Bundesliga club Bayern Munich defeated Barcelona 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League which marked the return of Robert Lewandowski at Allianz Arena. After being dominated in the first half, Lucas Hernandes and Leroy Sane scored in quick succession in the second half to hand Barcelona another defeat against Bayern.
Despite Robert Lewandowski’s openly wishing to leave Bayern this summer, the fans gave him a good reception before the match. Having scored 9 goals in 6 matches for his new club, Lewandowski missed several chances during the match. One of the best ones came during the 18th minute when an excellent ball from Gavi’s set him up for a volley. The Polish international however sent the ball over the crossbar when he should’ve scored.
He was also refused by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a header. Neuer kept his side alive during the first half with good saves having also denied midfielder Gavi with his legs.
Substitutes help Bayern Munich ease pressure
Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann made 5 changes during the match. He also dropped Matthijs de Ligt to the bench and gave a chance to Lucas Hernandes who scored the first goal of the match. Nagelsmann also sent Leon Goretzka to better control the midfield.
Joshua Kimmich sent an inswinging corner ball that was headed in by Lucas Hernandes in the 50th minute. Lucas broke away from Marcos Alonso and beat Barcelona’s goalkeeper ter Stegen for the goal. 4 minutes later midfielder Jamal Musiala made a run before passing to Leroy Sane who ran away from Jules Kounde to chip the second goal of the night above ter Stegen.
Sane was substituted by Nagelsmann 10 minutes before full-time and he reacted angrily to it, throwing his water bottle and storming from the bench. Julian Nagelsmann nevertheless secured a pressure-easing victory after 3 consecutive draws in the Bundesliga. Barcelona ultimately paid the price for Robert Lewandowski’s misses as their best chance of the second half went to Gavi who hit the post.
The club’s misery against their German rivals continued as they now stand 16-2 in their last 4 matches against Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich sits on the top of Group C with 6 points while Barcelona and Inter sit 2nd and 3rd respectively with 3 points each. Inter defeated Viktoria Plzen 2-0 after goals from Edin Dzeko and Denzel Dumfries. The group of death can turn messy as further fixtures approach.
Barcelona will host Elche on 17th September while Bayern Munich travels to Augsburg on the same day. Julian Nagelsmann will hope to break the pattern and secure Bundesliga victory before things start to get messy.
