Six games, six wins: FC Bayern closes out the Champions League group stage with a 3-0 win over FC Barcelona, who thus miss out on the last 16.
To prevent a feared distortion of competition, Bayern coach Nagelsmann had promised his “best available team “ – and kept his word. However, the fact that there was hardly anything at stake for the Munich team, which had already won the group, was initially obvious to this top eleven.
The opening phase belonged to the Catalans, who were under pressure, started high up the pitch and, through the active asset Dembelé, switched a few times with good prospects. However, Alba’s long-range shot was harmless (7th), Dest missed a cross (9th) and Dembelé later hit the outside of the net (37th). The visitors lacked the necessary penetrating power, which put the German FCB on the map.
Sané outwits ter Stegen
Bayern became more dominant and eventually more attacking as the game wore on. Although Musiala (18th) and Lewandowski (28th), who was interfered with by ter Stegen, also initially missed, Barça specialist Müller (eighth goal in the seventh duel) then headed the home side into the lead (34th) after a cross from the Pole.
And it was to get even worse for the Xavi team, whose long-distance rivals Benfica led 2-0 at the break: Ter Stegen was not happy with Sané’s 25-metre volley (43rd), so that the score was 2-0 after 45 minutes in Munich, where the Catalans now had to win.
Bayern like in the triple season
The big comeback of the guests was – like support from Kiev – still a long time coming after the restart. The ball kept moving nicely, but the Munich penalty area remained virtually a no-go area for Barça. Desperate long-range shots simply fizzled out
Everything looked much easier for Bayern, who exuded great joy of play in phases. The third goal – the goal was half-empty – was missed by Sané in a curious manner (48th), but after strong preparation by Davies, Musiala scored it (62nd). After just over an hour, the decision was virtually made, and the one-sided game came to an end early on. The home side remained closer to a goal until the end, with Sané missing the brace (87th minute).
As group winners, Bayern, who won all six of their group games as they did in the 2019/20 treble season, will face a runner-up in the last 16. FC Barcelona, who were eliminated in the CL preliminary round for the first time since 2000/01, will continue in the Europa League in the new year.
