benfica.
- United are keeping tabs on Swansea City defender Joe Rodon, says The Mirror. The Red Devils have already raided Swansea previously, signing Welshman Daniel James ahead of the 2019-20 season.
