Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry: "My dad told me I had to play well"
Serge Gnabry says the added incentive of knowing family and friends were watching helped push him to score four stunning goals in Bayern Munich's incredible 7-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
The Germany international grabbed all four in the second half against last season's UEFA Champions League runners-up, the first time he has scored that many in a single game in his professional career.
"It's difficult to put this into words, winning 7-2," Gnabry told Sky after the game. "None of us would have imagined this. To have scored four goals is also an amazing feeling. Obviously it's a great result for us and we're going to enjoy the evening."
It was an extra special night for the 24-year-old on a personal level, returning to London where he had previously played for English Premier League side Arsenal. Facing the Gunners' fierce local rivals, Gnabry did not disappoint the many family members and friends in the crowd.
"My dad told me I had to play well tonight and luckily I didn't let him down," Gnabry said. "Maybe I was in the Under-8s the last time I scored four in a game."
Gnabry becomes only the second German player in history to score four goals in a Champions League fixture. Mario Gomez was the first to do so, also for Bayern, in a game against Besiktas in 2012, while teammate Robert Lewandowski scored four against Real Madrid for Borussia Dortmund in 2013. The last player to hit four in one game in the competition was Cristiano Ronaldo for Real in December 2015.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Gnabry's goals were added to by a brace from Lewandowski and the crucial first-half equaliser from Joshua Kimmich. It is Bayern's biggest-ever win in England and takes them three points clear of Red Star Belgrade at the top of Group B.
Gnabry now has five goals in his last two competitive appearances and will be primed to help Bayern stay top of the Bundesliga on Matchday 7 when they take on his former club Hoffenheim.
Related news
5 reasons Bayern Munich will beat Benfica
Bayern Munich play host to Portuguese giants Benfica on Wednesday, and bundesliga.com has five reasons why Vincent Kompany's Bundesliga leaders will come out on top.
Nagelsmann gives Kleindienst maiden call-up
The 29-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach striker has been rewarded for his strong start to the 2024/25 campaign.
Bayern tackle Villa with a score to settle
Bayern look to exercise the ghosts of 1982 when they head back to a happy hunting ground for their main man.