Bayern Munich overcame a stubborn Copenhagen 2-1 in the Danish capital to claim all three points as they continue their perfect start in the Champions League group stages. The first half would be a struggle for Die Rekordmeister, who looked second-best from the first whistle. Copenhagen’s obstinate backline failed to give Thomas Tuchel’s side a sniff in front of goal, whilst also looking to counter at every opportunity.
However, while both sides would go in goalless at half-time, the theme of the game would stay the same after the interval. Just before the hour mark, Copenhagen’s positive work would be rewarded as Lukas Lerager would fire home from the edge of the box to send Parken into delirium. However, their joy would not last long. Jamal Musiala’s twinkling toes would enable the 20-year-old to curl a shot into the far corner to level the tie before Mathys Tel put Bayern in front. A late miracle save from Sven Ulreich ensured Die Rekordmeister came away with all three points against what was an inspirational Copenhagen performance.
Bayern Munich’s phenomenal group stage form continues
As Bayern Munich travelled to Copenhagen after what had been a gruelling week for the record champions, there would have been a sense of relief coursing through the squad knowing that a group stage game awaited them.
Without defeat at this point in the competition since 2017, and only last dropping points three years ago, Bayern would have been hoping for a comfortable evening in Denmark. Nevertheless, it would prove to be anything but.
Copenhagen would push Die Rekordmeister all the way, but after taking a much-deserved lead, they would crumble to the Bayern pressure. The Danes would still have opportunities to find a route back into the game, but Tuchel’s side would hold out for a crucial three points as they maintain their remarkable form in the Champions League group stages.
Thomas Müller comes to the rescue
A challenging evening in Denmark saw Bayern staring down the barrel of a first Champions League group stage defeat in six years. Failing to create clear-cut opportunities, the chances of Die Rekordmeister finding a way to breach the Copenhagen rearguard looked few and far between. Nevertheless, step forward Mr Bayern Munich.
With the game level, Thomas Müller was introduced to the action in an attempt to use all of his experience and quality to inspire the record champions to victory. As a gap opened up in the Copenhagen defence, Müller found himself bearing down on goal. In a display of strength, poise and composure, he would hold off the challenges of those in white before laying the ball off to Mathys Tel to fire home.
It would be hard to imagine any other Bayern player being able to replicate Müller’s minute of magnificence, and it proves that his importance to this side is still significant. While his minutes may be decreasing, his role in the side never will.
Bayern Munich are finding ways to win
A 7-0 home win over VfL Bochum on matchday five may led to some Bayern fans hoping that Die Rekordmeister’s underwhelming start to the season had been and gone. However, after looking void of ideas against RB Leipzig during the first half, Thomas Tuchel’s side once again struggled to create chances in the Danish capital.
Despite having 64% of the ball during the first half, Bayern were only able to muster up a single shot on target compared to Copenhagen’s two. Similar to Saturday’s game against Leipzig however, Bayern would improve in the second half, but they still failed to look convincing.
Nevertheless, a piece of individual brilliance from Jamal Musiala levelled the score, before the experience and intelligence of Thomas Müller allowed Mathys Tel to put Bayern in the lead. While it was far from pretty by Thomas Tuchel’s side, they always manage to find a way to come out on top. However, Bayern cannot keep placing themselves in tricky situations, as the outcome may start to go against the Bavarians.
GGFN | Will Shopland
