It was a lot of hard work, but thanks to goalkeeper Harry Kane, FC Bayern reached the round of 16 of the Champions League early. On the fourth day of the preliminary round, the Munich team defeated the Turkish record champions Galatasaray in a hard-fought duel 2-1 (0-0) after two goals from the Englishman and are now in the knockout round for the 16th time in a row.
Kane’s first goal was only recognized after a long video study (80th). Then the goalscorer made the decision (86th) and Bayern celebrated their 17th consecutive victory in the group stage of the premier class – a record. Kane had previously hit the post (53′). Cedric Bakambu shortened the score for Istanbul (90+3).
The Munich team has now been unbeaten in 38 games in the preliminary round, which is also a record. Downer. After 40 minutes, Jamal Musiala had to leave the field injured and Thomas Müller replaced him.
Coach Thomas Tuchel had already attached great importance to an early entry into the knockout round before the game. “It would give us huge self-confidence, that would be a huge confirmation if we succeeded,” he said, but emphasized: “Even if we succeed, we will continue to try to get every point and never give it up or value games less. ” FC Bayern still plays against FC Copenhagen (November 29th) and at Manchester United (December 12th).
Galatasaray expects uncomfortable opponents
Joshua Kimmich, who was suspended in the Bundesliga against Dortmund and also on Saturday in the Bundesliga against 1. FC Heidenheim, patrolled the midfield as Tuchel announced. Doing without Kimmich was out of the question for the coach, not even after the strong performance of Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer in the 4-0 win in Dortmund on Saturday. “Jo is a fixed point,” emphasized Tuchel – and saw, among other things, how Kimmich had to tie Goretzka’s shoes on the field, whose hand was bandaged.
As in the first leg (3:1) in the cauldron in Istanbul, Galatasaray went to work courageously and aggressively, but this time Bayern fought back resolutely from the start. A highly intense game developed in which Kane set an early mark with a powerful shot (4th) which was saved by Gala goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Ten minutes later he made a great clearance against Sane, who appeared free in front of him (14′), and again after a good half hour (30′).
Galatasaray presented themselves as the expected uncomfortable opponents, were poisonous in the duels and attacked at every opportunity. However, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was not nearly as challenged in his comeback to the international stage as his deputy Sven Ulreich was in the first leg. When it came down to it in the 42nd minute, his class immediately shone through: he made an outstanding save against Mauro Icardi.
Bayern also repeatedly found gaps in their tough struggle, but the shots in and around the penalty area remained rare. An opponent often blocked, and the post also stood in Kane’s way. The outcry from the loud and numerous Galatasaray fans in the 62nd minute quickly subsided: Lucas Torreira’s goal was disallowed for offside. Kane’s goal from Kimmich’s free-kick cross also had to be checked for offside – but was recognized as correct. Kane followed up and the guests made things exciting again.