Schongang-Bayern with a clean sheet against Copenhagen
An uninspired FC Bayern was unable to continue its record winning streak in the Champions League without much pressure to produce a result. In the 100th European Cup match at the Allianz Arena, the Munich soccer pros had to settle for a lame 0-0 draw against FC Copenhagen.
In stoppage time, referee Stephanie Frappart reversed a handball penalty decision for Munich after a video review.
In front of 75,000 spectators, Bayern, who had already been crowned group winners three weeks ago and were led by motivated but hapless returning starter Thomas Müller, played in economy mode for too long against deep defending visitors. The final offensive lacked penetration. In the 87th minute, even Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had to make a reflex save to prevent a defeat. The point means Copenhagen remain second in the table.
Lack of willingness to run
Although there were more goalscoring opportunities after the break than in the poor first half, the game, which was led by Frappart, only became a little more entertaining late on. The Frenchwoman, who refereed the German team's elimination at the World Cup in Qatar, was in action for the Bayern men for the first time. She was called upon at several critical moments.
With their fifth win in the fifth group game of the season, they failed to extend their record to 18 wins in a row in the preliminary round. The German champions have been unbeaten in Europe's premier league for 39 group games - a record they have maintained. After the 3-3 draw between Galatasaray Istanbul and Manchester United, the Danish champions also have a good chance of reaching the round of 16, which will be drawn on December 18.
Two weeks before the final group game in Manchester, there was no sign of coach Thomas Tuchel's full-throttle promise for a long time. "We are preparing for the match as if it were our last chance," the 50-year-old announced. There was a lack of willingness to run, pace and spirit in an uneventful first half. Müller missed the best chance when Copenhagen keeper Kamil Grabara saved his header brilliantly (30).
Both teams lacking ideas
At the other end, captain Neuer, who had extended his contract until 2025 the day before, as had substitute goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, was only really challenged after the break. Nevertheless, the Danes almost took the lead out of nowhere in the first half. Instead of shooting himself from the best position, Lukas Lerager crossed for Roony Bardghji. The 18-year-old Swede missed the Munich goal from 14 meters (27').
Shortly after the break, Diogo Gonçalves failed to turn the game in a different direction by giving Copenhagen the lead. His shot from 20 meters narrowly missed the post (47'). Overall, the Munich defense around substitute central defender Leon Goretzka, who deputized for South Korean Minjae Kim (hip contusion), was not challenged much.
After just over an hour, Tuchel made a triple substitution to give Munich's play a little more impetus. The new wing duo of Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané also helped the long ineffective and very economical Harry Kane, who sniffed the first goal of the evening with a long-range shot (68'). As did Sané with his free-kick (72'). Substitute goalkeeper Ulreich rightly complained on the bench about the lack of a corner and was shown a yellow card by Frappart.
Despite the opportunity in stoppage time, Bayern's lack of offensive penetration nearly cost them a point against FC Copenhagen. The draw allowed Copenhagen to maintain their second position in the Champions League group.
In the following match of the Champions League group stage, both FC Bayern Munich and FC Copenhagen struggled to create chances, showcasing a lack of ideas in their attacks.
Source: www.dpa.com
