As the UEFA Champions League returned, Bayern Munich hosted the Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the proclaimed Group of Death. Bayern was coming into this game with high morale after ending their winless streak last weekend with a 4-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen. Die Roten continued from where they left against Leverkusen by delivering a smashing performance against Plzen. Here are Bayern’s top performers in their 5-0 win against Viktoria Plzen.
Leon Goretzka
In a very exciting first half, Leon Goretzka dominated midfield. Playing alongside Ryan Gravenberch allowed him to break further forward up the field than he usually would in his defensive midfield role. Before being taken off in the 73rd minute, Goretzka grabbed himself an impressive brace of assists.
In Bayern’s second goal of the game, Goretzka displayed his excellent passing ability by finding Serge Gnabry with a very clever and accurate pass. For his second assist, Goretzka played a near identical pass to Choupo-Moting for Bayern’s final goal. An action-packed midfield performance from Goretzka.
Sadio Mane
After delivering great performance at the weekend, Sadio Mane excelled against Viktoria Plzen. Playing in his favored left-wing position, Mane was both the supplier and the finisher. Not only were his darting runs down the left sideline a constant threat in the final third, but his skillful dribbling also opened up the defense for ample opportunity to score.
In the 21st minute, Mane bagged Bayern’s third goal of the game with a beautiful finish, capping off a well-crafted solo goal. On top of the finish, Mane also supplied Leroy Sane with a looping longball over top of the defenders to slot it into the net. A strong offensive performance for Sadio Mane.
Leroy Sane
Bayern’s top scorer in the Champions League this season- Leroy Sane stepped up against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday. Within the first seven minutes, Sane scored to put Bayern up 1-0 with a fantastic finish. Setting his run up with a quick give-and-go with Jamal Musiala, Sane charged right through the heart of Plzen’s defense and fired a shot into the top left corner of the goal.
Sane’s second goal showed exactly how good he can be. In the 50th minute, a sublime first touch coming from the Mane cross set Sane up perfectly in front of the face of the goal. Having already beaten the defensive line of Plzen, Sane had a rather simple finish slotting the ball past the keeper.
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Even though he was taken out after 58 minutes, Sane still proved to be the most impressive player on the field– single-handedly taking Bayern to the next level. A rightful Man of the Match is awarded to Leroy Sane. Bayern will be looking to continue to make three wins in a row when they travel to Signal Iduna Park to face Borussia Dortmund on Oct. 8.