Bayern Munich: Five key stats from 3-0 win over Barcelona

The 2021/22 UEFA Champions League group stage campaign is off to a great start for Bayern Munich. Die Roten defeated Barcelona 3-0 at Camp Nou to go to the top of the group after Matchday One. Bayern led 1-0 at halftime and was in firm control of the match before adding two goals in the second half. Robert Lewandowski led the way with two goals for the visitors. Here are three key stats from the 3-0 win.

Thomas Muller continues to score goals against Barcelona

Muller has been a consistent scorer against Barcelona. According to OptaFranz, the 32-year-old has scored seven goals against the La Liga club. No other player in Champions League history has scored this many goals against Barcelona. After scoring two goals against them in the 8-2 win, he was once again on target for Die Roten. Four of his seven goals have come in his last three appearances against Barcelona.

Barcelona offense held to no shots on target

For the first time this season, Barcelona was held to zero shots on target. They registered five shots but none were able to trouble Manuel Neuer or find the back of the net. Bayern kept the Barcelona attack from having any sort of impact on the result and it certainly has to be a confidence boost for the backline moving forward in the group stage. This was the first time in Barcelona’s last five seasons where they have failed to record a shot on target in a Champions League fixture.

Bayern caused turnovers

Barcelona was dispossessed 12 times during the match which was a higher number than the four times they dispossessed Bayern. Among those who were dispossessed multiple times were playmakers Memphis Depay and Frankie de Jong. Both of the aforementioned players entered this match as Barcelona’s leaders when it came to shot-creating actions. By dispossessing the duo it made the match much more difficult for the home side to generate opportunities to register a goal. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored and fbref)

Lewandowski’s consistent start

Lewandowski’s consistent goal-scoring form is alive and well in the 2021/22 season. He has scored in every match he’s played in thus far at the club level and Tuesday was his third multi-goal performance in six appearances. With ten goals already being scored by the striker, it’s looking like it’s going to be another astronomical goal total recorded by the Bayern legend.

Leroy Sane continues to deliver

With his assist on Muller’s goal, Sane has now scored two goals and registered four assists in his last four appearances for Bayern. His good form is only adding to Bayern’s attacking ability and the talented depth they have available. If he continues to consistently produce goals and assists then it could make Bayern even more lethal in the final third this season.