Bayern overcome Inter to make Champions League history

FC Bayern beat Inter Milan 2-0 on Tuesday, completing the group stage with a maximum 18 points for the third time in the club's history - a new Champions League record. Benjamin Pavard broke the deadlock in the first half and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting settled the matter with 20 minutes to go as Bayern sealed their 13th consecutive group stage win.

The Bavarians started with Sven Ulreich in goal and Noussair Mazraoui, Pavard, Dayot Upamecano and Josip Stanišić in a back four. Joshua Kimmich and Marcel Sabitzer featured in midfield behind Kingsley Coman, Ryan Gravenberch and Sadio Mané, with Choupo-Moting up front. Alphonso Davies took over from Upamecano at half-time, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Mathys Tel and Paul Wanner coming on for Mazraoui, Mané, Choupo-Moting and Coman in the second half.

Pavard opens

The 75,000 capacity crowd at the Allianz Arena saw an evenly-balanced first half. Inter had the better chances at first, and Ulreich made a strong save against Nicola Barella before the latter saw another effort deflected behind. Kimmich fire over and Lautaro Martínez put a square ball just over the bar from close range at the other end before Bayern took the lead. And it was telling that it came from a set piece, Pavard outmuscling his man to head home a corner.

Keeper Andre Onana denied Mané as the contest livened up. Sabitzer saw a shot blocked before Onana saved against Coman, and the sides went into the break with Bayern a goal to the good.

Choupo on target

Inter had the ball in the back of the net early in the second half but Francesco Acerbi's goal was immediately flagged offside. Kimmich fired just wide before Choupo-Moting's bicycle kick found the net, but that too was ruled out for offside.

Onana denied Musiala and Gravenberch but Choupo-Moting doubled the advantaged when he unleashed a belter into the top corner of the net. Davies only just missed a Gnabry cross and Ulreich made a strong save against Dzeko as it remained two and Bayern made it 13 consecutive wins in group games.

Bayern will learn the identity of their last 16 opponents on Monday. The German record champions will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to face Hertha Berlin.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen