×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Bayern win but lacking killer instinct

BERLIN - Bayern Munich's 1-0 Champions League win at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday highlighted the Germans' need to make their dominance count more effectively.

A 22nd-minute Thomas Mueller penalty put them in the driver's seat but despite a string of chances they just could not add to their score.

New transfer Robert Lewandowski, who has so far scored only one goal in a competitive game after clinching the Bundesliga top scorer title last season, had another disappointing night, failing to threaten.

Chances by Mueller, Mario Goetze and Arjen Robben were also wasted as the Bavarians, who were made to work hard against a crowded Russian defence, struggled to make their supremacy count.

"Not only because of the absent fans but also the way CSKA played it was a strange game," Mueller told reporters.

CSKA were forced to play behind closed doors in the Khimki Arena as punishment for racist behaviour from their fans.

With first-choice central defender Jerome Boateng on the bench with a minor injury and replacement Mehdi Benatia repeatedly outclassed by the Russians, Bayern allowed CSKA to continue hoping for an equaliser until the very end.

For Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, however, who has repeatedly said his team needed more time to peak due to World Cup fatigue and injuries, the three points that put them top of Group E were all that mattered.

"We can be satisfied to have gotten the three points," said the Spaniard, who led Bayern to the domestic double in his first season in charge.

"But up front we were a bit sloppy with the chances because otherwise we were in control."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.