Football
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Xabi Alonso says Bayern Munich getting better after Stuttgart win

It was a case of points over performance for Bayern Munich on Saturday as they returned to winning ways ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game against Manchester City with a 2-0 win over Stuttgart.

- Bayern and Dortmund win

Bayern were not at their best but never looked under any real pressure at the Allianz Arena and did enough to ease to victory.

Coach Pep Guardiola predicted before the campaign started that it would take time for his team to settle, with Bayern still feeling the effects of having provided Germany with six members of their World Cup-winning squad in Brazil.

"We're always happy when we win," Guardiola said, glossing over the rustiness in his side.

Xabi Alonso, who made his second appearance for the club, was more open about the team's performance.

"It was a lot of effort," he said on his club's official website. "Of course we controlled the game, but until we got the first goal, there were a few minutes which were not so good.

"We had to work hard in the second half because we knew Stuttgart only needed a goal, but we settled after the 2-0. We still need time. We're getting better, but the main thing is we got the three points."

Bayern also welcomed back Franck Ribery for the first time after the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup, the France forward capping his comeback with the second goal after Mario Gotze's opener.

"It was important for me personally to be back with the team," Ribery said. "I'm delighted I was able to play, and get a goal too. It was important for the team to get these three points."

The win lifted Bayern into a share of top spot with Bayer Leverkusen on seven points, one point ahead of rivals Borussia Dortmund.

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