Bayern survive late scare against injury-stricken Manchester United
Bayern Munich had to make do without Thomas Tuchel in the dugout this evening. The coach was red carded in last year’s Champions League semifinal clash against Manchester City.
However, it was the red half of Manchester they faced tonight to commence their Group A action. Their English opponents pushed them to the brink, but Bayern survived Casemiro’s late brace to prevail 4-3.
The visitors had the first chance to put their noses in front inside 5 minutes. Christian Eriksen pouncing on the loose ball, but Ulreich was equally matched to the effort. Marcus Rashford followed that up with an effort of his own on 18 minutes. The winger cut in off his left flank and turned Laimer inside out, only for Ulreich to smother once more. Bayern yet to get their attack in motion at this point.
However, it was the red half of Manchester they faced tonight to commence their Group A action. Their English opponents pushed them to the brink, but Bayern survived Casemiro’s late brace to prevail 4-3.
That scenario changed significantly when the Bavarians forged a 28th minute 1-0 lead through Leroy Sané. Harry Kane teed up for the in-form winger who’s his left-footed shot proved too hot to handle. While goalkeeper Onana ought to have done better, he had no chance with Bayern’s second. Serge Gnabry latched onto Musiala’s cutback and guided the ball to the far corner. Sané’s final effort a minute before the break beat the Cameroonian again but so too his lefthand upright.
There was a brief scare for the hosts when Manchester United pulled a goal back four minutes after the restart. Rasmus Hojlund tucking home with the help of an acute Kim Min-Jae deflection. Nerves would ease in the 54th minute as Bayern were awarded a penalty for an Eriksen handball. Kane ever efficient from the spot. Gliding around the park by this stage was Musiala. The latter fed Sané who would be denied by the post, and his subsequent attack found Kane whose strike met the gloves of Onana.
As the game neared its close Bayern had authoritative control. Substitute Choupo Moting twice drew fine saves out of his compatriot defending the Red Devils’ goal. But Ten Hag’s side rallied. An 88th minute goal from Casemiro offered the visitors a glimmer of hope. However, Mathys Tel made it 4-2 when Kimmich found the substitute in space who smashed home to the roof of Onana’s net. Casemiro would grab his second in the final minute of added time, but it would be scant consolation for an injury blighted United outfit.