CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYER RATINGS | Bayern Munich 1-0 SL Benfica

Bayern Munich were able to earn their second Champions League victory of the season, after previously falling to successive defeats against Aston Villa and Barcelona, with a 1-0 win over SL Benfica at the Allianz Arena. 

Nevertheless, from the outset, it became clear that Bruno Lage’s side were going to push Der Rekordmeister to their limits as they looked to frustrate the hosts with a well-organised defensive performance.

The record champions dominated possession in the first half but ultimately created very little, as a combination of a stubborn Benfica backline orchestrated by Nicolás Otamendi and a lacklustre attacking impetus saw the tie head into the break goalless.

After the interval, the slow and sluggish tempo that had emerged in the first half continued to linger, but this largely benefitted the Portuguese visitors, who then turned to their talented bench for attacking inspiration. 

However, as Benfica threatened to finally take the game to the hosts, Jamal Musiala stepped up and headed Der Rekordmeister into the lead from a rare, clear Bayern chance after Harry Kane neatly found the German international with a delicate header back across goal.

Ultimately, there would be very little magic left in the game, as Bayern went on to claim all three points—a task made more simple by the fact that Benfica failed to register a shot inside the Bayern half across the entire 90 minutes.

Having begun the night with just three points from their first three games, Bayern’s clash with Benfica was undoubtedly a must-win.

While they were far from their scintillating best—something that has yet to be shown in European competition—bouncing back from successive defeats will only help the Bayern dressing room as they look to navigate their way into the top eight of the Champions League table.

Bayern Munich XI:

Manual Neuer (4), Konrad Laimer (5), Kim Min-jae (6), Dayot Upamecano (6), Alphonso Davies (6), Joshua Kimmich (5), João Palhinha (5), Jamal Musiala (6), Michael Olise (4), Serge Gnabry (4), Harry Kane (6) 

Others: Leroy Sané (5), Kingsley Coman (4), Thomas Müller (-)

GGFN Man of the Match: Jamal Musiala (6)

In a similar manner to Borussia Dortmund’s victory over SK Sturm Graz on Tuesday evening, there was very little quality on show at the Allianz Arena as Bayern overcame Benfica.

Nevertheless, when on the ball, Jamal Musiala appeared hungry to take players on and create a moment of magic for either himself or those around him.

Having registered two chances created, as per Fotmob, the German international could have easily grabbed an assist, especially in the first half when he slid Harry Kane in on goal.

Regardless, the 21-year-old did step up to the plate to find a winner for Vincent Kompany’s side in what was a pivotal game, having already fallen to defeat twice in the Champions League this season.

Failing to make a difference in big games has been a knock on Musiala’s performances in a Bayern shirt, but against Benfica, Musiala made sure that he would be the difference maker, and hopefully, it will be a trait that he continues to display. 

GGFN | Will Shopland