Bayern Munich also clinched a victory in the fifth game of the preliminary round in the Champions League, beating FC Barcelona for the second time. The Munich team won 3-0 (2-0) away on Wednesday (10/26/22).
Serge Gnabry first served Sadio Mané (10th) and then Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (31st), each of which ended with beautiful individual actions. Gnabry crowned his outstanding performance in the second half with a goal, which was rightly not recognized due to an offside position. FC Barcelona were eliminated from the Champions League before the start of the game due to the results of the early evening games, but will certainly continue to play in the Europa League. Benjamin Pavard put the finishing touch after a corner.
Gnabry with a perfect eye and timing
Although FC Barcelona started with extreme pressing, Bayern managed to free themselves quickly and play quickly in turn. The German record champions proved this impressively in the tenth minute when Gnabry played an exemplary pass from midfield to Mané, who started half-left. The Senegalese crossed in intelligently and overcame Barcelona keeper Andre ter Stegen with a lob.
Barcelona with more possession
The hosts reacted little shocked and did not give up. Ousmane Dembélé, in particular, repeatedly set accents on the right-hand side, which repeatedly put Alphonso Davies under pressure. Speaking of distress: In the many duels that produced the aggressive style of play of both teams, Munich often came too late. After a good half hour, Noussair Mazraoui, Leon Goretzka and Dayot Upamecano were already booked.
But then the Munich team struck again: Gnabry again sent a teammate on the move with a through pass against the Catalans who had moved up – this time Choupo-Moting. The new Bavarian goal machine shielded the ball very well and converted it precisely from 13 meters into the far corner.
The Spanish FCB were hoping for a goal before the break when Robert Lewandowski went down in the Munich penalty area after a challenge with Mathijs de Ligt. Circumspect referee Anthony Taylor (ENG) immediately pointed to the penalty spot, but took it back after studying the TV footage.
Bayern goal also rightly conceded via video evidence
The guests got a little better after the break, coach Julian Nagelsmann had sent Marcel Sabitzer onto the lawn for Goretzka, who was at risk of yellow-red. And ten minutes after the change of sides, Bayern briefly celebrated Barcelona’s knockout: Joshua Kimmich served the outstanding Gnabry with a dream pass through the defensive line, which gave the defense including Ter Stegen no chance. But the VAR rightly recognized the attacker’s narrow offside position.
The hosts of “Camp Nou” struggled during the last half hour – but Munich defended the attacks of the Catalans confidently. Only Ansu Fati produced a shot from the left, but only hit the side netting. And Lewandowski, who was almost completely unregistered from his ex-team, didn’t score a single dangerous goal and was substituted in the 82nd minute. Pavard dusted off the final score after a Gnabry shot in added time.
Bayern now against Mainz
The Munich team will host 1. FSV Mainz 05 next Saturday (10/29/22, 3:30 p.m.). Barca will play ninth-placed FC Valencia – also on Saturday (9:00 p.m.).