Serge Gnabry scores four in blockbuster seven-goal Bayern Munich win over Tottenham Hotspur
Serge Gnabry scored four second-half goals as Bayern Munich turned on the style away to Tottenham Hotspur, the Bundesliga leaders recording a crushing 7-2 victory to make it two wins from two at start their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur 2-7 Bayern Munich
Goals: 1-0 Son (12'), 1-1 Kimmich (15'), 1-2 Lewandowski (45'), 1-3 Gnabry (53'), 1-4 Gnabry (55'), 2-4 Kane (pen. 61'), 2-5 Gnabry (83'), 2-6 Lewandowski (87'), 2-7 Gnabry (88')
This match always promised to be a spectacle, with Bayern facing last season's Champions League runners-up, and it did not disappoint. Gnabry and former Bayer Leverkusen forward Heung-min Son both had chances inside the first five minutes and Manuel Neuer was the busier of the two goalkeeper initially, making some decent stops before Son broke the deadlock with a sharp shot into the far bottom corner. Bayern were level just three minutes later though, when Joshua Kimmich rifled a stunning shot from distance past Hugo Lloris. From that point on, Niko Kovc's men were in control and deservedly took the lead shortly before half-time when Robert Lewandowski showed tremendous poise in the midst of a goalmouth scramble to turn and drill a low shot into the corner.
The visitors began the second half as they had finished the first and took the game to their hosts immediately. If Bayern's first two goals had been good, Gnabry took things up a notch with his first of the night, the former Arsenal man dribbling down the left before cutting into the middle and sending a searing shot past Lloris. The Germany international doubled his personal tally just two minutes later with a precision finish from Corentin Tolisso's pass, but Spurs were given a lifeline when Harry Kane converted a penalty after Kingsley Coman had brought down Danny Rose. The next goal in a period of tangible tension was always going to be decisive and once again Gnabry rose to the occasion, galloping to receive Thiago's stunning pass before slotting the ball past Lloris in style. Lewandowski made it six from Philippe Coutinho’s sublime assist in an astonishing final 10 minutes, before Gnabry rounded off an unforgettable night with a bullet from the edge of the box to put Bayern in firm command of Group B with a result that sent shockwaves across Europe.
Match stats
- Lewandowski is one goal away from overtaking Ruud van Nistelrooy in fifth on the list of all-time Champions League goalscorers.
- Gnabry scored four goals in one game for the first time in his career.
- Alaba made his 350th appearance for Bayern in all competitions.
- Kimmich has the most assists among defenders in Europe’s five major leagues this season, with three.
- Bayern have been European champions five times, most recently in 2013. Tottenham have never won the competition but were runners-up to Liverpool last term.
- The Bavarians are now unbeaten in their last 10 European matches away from home, scoring at least two goals in nine of those. They have also kept clean sheets in three of their last four.
Line-ups
Tottenham: Lloris (c) – Aurier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose – Ndombele (Eriksen 64’), Winks (Lamela 81’), Sissoko – Alli (Lucas 72’) – Kane, Son
Unused subs: Gazzaniga, Dier, Sanchez, Davies
Out: Foyth (match fitness), Lo Celso (groin), Sessegnon (thigh)
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Bayern: Neuer (c) – Pavard, Süle, Boateng (Martinez 72’), Alaba (Thiago 46’) – Kimmich, Tolisso – Gnabry, Coutinho, Coman (Perisic 72’) – Lewandowski
Unused subs: Ulreich, Cuisance, Davies, Müller
Out: Arp (wrist), Goretzka (thigh), Hernandez (knee)
Coach: Niko Kovac
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As it happened
Tottenham Hotspur 2-7 Bayern Munich
Goals: 1-0 Son (12'), 1-1 Kimmich (15'), 1-2 Lewandowski (45'), 1-3 Gnabry (53'), 1-4 Gnabry (55'), 2-4 Kane pen. (61'), 2-5 Gnabry (83'), 2-6 Lewandowski (87'), 2-7 Gnabry (88')
88' - GOAL! GNABRY HAS FOUR!
