Bayern had the perfect response and rediscovered their confidence with their 5-2 win at Union Berlin on Saturday, proving that they are again in form for their Champions League clash with Benfica on Tuesday. “It was a clear win and now we can concentrate on the Champions League,” said two-goal scorer Robert Lewandowski after the game in Berlin.
Right reaction
The convincing performance in the capital was “a reaction”, according to assistant coach Dino Toppmöller, after the DFB Cup elimination to Gladbach and was important for all involved. As Thomas Müller stressed, that game wasn’t just “a defeat but a competition lost that means a lot to us this season”. Victory over Union couldn’t quite “sweep aside Wednesday, but we at least proved we can deal with pressure situations”.
Book place in knockout stage
Now attentions turn to the clash with Benfica. “We’re professional, and from a professional perspective we only look ahead and focus on the next task,” Müller continued. That could see Bayern book their place in the knockout stage of the Champions League with two games to spare and would also sweeten a milestone for Lewandowski. “We’re ready for the game,” the striker said ahead of what would be his 100th appearance in the competition. “I hope we show our play from the first minute, that we get into the rhythm and up to speed, and create a lot of chances to score goals.”
Excited for fans in the Arena
Kingsley Coman also spoke of the respect the team needs ahead of the game. “Benfica are very good but we’re playing at home. I hope things go well again,” the 25-year-old said, looking ahead to a full house at the Allianz Arena again. “We play for moments like this and are happy the fans are back.” And with them in support, Bayern want to build on the performance in Berlin again on Tuesday.
Here’s the players’ reaction to the win against Union:
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