Bayern Munich overcame Galatasaray 3-1 in a cauldron of noise in Istanbul as they continue their perfect record in the Champions League group stages. From the first whistle, Bayern were determined to not allow the hostile atmosphere to get the better of them, as they looked to get off to an ideal start. And after eight minutes, Die Rekordmeister had their answer, as Kingsley Coman kept composed to fire Bayern in front. However, after taking the lead, Bayern would crumble. A mistimed Joshua Kimmich tackle allowed Mauro Icardi to audaciously panenka Galatasaray level as the sides headed into the break.
Nevertheless, after the interval, Bayern were able to resume control. Chances would come and go for both sides, but with Die Rekordmeister dominating the majority of the ball, they would be able to create the decisive opportunities. A goal and assist for both Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala meant that Bayern were able to cross the finish line, with Galatasaray unable to find a response. Their 16th straight win in the Champions League group stages means that qualification appears just around the corner for Bayern, while the Turkish champions will have to bounce back from defeat if they are to finish second.
Kingsley Coman’s excellent form continues
Kingsley Coman opened the scoring on matchday eight as Bayern Munich overcame their demons at the MEWA Arena to end their three-game losing streak in the league at Mainz’s home ground. However, the opener saw Coman score his fourth goal in his last three games for club and country.
However, whether the Frenchman could continue his rich vein of form, especially in a game that could have derailed Bayern’s Champions League campaign was the next question. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old passed with flying colours.
After eight minutes, Coman found himself in plentiful space inside the Galatasaray box, and he kept his composure to drill the ball past Fernando Muslera. With three successful dribbles, Coman offered Bayern the perfect outlet, with Leroy Sané struggling to find an end product. If he can maintain his fine form, then Bayern may prove to have too much quality to be stopped in the Champions League.
Qualification is all but achieved
Bayern Munich and the Champions League group stages are a marriage made in heaven. Die Rekordmeister had not dropped points at this stage in the competition for over three years, while they last tasted defeat at this stage in 2017.
However, an intimidating trip to Istanbul awaited Thomas Tuchel’s side, and after Galatasaray’s surprise win at Old Trafford on matchday two, Bayern knew they would have had to have been on top form to walk away with three points. After taking an early lead, it appeared that Bayern had been able to tame the raucous atmosphere that surrounded them.
However, they would quickly succumb to the pressure applied to them, with Galatasaray taking the game to the German champions. Their resistance would come under threat, and when Joshua Kimmich gave Mauro Icardi the chance to level, a difficult evening looked to be on the horizon for Bayern.
Nevertheless, the second half saw Bayern resume their dominance. Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane scored and provided for one another as Tuchel’s side made their evening seem far more comfortable than it was in actuality. While Bayern may have made their evening harder than necessary, with a 100% record thus far, qualification seems almost certain.
Sven Ulreich has proved his worth
It has been a difficult few months for Die Rekordmeister, as their injury list continues to grow stronger by the matchday. However, despite the never-ending injuries plaguing the squad, the news that club captain Manuel Neuer is set to return to the squad will be music to the ears of Bayern fans.
However, since the start of the season, Sven Ulreich has proven to be a reliable stand-in for Thomas Tuchel’s side. While the impact that Neuer will have upon his return cannot be understated, Ulreich has been able to step up the plate when called upon on a number of occasions.
Especially against Galatasaray, Ulreich made three significant saves in the first half that prevented the hosts from taking an unassailable lead. This allowed Bayern to take the foothold in the second half when they could have easily been chasing the hosts. While he will quickly resume second-best when Neuer returns, he has more than proved his worth.
GGFN | Will Shopland