Bayern Munich: Top performers in comfortable win in Plzen
Bayern Munich continued their good run of form in the Champions League by cruising to a comfortable win against Viktoria Plzen on matchday four. After beating the Czech side 5-0 at Allianz Arena last week, Bayern managed a 4-2 win in Plzen.
The victory against Plzen on Wednesday booked Bayern’s place in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Die Roten made a fast start in Plzen and killed the game in the first half by scoring four goals. Plzen did manage to get two consolation goals in the second half, but Bayern saw out the game to seal the victory. Let us look at some of the top performers from Die Roten’s crucial victory in Plzen.
Leon Goretzka
It was surprising to see Leon Goretzka start on Wednesday since he had started the previous two games and could do with a rest. However, Julian Nagelsmann reaped the rewards for persisting with the in-form midfielder. The German international delivered a man-of-the-match performance on Wednesday.
Goretzka started in the number eight role since Joshua Kimmich slotted in the holding midfield position. He showed great vision to find Mane with a lobbed pass for the first goal. The former Schalke midfielder was a menace in the final third with his late runs in the box. Goretzka was rewarded for timing these runs precisely as he scored a brace in the first half.
The German international showed great composure in front of the goal to help Bayern clinch the victory in the first half. The German international almost got his hat trick early in the second half, but Plzen’s Jindrich Stanek did enough to put off Goretzka in the box. It was an accomplished midfield performance by Goretzka despite playing only 56 minutes.
Leroy Sane
Leroy Sane delivering on Champions League nights has become a normality for the Bavarian faithful. The German forward continues to impress in the European competition. He started in a fluid attack on Wednesday, occupying central areas for most of the game.
Sane was causing a lot of problems for Plzen’s defense with his movement and awareness in the final third. The former Manchester City winger assisted Goretzka’s second goal with a defense-splitting pass. Sane didn’t get on the scoresheet against Plzen, but he was the primary creator for Die Roten. The German international racked up an expected assist of 0.57 and had two good shots on the goal. The rich vein of form continues for Sane as he shone in Plzen during his 70-minute stay on the pitch. (Stats courtesy: FotMob)
Leroy Sané has now been directly involved in 17 goals in his last 14 Champions League games (10G, 7A). #UCL pic.twitter.com/g0XFn4ZWxv
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 12, 2022
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Sadio Mane
The international break came at the right time for Sadio Mane. The Senegalese forward has regained form after finding the back of the net for his country during the break. After delivering a man-of-the-match performance against Plzen at Allianz Arena last week, Mane was once again on the scoresheet in the Czech Republic.
Mane’s goal was probably the best of the game on Wednesday. He found Goretzka near the box with a crisp pass and made a darting run in the box. The German midfielder lobbed the ball in his path, and Mane did the rest to open the scoring for his team. It was a good night in Plzen for Mane as he created several chances and looked a threat in the final third with his runs.