Clinical Bayern punish Barca

FC Bayern beat Barcelona 2-0 on Tuesday night, taking the lead in Champions League Group C. Lucas Hernández and Leroy Sané scored early in the second half of an entertaining heavyweight clash that lived up to its billing. Bayern's fifth straight victory over the Blaugrana means they have gone unbeaten in 30 consecutive UCL group matches, equalling Real Madrid's competition record.

The Bavarians started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Hernández and Alphonso Davies in a back four. Joshua Kimmich and Marcel Sabitzer featured in midfield behind Sané, Jamal Musiala and Sadio Mané, with Thomas Müller up front. Pavard had to be subbed off with a knock in the first half, Noussair Mazraoui taking over. Leon Goretzka came on for Sabitzer at half-time, with Serge Gnabry, Mathys Tel and Ryan Gravenberch replacing Mané, Sané and Musiala in the second half.

Lively first half

The 75,000 full house at the Allianz Arena saw an entertaining, up-tempo contest between two attack-minded sides. Bayern got off to a good start but failed to create any clear-cut chances, and Neuer was the busier of the two keepers. Bayern's number one made a strong save with his legs against Pedri but soon saw his stray pass picked up by Robert Lewandowski, with Upamecano putting out the fire. Lewandowski saw another shot go over and a header saved.

Sabitzer fired wide before a misunderstanding between Müller and Mané thwarted a promising chance following a Musiala cross, and the contest was goalless at half-time.

Ruthless efficiency

Raphinha miscued an effort straight from the restart but Bayern upped the ante now. Goretzka forced a fine save from keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Bayern took the lead when the unmarked Hernández met a Kimmich delivery from the ensuing corner and headed home from close range. The lead boosted Munich, and Musiala soon found himself in acres of space and teed up Sané, who beat ter Stegen. Musiala miscued two shots but the Catalans had not gone absent without leave, Pedri hitting the post from a promising position.

Müller fired over as Bayern engaged cruise control. Their defensive solidity meant no more gilt-edged chances came until match official Danny Makkelie blew for full-time as the Reds moved top of Group C with two games played.

Bayern will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to face Augsburg in the Bundesliga.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen