Champions League - Strong Bayern reaction with Coman goal at Old Trafford
This reaction was Bayern-like. On the big stage of the Champions League, the Munich soccer stars around goalscorer Kingsley Coman redeemed themselves as a top team three days after the heavy 1:5 thrashing in Frankfurt with a 1:0 (0:0) in the soccer classic against Manchester United.
Harry Kane played a decisive role in Coman 's winning goal in the 70th minute in his native England by providing the assist. The 30-year-old Englishman had no luck himself. A header missed the target (83').
Thomas Tuchel's side progressed to the knockout phase as unbeaten group winners after five wins and a draw, while the glorious Red Devils finished bottom of the table in front of 73,073 spectators at Old Trafford and suffered a complete European exit.
For Bayern, on the other hand, it will be exciting next Monday. That's when the round of 16 pairings will be drawn. It is already clear that Munich will face a group runner-up, ruling out an early knockout duel with soccer heavyweights such as defending champions Manchester City or Real Madrid. Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also been ruled out as opponents. The first legs will be played in February, the second legs in March 2024.
Musiala back in the Bayern starting eleven
Tuchel's personnel response to the five-goal thrashing by Frankfurt was Jamal Musiala. The international was back in the starting eleven for the first time since his thigh injury in the Premier League classic at Old Trafford and was the only change from last weekend. "The team is in demand, we have to show personality and quality," said Tuchel before kick-off on Amazon Prime.
The coach got what he asked for. Attitude, body language, concentration - Bayern were wide awake and controlled the action on the pitch. Musiala provided momentum for 66 minutes before Thomas Müller replaced him. Kane worked hard for the team in his first game as a Bayern professional in his home country - defensively too. Unlike in the wild 4-3 win in the first leg, the 30-year-old did not score in the penalty area. A shot from distance was Kane's meagre yield (10th). After a fine cross from Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané missed the ball on the volley when he had the best chance (32').
Neuer with 700th competitive match at club level
And United. The Red Devils, who had to win at all costs, were initially barely active going forward. In addition, defensive ace Harry Maguire apparently injured his groin and had to be substituted after 40 minutes, which meant a weakening defensively.
After the break, the hosts initially increased their attacking intensity, but Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was able to rely on his front men this time in his 700th competitive match at club level. Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim defended with great commitment. And Müller was the joker up front. The 34-year-old set up Kane, whose pin-point pass into the box allowed Coman to finish in front of goalkeeper André Onana.
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- Despite their disappointing performance in Frankfurt, where they suffered a 1:5 defeat, FC Bayern Munich demonstrated a strong Bavarian character in their Champions League match against Manchester United in England.
- Star striker Kingsley Coman scored the winning goal for Bayern in the 70th minute, with assistance from England's Harry Kane, who was unable to find the back of the net himself later in the game.
- The victory secured Bayern's unbeaten status as group winners in the Champions League, while Manchester United failed to advance, finishing at the bottom of the table.
- As the round of 16 pairings are drawn next Monday, Bayern fans will be watching closely to see who they will face, with heavyweights like defending champions Manchester City or Real Madrid ruled out as potential opponents.
- Manager Thomas Tuchel made a key decision to reintegrate international star Jamal Musiala into the starting lineup for the Old Trafford match, following his recovery from a thigh injury.
- In response to Manchester United's relentless pressure, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, playing in his 700th competitive match at club level, played a crucial role in thwarting the Red Devils' attacks and maintaining his team's clean sheet.
- Germany international Thomas Müller provided a significant contribution to Bayern's win, setting up the winning goal for Coman and working tirelessly throughout the game, even in a defensive capacity.
Source: www.stern.de
