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Bayern Munich began their Champions League defense in style with a tremendously convincing victory over a mediocre Atlético de Madrid at the Allianz Arena.
With only 59 days to go to defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the final, Hansi Flick’s team faced the daunting prospect of hosting Diego Simeone’s tenacious Atlético in their first Group A match.
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The hosts got off to a nervous start, but Bayern soon got under way and, after Nicolas Sule hit the post, Kingsley Coman broke the deadlock with a shot off the post in the 28th minute.
There was an air of inevitability to the result even at that stage, such was Bayern’s dominance and Leon Goretzka’s sweet punch turned it into two before the break as the hosts proved lethal at the break.
Joao Félix thought he had halved the deficit right after the restart, but his volley was ruled offside as Luis Suárez obstructed the view of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Atleti had a half or two, but Corentin Tolisso put the game out of reach with an early contender for the competition goal, launching a shot from 25 yards into the top corner.
Coman added his second solo goal to close the score on a night that Bayern sent a message to the rest of the competition signaling their intention for a second consecutive European trophy.
TALKING POINT – Back to business for brilliant Bayern
On paper, this seemed like the most complicated start Bayern could have asked for when they began their title defense. Diego Simeone’s side had conceded just one goal in an undefeated start to the campaign, but they lacked their usual fighting instincts and surrendered too easily to the Bavarians.
Everything started to go wrong when Joao Félix retracted an inning with Joshua Kimmich, who, in the same step of the game, scored the first Bayern goal. The Flick charges took control of the proceedings from there, with Atlético producing an unusual tame display.
Bayern looked fitter, energetic, hungrier as they overloaded the visitors in the wide areas and down the middle, doing light work on Atleti’s reputation for having the best defense in Europe.
It’s a return to business for Bayern, who will be hard to stop in their tireless pursuit of back-to-back CL titles.
Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Munich celebrates with his teammates
Image Credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH – Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
There are so many contenders, but Coman deserves it for his ruthless display of attack. He could have had a hat-trick only to be substituted with almost 20 minutes left.
PLAYER RATINGS
Bayern Munich: Neuer 6, Pavard 7, Sule 7, Alaba 7, Hernandez 8, Kimmich 9, Gortezka 8, Muller 8, Tolisso 8, Coman 9, Lewandowski 7 .. alternates: Javi Martinez N / A, Douglas Costa 5, Choupo-Moting N / A, Davies N / A, Sarr 5.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak 6, Renan Lodi 5, Felipe 5, Savic 5, Trippier 4, Koke 4, Herrera 4, Carrasco 7, Llorente 4, Joao Felix 5, Luis Suarez 6 .. alternates: Torreira N / A, Correa 5, Lemar N / A, Vitolo 5.
KEY MOMENTS
28 ‘- GOAL! Bayern Munich 1-0 Atlético de Madrid (Kingsley Coman): Joao Frelix backs down from 50-50 with Kimmich, who recovers and throws a beautiful cross to the back post, where Coman is left with the simple task of fitting it.
41 ‘- GOAL! Bayern Munich 2-0 Atlético de Madrid (Leon Goretzka): Bayern are getting away with this! They are too strong at halftime! Lewandowski walks away and finds Coman in the overlay. They are lining up at the back post waiting for his delivery and it is Goretzka who receives it, and hits him in the bottom corner.
47 ‘- Goal canceled! Atlético are celebrating what they think is a much-needed goal, with Joao Félix’s volley wriggling through Neuer. But the linesman’s flag will soon be raised! Suarez was in an offside position and obstructed Neuer’s view.
66 ‘- GOAL! Bayern Munich 3-0 Atlético de Madrid (Corentin Tolisso): OMG, one of the first contenders for the competition’s goal as Tolisso puts the game out of question! He throws one into the top corner from 25 yards, leaving Oblak with no chance!
72 ‘- GOAL! Bayern Munich 4-0 Atlético de Madrid (Kingsley Coman): What a magnificent goal to turn into FOUR! Atlético’s defense is too high and Muller can easily free Coman. Twisting and turning, he leaves his marker in his wake, before burying it beyond Oblak. You have a hat-trick now!
KEY STATISTICS
- Bayern Munich have already registered 13 consecutive victories in European competition, approaching the record held by Atlético de Madrid from 2011 to 2012 (16).
- Atlético de Madrid have only won two of their last 11 away games in the Champions League group stage (5L, 4D).
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