- As expected, Bayern Munich comes out of the starting blocks in the 2023/24 Champions League group phase and lives up to its role as favorite with a 4-3 win at home against a revving Manchester United.
- Despite late difficulties, the Germans achieved their 20th (!) opening victory in a row in this competition.
- In the second game of Group A, Galatasaray didn’t give up against FC Copenhagen in Istanbul and still managed to get a point in a 2-2 draw.
- Here you will find a summary of all the other games from Wednesday evening.
It took just one step up in tempo at the Allianz Arena to take the wind out of their opponent’s sails in the first half of the opening game of their own 27th premier class participation. And to temporarily turn Manchester United, who actually got off to a swinging start, into frustrated, insecure outsiders again – exactly like how they are currently dragging themselves through the Premier League with 6 points from 5 games.
“Red Devils” goalkeeper Andre Onana helped give Bayern a 1-0 lead (28th minute). The Cameroonian was unable to handle Leroy Sané’s low shot from close range. Just 4 minutes later, Serge Gnabry scored from a free-standing shot from 10 meters after Jamal Musiala passed it back to him.
The answer is there
After the break, the islanders quickly caught up. Marcus Rashford, who didn’t approach the game consistently enough, fed Rasmus Höjlund, who made it 1-2 (48′). But the reaction of the hosts was almost even quicker and they were two lengths ahead again from the 53rd minute. A VAR consultation had punished a hand penalty from Christian Eriksen, which Harry Kane converted into his first Champions League goal in a Bayern uniform.
Munich coach Thomas Tuchel, in the unusual role of spectator in the VIP stand area – he was penalized for a ban for complaining from last season in the quarter-final exit against Manchester City – was exposed to the absolutely dominant football of his protégés for a long time. So abruptly, a turbulent final phase presented a tumultuous spectacle that made the long-distance coach’s pulse soar in very different ways:
- 88th minute: Casemiro brings the tension back with full force after a quick combination that makes it 2:3.
- 92nd minute: Mathys Tel makes it 4-2 with a half-volley and thus the supposed decision.
- 95th minute: Far from it: Casemiro causes the next shocker following a free kick. But that means the time for his colors in his comeback to the CL stage (after a season’s absence) is up.
And so the German record champions achieved their 20th starting success de suite in the “premier class” showcase. However, the further expansion of the record was flawed by the fact that Bayern conceded goals in a starting game for the first time in 10 matches – three after the break.
“Gala” makes up for a 0:2 within 105 seconds
Previously in the first Group A comparison, Galatasaray had been 2-0 behind against FC Copenhagen despite having more chances until deep into the emotional final phase. Ex-Basel player Mohamed Elyounoussi got the northerners on track (35th), and before the hour was up Diogo Gonçalves increased the score to 2-0.
But then came the 73rd minute and with it the crucial point in this game. After Elias Jelert got in too hard and was penalized with a traffic light card, Copenhagen had to complete the last 17 minutes with ten men – and promptly got off track. With a double strike, the Turks made up for the handicap thanks to Sacha Boey (86th) and Tetê (88th).
The Danish double winner, who entered the second qualifying phase this year, missed his first “threesome” since the end of 2016 at the finish line. Instead, he remained winless in the 7th Champions League game in a row. And the next task is tough: Leader Bayern is coming to visit on October 3rd.