FC Bayern beat Galatasaray with a lot of effort. Only in the final phase does superstar Harry Kane make the difference. The record champions continue their crazy run in the Champions League and move into the round of 16.
FC Bayern already made it into the round of 16 on the fourth matchday of the Champions League. The German record champions defeated a strong Galatasaray Istanbul 2-1 (0-0) in front of their home crowd and further extended their impressive premier class record. Thomas Tuchel’s team has now been unbeaten in 38 preliminary round games in a row; the last defeat was years ago.
Double Kane celebrates “weird” goal
Harry Kane once again scored the winning goals (80th/86th). Cédric Bakambu (90+3) scored for the courageous guests in stoppage time. “It was a difficult game. We did well in the first half, but we lacked precision in front of the goal,” said Kane, who was named player of the game, after the game on DAZN.
His first goal was checked twice for offside, but it withstood the VAR check. “I celebrated the 1-0 almost three times. That was a bit strange. I don’t know what they checked the third time, but luckily it was given.”
Manuel Neuer, who celebrated a successful comeback in the Champions League, was extremely satisfied: “We mastered the group phase with flying colors.” “We can rely on striker Harry Kane,” said Neuer: “He is a phenomenon and we are proud that he is in our team.”
Copenhagen makes Bayern group winners
For Bayern it is the 16th round of 16 in a row, while Gala gave up its second place in the table to FC Copenhagen. The Danes won 4:3 (2:2) against Man United and thus also completed FC Bayern’s early group victory. Bayern can conserve energy in the last two preliminary round games.
The signs for the encounter in the Allianz Arena were clear: FCB suffered their last defeat in the Champions League in September 2017 against Paris St. Germain (0-3), and the Munich team also scored 82 out of 84 possible points in front of their home crowd. The Tuchel team also won the first leg 3-1.
“Away game” in Munich
However, this initial situation did not stop the gala fans from visiting Munich. Thousands of fans had already created a great atmosphere around Marienplatz in the afternoon. In view of the yellow and red crowds, FC Bayern had made it clear in advance that Istanbul supporters wearing fan clothing outside the away fan block would not be allowed entry into the stadium. Before the game, Thomas Tuchel spoke tongue-in-cheek about an “away game” for his team.
As in the first leg, the guests showed courage from the start and came closer through Mauro Icardi (3rd). After that, however, FCB took over the reins and created a few good opportunities. Sané alone had three promising finishes (14th, 22nd & 30th), but was denied twice by the excellent goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and missed from distance once again.
Concern for Bayern star: Musiala out injured
The injury to Jamal Musiala is likely to cause concerns for Tuchel. The magic foot had to be replaced at half-time and put a strain on Munich’s already thin personnel base.
After the break, Kane had the chance to make it 1-0 (53′) when Kingsley Coman’s cross found the head of Leon Goretzka, who extended the ball to the Englishman. Kane only reached with his toes and got caught on the left post. In the 80th minute things worked better after a Kimmich free kick, Kane nodded in to make it 1-0.
Between the Bavarian opportunities, Gala also had the lead. Before the break, Manuel Neuer saved against Icardi (43′), Lucas Torreira scored in the second half, but his celebration was nipped in the bud because of a slight offside position. For the final phase, Tuchel brought on Konrad Laimer and Mathys Tel, the latter making it 2-0.
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Source: BR24Sport on the radio November 8th, 2023 – 9:00 p.m
