Sane influential as Bayern enjoy 0-2 triumph over Internazionale
Bayern Munich dominated proceedings from start to finsh as Andre Onana's 11 saves proved crucial in keeping the scores respectable in the San Siro
| Leroy Sané. | Photo: Werner100359, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
The opening fifteen minutes made for a very entertaining start played at a high intensity by both sides. A couple of early shots taken by Kimmich failed to truly test Andre Onana, while right-sided defenders Denzel Dumfries and Danilo d’Ambrosio’s efforts sailed both wide and down Manuel Neuer’s throat. Bayern inched doubly closer five minutes later – Sané cutting in from the left fed Mané who teed up Thomas Müller to draw a fine save from Onana. Müller’s snapshot from the resulting corner forced the Cameroonian into another solid save.
Finally, the sustained pressure told in the 25th minute. Leroy Sané, Bayern’s star performer in last season's competition, ran in behind Inter’s high line to beautifully control Kimmich’s lobbed pass and round Onana to slot home. Not long after conceding, Inter almost pulled level when ex-Wolfsburg forward Edin Džeko went close with a headed effort from a corner. Davies responded swiftly at the other end with a fizzing strike – Andre Onana had his work cut out for himself again as he managed to keep it 0-1 at the interval.
The hosts made a brighter start to the second half than they did the first. A couple of early corners and a sniff at goal from Džeko gave them strands of early optimism as they tried to find a leveller. Kingsley Coman came close on what was a quiet night for the Frenchman when his mazing run ended with a shot that sailed the wrong side of the crossbar. However, Coman would play a crucial role in Bayern’s second of the night moments later – A beautiful give-and-go between he and Sané resulted in centre-half d’Ambrosio turning the ball into his own net for 0-2. Leon Goretzka replaced Sabitzer prior to doubling their lead which will undeniably bring great joy to the Bayern faithful after his cameo vs Union Berlin last weekend as he returns from injury.
Both Coman and de Ligt were afforded extra rest ahead of the weekend clash with Stuttgart. In their place came Serge Gnabry and Dayot Upamecano for the final 15 minutes. Substitute Joaquin Correa had one final chance for Internazionale when Lucas Hernandez was too casual in possession. Fortunately, the Argentine was off target. Stanisic and Musiala got a couple minutes of action as Hernandez and match winner Sané parted the field. A comfortable night for Nagelsmann and Co. in the end as they leave Milan with all three points.