Munich shocks Galatasaray late
Bavaria wakes up in Istanbul’s “hell” just in time
October 24, 2023, 8:39 p.m
Flattering victory for FC Bayern in the Champions League: Galatasaray Istanbul is clearly the better team, especially in the first half, but the Munich team strikes ice cold. After the equalizer, Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala scored shortly before the end.
Ice cold in the “hell” of Istanbul: Thanks to the match winners Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, the mercilessly effective FC Bayern have set the next Champions League record in the Galatasaray cauldron and are well on their way to the round of 16. Despite a few wobbles, the Munich team prevailed 3-1 (1-1) against the Turkish record champions and celebrated their eighth away win in the group phase in a row.
Kingsley Coman (8th) gave coach Thomas Tuchel’s last line-up the lead on a hot autumn evening on the Bosphorus, which Mauro Icardi (30th, penalty kick) equalized. When the constant pressure from the hosts subsided, Kane scored his second goal in the current competition (73′) after Musiala’s assist, and shortly afterwards he set up Musiala’s goal (79′). With a home win in the second leg on November 8th, Bayern, now unbeaten in 37 group games, could take a big step towards the knockout round.
The gala fans among the 52,000 in the sold-out Rams Park made a deafening noise from the start – and irritated with a banner. “If Jerusalem is not free, the world is captive,” it read; The supporters expressed – not for the first time – their commitment to Palestine. On another banner, Bayern were threatened with a real “nightmare”.
And the “Lions” actually started in yellow and red, as if they wanted to give the guests hell. The Munich defense with Noussair Mazraoui, who had returned after muscular problems and the Palestine turmoil, had a lot to do. Star striker Icardi, surprisingly there despite an ankle injury, was dangerous early on (4th).
But Bayern’s first attack brought calm, at least for a short time: Coman met a pass from Leroy Sane. But Galatasaray didn’t let the deficit discourage them and took full risk, Sven Ulreich made an artistic save from Kerem Aktürkoglu (9th). After a mistake by the goalkeeper, who will probably have to give up his place on Saturday against Darmstadt 98 for returning Manuel Neuer, Aktürkoglu shot over (11th).
Bayern never got access to the game and opponents in the first half. The defensive wings Mazraoui and Alphonso Davies lacked support, the center with captain Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer, who had moved into the middle for the injured Leon Goretzka, was outplayed too easily.
Icardi used the ninth (!) shot on goal with a Panenka lob from the spot to make it 1-1 and let the cauldron boil over at 131.1 decibels. Kimmich fouled the Argentine. Aktürkoglu (38th) even had the opportunity to take the lead. And the German record champions? Played uncleanly and didn’t use the spaces that Gala certainly offered too rarely.
This was achieved during a counter-attack after the restart, but Sane finished too hastily (50′). There was now a little more possession of the ball and therefore control, but there weren’t many opportunities to finish. Sane (63′) left another one unused. Gala, however, was now visibly running out of breath.
And suddenly Bayern struck ice cold. After Musiala’s preparatory work, Kane lived up to his reputation as an enforcer. Galatasaray seemed shocked and demoralized. Kane kept track of things and laid it out for Musiala in the penalty area – and he also converted in an ice-cold manner. The cauldron then cooled down. The Bayern fans could now also be heard.