Musiala gets Bayern back on track against Benfica

AFP, Munich

Thu Nov 7 2024 07:09 Last update: Thu Nov 7 2024 07:13

Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal. PHOTO: REUTERS

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Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal. PHOTO: REUTERS

A second-half goal from Jamal Musiala got Bayern Munich back on track in the Champions League with a 1-0 home win over Benfica on Wednesday.

Musiala struggled in Europe after consecutive losses left them outside the knockout places. Musiala broke through Benfica’s stubborn defense and headed home an assist from Harry Kane.

Bayern were dominant in possession but created few clear-cut chances, lacking fluidity in front of a silent home crowd that refused to sing out of respect for a hospitalized fan.

Despite the win, Bayern still have work to do in Europe, with this season’s Champions League final on home soil.

The German giants are 17th, one behind Dinamo Zagreb, who they defeated 9-2 in their opener. Bayern take on French champions Paris Saint-Germain next in the competition.

“We had good moments. The opponent defended well. It was very important to get three points today,” Musiala said after the match.

“We don’t have to win every game by four or five goals. Sometimes 1-0 is enough. We had to be patient. Now we move on and look at the next game.”

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said: “Sometimes it is good to win this way, even though of course we prefer to win by three or four.

“I knew we had to stay patient and calm. We did that well. It was a good game and a good win.”

Bayern are unbeaten at the top of the Bundesliga under Kompany and have struggled in the Champions League this season despite a stormy opening match against Zagreb.

A 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa and a 4-1 thrashing of a supercharged Barcelona under former Bayern boss Hansi Flick saw the six-time European champions flag in the Champions League’s new single-league format.

With the match postponed for 15 minutes due to public transport problems and the home fans silent due to a medical emergency in the stands, Bayern struggled.

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer told reporters that the team “didn’t celebrate in the cabin like we normally would” because of the incident.

Musiala and Michael Olise dribbled in from either flank but failed to break through a Benfica side looking to sit deep and take advantage of Bayern’s risky high line on the counter.

The best chance of the first half belonged to Serge Gnabry, who forced a strong save from Anatoliy Trubin on the half volley after 38 minutes.

As the match progressed, Bayern became nervous even though Benfica had few real chances as they looked for a first win in their eleventh match against the hosts.

Leroy Sane added pace after his substitution and the former Manchester City winger would prove crucial. He found Kane who in turn set up Musiala to break the deadlock with just over twenty minutes remaining.

Bayern’s last match before the international break is Saturday in Hamburg against St Pauli.