Bayern opened their 2012/13 Champions League campaign with a valuable and fully merited home win over subdued Spanish giants Valencia on Wednesday, although an uneventful game ended in a flurry of stoppage-time action as the visitors cut the arrears and had a man sent off, and the home side missed a penalty. But FCB held on for victory, the latest three-pointer meaning Jupp Heynckes’ men maintain their perfect start to the season with a sixth victory in six matches.
The 68,000 all-seated full house at the Allianz Arena saw the home side comfortably dominate the first half against the passive and defensive La Liga side, and take a deserved lead through Bastian Schweinsteiger seven minutes before the break, meaning FCB have now scored at home in their last 15 straight Champions League fixtures.
The visitors showed more initiative after the restart but Bayern remained in the driving seat for a long period, Toni Kroos doubling the advantage with a fine drive some 15 minutes from time. It seemed all over, but there was a frantic finish as former Werder and Dortmund striker Nelson Valdez pulled one back with a header, Adil Rami was sent off for a second bookable offence, and Mario Madzukic missed the resulting penalty.
The result, coupled with BATE Borisov’s surprise 3-1 win away to Lille, means the Bavarians are second in the Group F standings after the first round of fixtures on three points, behind the Belarus champions on goal difference. FCB are next in action in the Bundesliga away to Schalke on Saturday.
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