Irresistible Reds down Atlético

FC Bayern got off to a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, beating Atlético Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday night. Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka handed the treble winners a two-goal lead before half-time, Corentin Tolisso putting the game to bed after the hour mark before Coman rounded off a brace.

The Bavarians started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Niklas Süle, David Alaba and Lucas Hernández in a back four. Joshua Kimmich and Goretzka anchored a midfield featuring Thomas Müller, Tolisso and Coman, with Robert Lewandowski up front. Bouna Sarr, Douglas Costa, Javi Martínez, Alphonso Davies and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting took over from Pavard, Coman, Goretzka, Müller and Lewandowski in the second half.

Kingsley and Leon on target

Once referee Michael Oliver had whistled play underway, the first chance fell to the visitors in the lively opening stages, a square only just evading Luis Suárez in the box. Lewandowski fired wide before Süle hit the post from a corner, Tolisso drawing a save from netminder Jan Oblak.

Yannick Carrasco tested Neuer and a Suárez shot went wide, but Bayern drew first blood when Kimmich won possession 25 yards out, his pinpoint cross finding Coman, who shone with a fine first touch before beating Oblak. Hernández fired over from distance but Bayern doubled the advantage shortly before half-time, Coman finding Goretzka, who rifled into the far corner of the net.

Coco seals it

Atlético had the ball in the back of the net after the restart, João Félix beating Neuer, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The Spaniards enjoyed a spell in command now but failed to create anything of attacking note, and Bayern soon reasserted their authority and created a couple of half-chances before going for the jugular, Tolisso unleashing a belter from distance that screamed its way into the top corner of the net.

Coman soon crowned his impressive display when he beat Oblak after a dazzling solo run. Munich engaged cruise control now, but they were always a step quicker than their opponents, and Oliver soon put Atlético out of their misery.

Bayern will be back in action in just three days, when they entertain Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Live match report for fcbayern.comby Greg Salmen