Bayern Munich survive early Lyon scare to win 3-0

The French had good chances to score but missed while Bayer Munich made sure they are punished for that.

The Bavarians have been in great form in the Champions League and they were given the tag of the favourites after their 8-2 victory over Barca. While Lyon had garnered an image of a giant killer after knocking out Juventus and Manchester City. Thus the question of whether Lyon will be able to knock out another giant in Bayern Munich or the Bavarians will pass this trickery test.

The Bundesliga champions did succeed but Hansi Flick knows that his side hasn’t passed with flying marks. During the game they were time and again their defence was opened up Lyon or many times they needed last-minute tackles as well. It was evident that Rudi Garcia had tactically outclassed Hansi Flick but due to Lyon lack of composure, quality and experience they could not finish the game.

1^st Half

Bayern were expected to attack while Lyon were expected to sit back and defend. The same thing happened however Bayern did not create any good chances. On the other hand, Lyon would hit them on the counter.

Les Gones captain Memphis Depay had the first big chance of the game. He managed to go past Neuer as well but he could not hit the target. There were times in the first half where Lyon lacked quality in the final third. The second big chance of the game as well fell to Lyon. Ekambi had a great chance to give Lyon the lead but he hit the post. As the Ligue 1 side missed there chances Bayern drew first blood with Gnabry smashing it in the left-hand top corner. The Bavarians doubled their lead when Lewandowski miscued a simple tap but Gnabry scored in follow-through.

2^nd Half

Despite being two goals down Lyon were not willing to give up. However, against Bayern it was difficult as the French side struggled for possession. They were still trying to hit them on the counter or through set-pieces. Moussa Dembele came on for Lyon as Rudi Garcia’s last hope.

The former Celtic striker did make an impact but it was not enough. Rayan Cherki also came on for Les Gones and he became the youngest player to play in Champions League at the age of sixteen. Ekambi had another great chance when he had to tap in a simple pass but he was denied by Neuer. After that miss, Lyon were frustrated but they refused to give and they kept on trying. Despite their best efforts, Bayern Munich scored at the other end through a Robert Lewandowski header to finish the game.

Lyon vs Bayern Munich Post-match

Though Hansi Flick’ side managed to win the game he still admitted that they lucky to go through.

He said, “ Lyon had a great performance, pressured us and we survived it with a bit of luck especially at the start”.

While Rudi Garcia also highlighted that the chances missed by his team early in the match cost them the game.

He said “I think there were a few spells in the game which weren’t in our favour. Especially in the first fifteen minutes when we didn’t score our goals. We did not take advantage and we were not clinical enough.”

Full time : Bayern Munich 3 (Ganbry 18’, 33’ , Lewandowski 88’) vs Lyon 0