The relief was etched on the faces of the players at full time in FC Bayern's 4-3 win over Manchester United. Seven goals, top entertainment and some relentless attacking football - it was a veritable UEFA Champions League spectacle. That said, the Bayern fans could have done without the all-action finale. Mathys Tel didn't have the last word, but his injury-time goal to make it 4-2, sandwiched as it was between a Casemiro brace, proved decisive. With Bayern succesfully starting their Group A campaign with a bang, we take a closer look at the record champions' all-important goalbrokers...
In-form Sané sets the tone
Leroy Sané underlined his stellar start to 2023/24 with the opening goal after 28 minutes. The 27-year-old was a hive of energy throughout, just as he was during last season's perfect group stage. He left opposition players in his wake, whilst showcasing his wand of a left foot and eye for a pass. The Bayern No.10 admitted his team "had to control the game and counter-attack better" - but there was no faulting his own performance. The catalyst time and again this season, he's now on four competitive goals for the campaign.
Kane doing Kane things
Only the all-singing, all-dancing Harry Kane has outscored Sané at Bayern in 2023/24. The England man netted from the spot in the second half, having already teed up his in-form teammate's opener. With six goal contributions all told, he's his new employer's biggest goal threat so far this term. The Bayern No.9's also got four goals and as many assists in 11 career meetings with Manchester United. Bring on the return fixture (12 December)!
Gnabry, the scourge of English opposition
Like Kane, Serge Gnabry has form against English teams. The former Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion winger, who hit Bayern's second of the night at the Allianz Arena, has put seven of his 15 Champions League strikes to date past English Premier League opposition. Indeed, there's just something about the competition in general that brings the best out of him. Of Bayern's last 11 Champions League goals, he's had a hand in five, scoring two and assisting three.
Musiala - like a hurricane
Jamal Musiala set up Gnabry's latest effort. The 20-year-old was back in the starting line-up following back troubles and showed glimpses of his world-beating magic in the first half, before coming into his own after the restart. Expectant gasps accompanied his every touch as he furnished Sané with further opportunites and chanced his own arm from range. It's those magical moments, coupled with the way he repeatedly cut through the visiting defence like a knife through butter, that'll live long in the collective memory of the Bayern faithful.
Tel the super sub
If that wasn't enough, head coach Thomas Tuchel was able to call on an embarrassment of attacking riches from the bench. Kingsley Coman, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Thomas Müller and Tel were all introduced at various points in the second half as Bayern continued to create goal-scoring chances. Eighteen-year-old Tel made his big moment count, firing high into the net in added time for his third competitive goal of the campaign and first in the Champions League on his sixth appearance in the competition.
Tel is fast becoming the epitome of 'super sub', with his last seven goals for Bayern all falling in the final 15 minutes of matches. "It was a superb goal," enthused Tuchel. "With the games now coming every three days, it's only a matter of time before he starts."
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