FC Bayern’s dominance in the competition continues as they head home from Barcelona with all three points, a clean sheet, and top spot in Group C secured with a game to spare.
FC Bayern will finish top of their Champions League group for a fifth successive season after a clinical victory in Barcelona, whose place in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages had been confirmed by Inter’s earlier triumph. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a dinked finish over Marc-André ter Stegen in the tenth minute, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting drilled in shortly after the half-hour. Benjamin Pavard slotted in a last-gasp third to give Serge Gnabry a hat-trick of assists.
Matthijs de Ligt has been named Player of the Match. UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel said: “He was very impressive display, showing huge physicality and strength in individual duels, which was essential to keeping Lewandowski quiet. He contributed to a clean sheet for his team and restricted an attacking Barca side to no shots on target.”
FC Bayern have won their last six Champions League matches against Barcelona, keeping clean sheets in the last four.
FC Bayern are unbeaten in a competition record 33 UEFA Champions League group stage matches, winning 30 times. They have won each of their last 12 games in the group stage, which is also a record.
Barcelona coach Xavi said, “I want to thank our fans for their unconditional support. They created an extraordinary atmosphere. We truly appreciate it. It’s a pity we couldn’t properly show our appreciation on the pitch. We have to face reality – I already warned that we’d have to take our knocks and grow from them. This was a big blow.”
FC Bayern coaxh Julian Nagelsmann said , “The way we won gives us a lot of energy. I don’t think Barca were expecting us to be so bold. But you have to do that when you play against Barcelona. We scored two lovely goals and added a third at the end. We didn’t let them have any shots on goal; we defended with so much passion. The team made a statement tonight.”
Bengali