Lewandowski’s return to Bayern spoiled by Sane
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI was welcomed back home by Bayern Munich supporters and then sent packing by his former club as the German side beat Barcelona. Lewandowski has already scored nine goals for his new club but was guilty of a catalogue of misses as Barcelona wasted chance after chance against ruthless Bayern. ‘We let them off too much,’ said Barcelona coach Xavi. ‘We missed six or seven chances and they punish you.’
Xavi also lamented his side’s defending in the second half, with former Chelsea full back Marcos Alonso, making his full debut, partly at fault for Bayern’s opener. ‘The first goal is a marking error and the second goal we don’t foul. They were committing little fouls to break up our attacks but that’s the Champions League. You have to compete.’
Barcelona started the game looking nothing like a side that lost 3-0 here last season and had never beaten Bayern in Munich in 13 attempts. Manuel Neuer denied Pedri with an outstretched left leg in the ninth minute, then Lewandowski missed the first of his three early chances, having his effort from Gavi’s cross deflected out for a corner.
The Poland striker, 34, who spent eight seasons at Bayern, was on a mission to score against his old team but his finishing was off with a volley from Gavi’s cross going just over Neuer’s bar. Lewandowski’s name was applauded pre-match when announced to Bayern supporters and he clapped back. There were also embraces and handshakes in the tunnel before kick-off with his old team-mates. Lewandowski had another chance when Alonso crossed deep from the left but Neuer was there again to foil him at the far post.
It was almost half-time when Marc-Andre ter Stegen finally had to make his first save, at his near post from Noussair Mazraoui. It was Mazraoui who denied Lewandowski again three minutes before the break, blocking as he took aim in the six-yard box. Barcelona finished the half well and Alphonso davies looked to have upended Ousmane dembele in the area but referee Pol van Boekel was unmoved. Bayern took advantage of that decision by starting the second half strongly, with substitute Leon Goretzka forcing Ter Stegen into a full-length save. From the resulting corner they went in front when Lucas Hernandez headed in Joshua kimmich’s corner. Alonso looked to have lost his marker and Ter Stegen chose to stay on his line. Both were helpless as Hernandez opened the scoring — and four minutes later it was two. This time Barcelona were sliced open down the middle with Jamal Musiala allowed to venture forward unattended. He played in Leroy Sane and the former Manchester City forward nudged the ball past the advancing Ter Stegen before Jules kounde could make a challenge. Barcelona had sizzled in the first half but Bayern had thrown a wet rag over all that fire and spark. Xavi’s team tried to react but Pedri hit a post when put through by Lewandowski. The opportunities got no better than that one as the hosts managed the game to the final whistle. Barcelona made enough chances to beat Bayern twice but missed them all and paid the price.