Champions League: Trouble with Alaba overshadows Bavaria’s gala in Salzburg

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Dhe FC Bayern took their third victory in their third game in the Champions League. The defending champion came at the Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg only thanks to late goals from defender Jérôme Boateng (79th), Joker Leroy Sané, goalscorer Robert Lewandowski (88th) and Lucas Hernández (90th + 2) to a safe 6: 2 (2 :1). This means that Bayern, as the sovereign leaders of Group A, can plan for the round of 16 next year after a nine-point start.

“We showed our strength at the end of the game. I’m very satisfied with the team’s mentality, ”said Bayern coach Hansi Flick.

After the early deficit by Mergim Berisha (4th minute), the triple winner in the spectatorless Salzburg stadium turned the game first with a penalty from Robert Lewandowski (21st) and an own goal forced by Thomas Müller with a sharp cross from RB defender Rasmus Kristensen (44th). Masaya Okugawa scored to 2-2 (66th), but the strong Boateng with his first premier class goal in five years, Sané with a kick, Lewandowski and Hernández again made the decision.

Before the Bundesliga top game on Saturday at the same point table runner-up Borussia Dortmund, Flick was able to celebrate his 44th victory in the 48th competitive game. The game began with a minute’s silence for the victims of terrorism in Vienna, both teams played with a mourning ribbon. In the constant rain, the Munich team acted again and again negligently in the defensive work in the initial phase – and were punished for it. Boateng was able to block a shot from Sekou Koita, but Berisha, who was born in Berchtesgaden, overcame the perplexed Manuel Neuer with a shot into the goalkeeper’s corner to make it 1-0.

Salihamidzic doesn’t believe in Alaba’s whereabouts

After the fuss about his future, defender David Alaba had a lot to do against the brave and offensive Salzburg team to organize the defense of Munich. Immediately before the kick-off, sports director Hasan Salihamidzic spoke in very clear terms about the imminent farewell. “I don’t know anymore how we should find each other,” said Salihamidzic on Sky. “Now we have to deal with the fact that David will leave us.”

Alaba had rejected an improved offer to extend the contract, which is why the club informed the 28-year-old and his adviser after a deadline that “we will withdraw the offer,” said Salihamidzic. Bayern President Herbert Hainer announced on Bavarian television on Sunday evening that the club wanted to have clarity on October 31 after months of poker with Alaba and its advisors. “There is no longer an offer,” said the 66-year-old. The association wanted planning security for such an important position and personnel.

“We are all professionals. We value him very much, he is a top player and is very important to our team. We’ll deal with it professionally, “said Salihamidzic now, but also admitted:” If such a player leaves the club for free, that’s the worst case. “Alaba was surprised and disappointed about the withdrawn contract offer.

Despite the debates, the 28-year-old didn’t seem impressed or unfocused at his first premier class game in his Austrian homeland.

After the early deficit, Lewandowski scored with a penalty to equalize. Shortly before the break, he was also involved in preparing the tour. With his back to the goal, Lewandowski passed a pass from Benjamin Pavard perfectly to Thomas Müller. Kristensen headed the ex-national player’s sharp cross into his own goal in front of Tolisso.

Even if Bayern came out of the locker room again after the change and were allowed to thank Neuer for not equalizing, they now got the game more and more under control. Without Niklas Süle (positive Corona test) and Leon Goretzka (calf problems), the 3-1 only seemed a matter of time – but the Salzburg team surprised the Munich team again. Substitute Okugawa was on the pitch for less than 60 seconds when he used a strong pass from Ramalho with his first action to make it 2-2.

On the deep and wet ground, however, the hosts found it difficult to maintain the high speed and pressing. Bayern took advantage of the ice cold with four late hits to 6-2 success.