FC Bayern have already reached the last 16 of the Champions League after four group games. Against Benfica Lisbon, the German record champion scored five beautiful goals – three of them by jubilarian Robert Lewandowski Even though not everything worked out for him.
A mixture of smirk and disbelief spread across the face of world footballer Lewandowski. In his 100th Champions League game, of all things, he had missed a penalty in miserable fashion. He should be able to cope with it – not only with regard to the final result, but also with regard to his own performance.
Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann had already announced changes in the run-up to the match. The most surprising personnel change: Because both Hernandez and Süle were absent due to injury, Nianzou was allowed to play in the three-man backline alongside Upamecano and Pavard and make his first appearance in the Champions League in a Bayern shirt. Compared to the away win at Union Berlin Pavard, Goretzka and Gnabry also came into the eleven, Stanisic, Tolisso and Müller moved to the bench.
In possession, this resulted in a somewhat unfamiliar 3-1-5-1 system, with birthday boy Davies and Coman occupying the outside positions – and doing a good job of it there. Coman proved to be an asset in the early stages, setting up two good chances by Gnabry (6th) and Pavard (20th) with pacey dribbles, while Davies forced Benfica goalkeeper Vlachodimos into a fine aerial save with a fine flick (19th).
Coman plays Grimaldo dizzy: Lewandowski heads in the 1:0
However, the visitors also played a lively game and showed their attacking qualities again and again, a goal by Verissimo after a corner was disallowed due to a narrow offside position by Pizzi (15th). Benfica coach Jorge Jesus made five changes from the 4-0 defeat in the first leg, bringing on Morato, Gilberto, Meité, Pizzi and Everton in place of Otamendi, André Almeida, Weigl, Darwin and Rafa.
Despite the many changes, the Portuguese’s problem remained similar to the first leg: they could not get a grip on the agile Coman – and that took its revenge: Grimaldo was again played dizzily by Bayern’s number 11, the Frenchman crossed superbly to the second post, where Lewandowski had an easy time from close range – a spotless goal to make it 1:0.
Gnabry raises, Morato shortens, Lewandowski misses
The second goal for the home side a short time later was no less impressive: Lewandowski took a wonderful chip ball from Kimmich and crossed to Gnabry, who put the ball into the far corner with his heel (32nd). The German international could even have made it 3-0 a little later, but failed to beat the rushing Vlachodimos after a dream pass from Goretzka (36).
Instead, Benfica came back into the game, because Morato, after a short free kick and a great Grimaldo cross, clearly rose highest and beat Neuer with his head (38th). The FCB were unimpressed and could have restored the old gap before the break if Lewandowski had fired a handball penalty awarded after VAR intervention (Goretzka shot at Verissimo’s outstretched arm) into the goal instead of into the arms of Vlachodimos (45.+1).
More beautiful Bayern goals – but also carelessness
Instead of just before half-time, the 3:1 came just after half-time – and was again beautiful to watch: Davies headed a chip transfer from Kimmich to Sané, who scored with an impressive direct shot into the far corner (49th). The fourth goal was no less beautifully played out: In a lightning-quick switch situation, Kimmich set the scene for the onrushing Sané, who slowed down and crossed to Lewandowski at the perfect moment. The jubilant player finished off the counter-attack with a wonderful lob over Vlachodimos (61).
Benfica had to be careful in this phase not to get really run down, Sané missed a great chance shortly before the fourth Bayern goal (52.) as well as shortly after (63.). It was only after the substitutions were made on both sides that the FCB shifted down a gear – and sometimes became a little inattentive. After a misplaced pass by substitute Sabitzer, the rest of the defence was not right for the German record champions, and Benfica joker Darwin scored through Neuer’s legs after Joao Mario had done the groundwork for him to make it 2:4 (74th).
Neuer provides the assist: Lewandowski scores the treble
The Bayern victory was never seriously in danger, however, as the 2020 champions were too stable and controlled, and Lewandowski was too hungry for goals in his 100th Champions League game. This time, keeper Neuer provided the assist, finding the Pole with a long shot over the Portuguese who had moved out of the way. Lewandowski finished again with a lob – the fifth beautiful Bayern goal of the evening. Another goal was not added because substitute Sarr was interfered with by Morato shortly before the end (88th) – but of course that did not change anything about the FCB’s early entry into the last 16.
In the final phase of the match, the Munich team was able to save its strength for the next difficult task: The Bavarians expect the so far unbeaten Freiburg at home in the Allianz Arena next Saturday. Benfica Lisbon welcome reigning cup winners Sporting Braga late on Sunday evening.