What is happening here in London! An incredible, flawless performance from Gnabry and Bayern who have scored seven away to Tottenham and Gnabry has four himself. This one smashed home from the edge of the box.
87' - GOAL! LEWANDOWSKI MAKES IT SIX!
What a night this is for Bayern. Coutinho produces this goal with a stunning assist. Found by Perisic on the edge of the box, he flicks the ball onto Lewandowski who places it past Lloris.
83' - GOAL! GNABRY COMPLETES HIS HAT-TRICK!
What a pass from Thiago, and what a finish from Gnabry. The German races onto the Spaniard's long ball and slots the ball pass Lloris in style. What an incredible night for Gnabry.
83' - BAYERN TO GO FOUR POINTS CLEAR?
As things stand, Bayern will go four points clear of Olympiacos at the top of Group B.
75' - BAYERN IN A GOOD SPOT
Tottenham not causing the Bundesliga leaders many major problems here. Bayern set-up to defend their lead here, and are doing so well. This would be a vital win for them in their group stage campaign.
71' - DOUBLE BAYERN CHANGE
Perisic and Martinez are on for Bayern, with Coman and Boateng, who is limping off the pitch, coming off. Spurs have brought on Lucas Moura in place of Alli.
69' - BAYERN PENALTY?
Coman is brought down in the box by Rose, VAR has a look but does not give a penalty. Bayern frustrated as they think they should have had a spot-kick.
64' - SPURS SUB
Christian Eriksen comes on for Tanguy Ndombele. This game is a real classic and Bayern have a task on their hands to keep it in their favour. Sissoko just blazed a chance over the crossbar from inside the box. Bayern will have to use all their experience now.
61' - GOAL - KANE SCORES
The Englishman sneaks the penalty past Neuer, who had dived the right way. The home side will think they have a chance to get back into this one now. Up to Bayern to make sure they don't.
58' - PENALTY TOTTENHAM!
Coman and Rose collide and a penalty is given to the home side. VAR has checked it and the penalty is confirmed.
55' - GOAL! GNABRY DOES IT AGAIN!
Precision at it's finest from Gnabry here this time. Tolisso finds him on the left side of the box and he sends a first-time shot low across the goal, clipping the fingertips of Lloris but going in off the post. Bayern really do love life in London. What a start to the second half.
53' - GOAL! WHAT A GOAL GNABRY!
You will do well to find a better goal than this in the Champions League this week. The former Arsenal winger is played down the left by Pavard, and cuts inside to the middle as he enters the box. He teases the ball past Alderweireld before smashing the ball into the far bottom corner. What a run, what a goal.
46' - SECOND HALF BEGINS
Thiago is on at the break for Bayern, replacing Alaba. It means Pavard has moved to left-back, Kimmich to right-back and the Spaniard joins Tolisso in the middle of Bayern's midfield.
HALF-TIME!
A thrilling first half, end-to-end and full of attacking intent. A joy to watch and Bayern sneak ahead before the end of the first half with Lewandowski's moment of magic. Joshua Kimmich also produced a stunning strike to bring Bayern level.
45' - GOAL! LEWANDOWSKI DOES THE BUSINESS
Tolisso goes down in the box but doesn't get the penalty. Play goes on with a scramble in the box and Lewandowski takes control. He turns to his left with his back to goal, brushing off the challenge of Vertonghen before curling the ball into the far bottom corner. A stunning finish to put Bayern ahead at the break.
44' - LEWANDOWSKI FIRES WIDE
The Pole curls his free-kick wide of the mark, through the Spurs wall.
42' - NDOMBELE BOOKED
Nasty foul on Coutinho right on the edge of the Spurs box. A chance here for the Bundesliga side to go ahead...
38' - BAYERN FINDING THEIR FLOW
The Bundesliga side have been on top in these last 10 minutes or so. Keeping possession, finding good positions and most importantly, nullifying the Spurs attack. Coutinho is now getting into the game as well and trying to unlock things.
