Robert Lewandowski's penalty was enough for Bayern while Augsburg's Alfred Finnbogason squandered a second-half penalty to leave his side empty-handed in the Bundesliga on Wednesday.

The league leaders seized control from the kick-off and pressed Augsburg onto the back foot for a 1-0 win.

It took Bayern only 13 minutes to open the scoring as Augsburg's Rani Khedira brought down Lucas Hernandez inside the penalty area. Lewandowski stepped up and kept his nerves from the spot to mark his 22nd goal of the season after sending Augsburg goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz into the wrong corner.

Bayern dictated the pace on the pitch and kept Gikiewicz busy, as Serge Gnabry unleashed a long-range effort before Thomas Muller pulled the subsequent rebound wide from the edge of the box.

Augsburg remained harmless and couldn't stifle Bayern's offensive momentum as Joshua Kimmich missed the target in 36th minute, while Gikiewicz was again on guard to deny Gnabry's shot two minutes later.

The hosts had to be happy to take only a one-goal deficit into the break as Bayern continued to be wasteful after Lewandowski rattled the outside of the left post from a tight angle in the 42nd minute.

After the restart, things changed as Bayern sat back while Augsburg grew into the game after Daniel Caligiuri unleashed a dangerous attempt at the hour mark.

In the 76th minute, Augsburg had a golden chance to restore parity but substitute Finnbogason hit the post from the spot.

Augsburg remained unfazed and kept attacking as Bayern lacked in penetration as the match progressed.

The hosts started an onslaught on Bayern's goal but neither Fredrik Jensen nor Florian Niederlechner was able to level the scores despite good chances in the closing stages.

With the result, Bayern Munich maintain its four-point advantage atop the standings, while Augsburg slip to 12th position.

"We played very well in the second half, but we missed a penalty, which is a pity of course. However, the team showed character and fought hard," said Augsburg sporting director Stefan Reuter.

Elsewhere, second-placed Leipzig overpowered resilient Union Berlin 1-0 thanks to Emil Forsberg's goal.

Jan Thielmann's injury-time winner secured Cologne a vital 2-1 win over bottom side Schalke.

Arminia Bielefeld snared crucial points in the relegation battle after beating Stuttgart 3-0, while Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt shared the spoils following a 2-2 draw. 

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