Bayern Munich vs. Benfica: Champions League Comeback Win

FC Bayern Munich – Sporting Lisbon 3:1 (0:0)

FC Bayern Munich won 3-1 (0-0) in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon. Joshua Kimmich (own goal), Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl and Jonathan Tah provided the goals. With 15 points, the German record champions can hardly be denied one of the top eight places in the league phase. At the end of November, the Munich team lost 3-1 to Arsenal FC – after a perfect record up to that point.

In the sold-out Allianz Arena in Munich, Bayern started with the better offensive actions and significantly more possession of the ball against the deeply defending Sporting. The Munich team combined dangerously in the penalty area several times, but the opening goal failed to materialize. Sporting only came forward sporadically. The guests almost took the lead in the 28th minute of the game – after a tackle from Jonathan Tah. Manuel Neuer prevented the deficit with a strong reflex.

In the second half it was actually a Munich player who gave the guests the lead: the defense was poor on a counterattack. João Simões broke through on the right and played flat into the middle. Kimmich wanted to clear in front of Iván Fresneda, who was running along, but deflected the ball into his own goal (54th minute of the game). The answer came a good ten minutes later: After a long corner from Michael Olise, Josip Stanišić and Harry Kane blocked in the center, Gnabry was free at the second post, volleyed the ball from close range and scored to equalize (65th).

Karl writes Champions League history

The Munich team turned the game around within a few minutes. Tah won the ball in a high press against Luis Suárez, Bayern quickly combined forward. A cross from Konrad Laimer landed in front of the six-yard box to Karl, who took the ball, turned and finished with his right foot (69th), Rui Silva could no longer get close.

At 17 years and 290 days, Karl is the youngest player in the premier class to score in three consecutive games. The Munich player had already scored one goal in the games against FC Brugge and at FC Arsenal. “Being in the Champions League at 17 is very special for me. I’m just proud of myself and the team,” Karl said on Dazn after the game. “That’s why everything went well today.” The midfielder was also named player of the match by UEFA.

Shortly after Karl’s goal, the decision was finally made: Kimmich crossed from the half field to Gnabry, who headed into the backcourt to meet Tah who was pushing forward. The central defender scored directly to make the final score 3-1 (77th). In the final phase, substitute Alphonso Davies finally celebrated his comeback after a long injury break (88th).