• Match review

Bayern Munich 2-0 Barcelona: Player Ratings as Catalans leave Allianz Arena empty-handed

Leroy Sane, Bayern Munich
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The Bavarians clinched the victory despite a difficult first half.

Bayern Munich defeated Barcelona 2-0 in their Champions League game on Tuesday. A strong start to the second half secured the crucial victory for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

A stunning record for Bayern!

Bayern struggled to find their feet in the game early on while Barcelona slowly established control over midfield.

Pedri had a great chance to put Barcelona ahead, but Manuel Neuer stopped him with a brilliant foot save.

Barcelona had the bigger share of the chances throughout the first half. Robert Lewandowski missed two big chances to score against his former team as Barca failed to break the deadlock.

The flow of the game changed dramatically, however, as soon as the second period started.

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Nagelsmann brought in Leon Goretzka to replace Marcel Sabitzer, changing the dynamic in midfield in Bayern’s favour.

The Bundesliga champions opened the scoring through Lucas Hernandez’s header in the 50th minute. However, the goal only motivated them to increase the pressure on Barca’s disoriented backline.

Following a perfect assist from Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane ran through Barca’s backline before beating Marc-Andre ter Stegen in a one-on-one situation.

Barcelona tried to bounce back by continuing their attacks from both flanks, but Bayern defenders managed to outpace the likes of Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembele on the wings.

The victory marks Bayern’s 30th unbeaten game in the Champions League’s group stage. Another unbeaten match at Allianz Arena would see Bayern surpass Real Madrid, who have a similar record.

Player Ratings

Bayern Munich: Neuer (8), Upamecano (7), Pavard (6), Hernandez (8), Davies (7), Kimmich (7), Sabitzer (6), Musiala (7), Muller (6), Sane (8), Mane (6).

Bench: Mazraoui (7), Gravenberch (6), Goretzka (7), Gnabry (5), Tel (6).

Barcelona: Ter Stegen (6), Araujo (6), Kounde (6), Christensen (6), Alonso (7), Gavi (7), Busquets (7), Pedri (7), Raphinha (6), Lewandowski (6), Dembele (6).

Bench: Garcia (6), Kessie (6), De Jong (7), Fati (6), Torres (6).

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