Bayern Munich began their UEFA Champions League (UCL) season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United, extending their group-stage winning streak to 35 games.
United shocked many with their start at the Allianz Arena as they were the superior side. Despite the pressure to deliver after a disappointing display at the weekend, United did not let their hosts get into their groove.
Christian Eriksen almost gave the Red Devils something to cheer for, for their strong start when he blasted the ball across the goal, but Alphonso Davies beat Facundo Pellistri to it, and it came back to the Dane’s feet before Sven Ulreich cleared it off the line.
It took Bayern some time to get going, but once they did, they punished United by scoring twice in four minutes.
The first came by chance when Andre Onana parried in Leroy Sane’s attempt on goal, but Jamal Musiala’s brilliant individual performance led to the second.
The star forward sped past the United defense and found an open Serge Gnabry in the penalty area, who scored into the far corner.
It was crucial for United to avoid giving up after the break after having all of their hard work undone in a four-minute span.
They once again did get off to a strong start when the second half commenced and this time they scored. When Bayern failed to clear the ball, Casemiro was able to put Rashford through, but instead of shooting, he passed the ball to Rasmus Hojlund, who used a deflection to score his first goal for United.
However, just like in the first half, Bayern were presented with a gift as Eriksen was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.
For his sixth goal against the Red Devils, Harry Kane took the penalty kick and calmly buried it.
Bayern could smell blood and nearly added a fourth, but Sane, who was superbly set up by Musiala got stopped by the woodwork.
After Bayern regained a two-goal advantage, United found it difficult to respond, but Casemiro’s heroics late in the game to win the ball in the area and poke it past Ulreich gave them a chance to tie the game.
Bayern however, once more came back and punished them, sealing the match when Mathys Tel displayed excellent poise in the box by taking a touch and shooting into the roof of the goal.
Sensationally, United had one final reposte as Casemiro turned home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, but Erik ten Hag’s men had no time to level the scores as Bayern were victorious in a UCL classic
In the earlier game in Group A, Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen drew 2-all.
