City
Epaper

Bayern win, Leverkusen lose in Champions League

By IANS | Published: September 19, 2019 8:46 AM

Bayern Munich registered their 16th straight win in their opening game after beating Red Star Belgrade 3-0, while Lokomotiv Moscow defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 with two first-half goals to take all three points at the first round in the Champions League's group stage.

Open in App

On Wednesday, the German record-holding champions Bayern assumed control from the starting whistle while the visitors kept all their men behind the ball to make the hosts' life difficult, reports Xinhua news agency.

Bayern had to wait until the 21st minute before Philippe Coutinho produced the first clear-cut opportunity after coming close from the edge of the box.

Niko Kovac's men eventually broke the deadlock with 34 minutes played when Ivan Perisic's cross met Kingsley Coman, who marked the opener with a diving header from five meters.

After the restart, Bayern immediately took the reins and came to a number of chances but yet they were unable to overcome Belgrade goalkeeper Milan Borjan in the opening period of the second half.

Red Star Belgrade almost punished the host's wastefulness, but Marko Marin pulled wide from promising position moments later.

The visitors' chance was a wakening call for Bayern as Lewandowski capitalised on a moment of madness by the visitors' defence to scramble home the 2-0 lead from very close range.

However, the hosts were not done with the scoring and added another goal to their lead as substitute Thomas Muller benefitted on a chipped free kick to volley the ball past Borjan for the 3-0 final score.

With the win, Bayern Munich lead Group B with 3 points, followed by Olympiacos, Tottenham Hotspur and Red Star Belgrade.

In the other match, Bayer Leverkusen staged an uninspired performance and suffered a 1-2 loss to Lokomotiv Moscow.

With the result, Lokomotiv Moscow sits atop the standings with three points, followed by Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Leverkusen.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: BayernMilan BorjanBelgradeLokomotiv MoscowMarko Marin
Open in App

Related Stories

PoliticsWagner group simply does not exist: Putin

FootballAC Milan's history is unique, could not say no to offer, says Ruben Loftus-Cheek

BusinessMoscow Seasons Project Invites You to Indulge in the 'Taste of Russia' Gastronomic Festival - A Gastronomic Extravaganza in Moscow

Other SportsVinesh Phogat to make competitive wrestling return at Budapest Ranking Series 

InternationalAs NATO summit begins, Russia intensifies attack on Ukraine

फुटबॉल Realted Stories

FootballArgentina forward Julian Alvarez addresses Lionel Messi's retirement plans

FootballAIFF launches Blue Cubs Development Centre programme

Football"I don't follow records, records follow me...": Cristiano Ronaldo after breaking Saudi Pro League record

FootballBlue Tigresses' squad for Uzbekistan friendlies announced

FootballItaly defender Leonardo Bonucci announces retirement at 37