Bayern Munich commenced their UEFA Champions League (UCL) campaign with an exhilarating 4-3 victory against Manchester United, further extending their remarkable unbeaten streak in the group stage to 35 matches.
Under pressure to deliver a strong performance following a disappointing loss over the weekend, Manchester United surprised many with their initial display as they outperformed their opponents, preventing Bayern from finding their rhythm.
The Red Devils came close to reaping the rewards for their positive start when Christian Eriksen sent a cross dangerously across the goal, but as Alphonso Davies beat Facundo Pellistri to the ball, it rebounded to the feet of Eriksen. However, his goal-bound attempt was cleared off the line by Sven Ulreich. Bayern took some time to find their stride, but when they did, they capitalized on United’s lapses with two goals in just four minutes. The first goal was somewhat fortunate, as Leroy Sané’s shot on target was deflected in by André Onana.
However, the second goal showcased individual brilliance, with Jamal Musiala dribbling through United’s defense before finding an unmarked Serge Gnabry in the box, who finished confidently into the far corner. After seeing their good work undone within a brief span, United’s priority was to reach halftime without conceding again. Once again, United began the second half positively and this time found the back of the net as Bayern failed to clear the ball, allowing Casemiro to set up Rashford, who chose to pass the ball to Rasmus Højlund, resulting in his first goal for United, albeit with a deflection.
However, mirroring the first half, Bayern were gifted a penalty when Eriksen was penalized for a handball in the box. Harry Kane stepped up and clinically converted the spot-kick for his sixth goal against the Red Devils. Bayern sensed an opportunity and nearly added a fourth goal, but Sané’s effort struck the woodwork after an excellent delivery from Musiala.
After Bayern reestablished their two-goal lead, United struggled to mount a response, but they received a lifeline late in the game as Casemiro skillfully won the ball in the box and poked it past Ulreich, setting the stage for a tense finish.
However, Bayern once again had an answer and capitalized on United’s vulnerabilities, sealing the victory as Mathys Tel displayed remarkable composure in the box, taking a touch and blasting the ball into the roof of the net. In a sensational turn of events, United managed one final response as Casemiro converted a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, but Erik ten Hag’s team ran out of time to level the scores, resulting in Bayern’s victory in a thrilling UCL classic.