33' - LEWANDOWSKI HEADS OVER
Chances have been few and far between for the Bayern striker so far this evening but he rises highest to meet Alaba's cross here, beating Vertonghen to the header. But he can't keep it on target.
31' - SON CAUSING PROBLEMS
The winger's close control and position in attack is causing Bayern plenty of problems right now. Getting in between Pavard and Süle at the back. He's been Tottenham's danger-man.
30' - COMAN ON THE RIGHT, GNABRY LEFT
Usually, it's the other way around for Bayern, but today so far, Gnabry has been on the left wing and Coman on the right side. Coman has not been involved at all, while Gnabry has had only a couple of runs at goal.
26' - ANOTHER NEUER SAVE
A fantastic pass from Kane to Aurier sends the full-back down the right wing. He plays the ball inside to Ndombele who shoots at goal, but Neuer is on hand to save again. He has been Bayern's best player so far.
25' - GNABRY BOOKED
The Bayern forward is penalised after pulling down Winks. The first mistake of the game from him. Bayern just a yard off the pace so far, with Tottenham enjoying most of the possession in the game.
20' - NEUER BEING KEPT BUSY
Spurs are pressing the Bayern defence well and forcing some mistakes. Son has a shot from distance which forces Neuer into a save. It's the South Korean's fourth attempt on goal already.
18' - ALABA CLEARS OFF THE LINE
Ali's dinked ball over the Bayern defence is latched onto by Kane. He rounds Neuer and goes for goal, but Alaba gets on the line to clear it away. This has been an incredible game in the opening 20 minutes.
15' - GOAL! KIMMICH FIRES BAYERN LEVEL!
What a strike from Joshua Kimmich. He controls the ball on the edge of the Spurs box, skips the ball past Ndombele and smashes across goal into the far bottom corner. An outstanding strike from the midfielder to bring Bayern level.
12' - GOAL - SPURS SCORE!
Tolisso thought he had been fouled as he cleared the ball, but the referee waves play on. Sissoko plays in Son and the former Leverkusen and Hamburg forward puts the ball past Neuer.
10' - AURIER ON ALABA
The Tottenham right-back sees the ball cleared away from in front of him by Alaba, and the Ivorian appeared to stamp on the Bayern full-back. Nothing given by the referee or VAR, though.
8' - SPURS PRESSING HIGH
It's been an intense start to the game with both sides pressing the ball hard. Both sides are also looking to keep possession and push forward quickly. Providing an end-to-end game so far. Great fun to watch.
5' - NEUER SAVES FROM SON
The first chance for the hosts as Ndombele plays Son in on goal. He goes first-time on his left, but Neuer stays big and parries the ball away. A great save from the Bayern No.1.
2' - BIG CHANCE FOR GNABRY!
The German forward is away on goal with Alderweireld trying to catch him. The defender can't keep up and Gnabry gets a shot away on goal, but Lloris makes a big save to deny him.
KICK-OFF!
We're underway in London for what should be a thrilling game!
HERE WE GO!
The players are ready in the tunnel and we're just minutes away from kick-off now.
FIRST TIME IN THE NEW STADIUM
This is the first time that Bayern have played in the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium. With a capacity of over 62,000 there is sure to be a big atmosphere to greet the Bundesliga players tonight. But they are used to that.
LEWANDOWSKI IN THE FORM OF HIS CAREER
The Polish striker has scored 10 goals in six Bundesliga matches this season. Will he get off the market in this season's Champions League tonight? The Bayern No.9 is only three goals away from overtaking Ruud van Nistelrooy in fifth on the all-time Champions League scorers list.
ERIKSEN ON THE BENCH
Tottenham begin the game with playmaker Christian Eriksen on the bench tonight. England international Dele Alli starts ahead of his Danish teammate, while Jan Vertonghen starts in defence alongside compatriot Toby Alderweireld. Harry Kane is up front, and it will be Bayern's main focus to keep him from scoring tonight.
350 UP FOR ALABA
David Alaba is back for Bayern after injury and starts, making his 350th appearance for the club in the process. An incredible number made more so by the fact that the Austrian is only 27. He will help strengthen the Bayern defence in Hernandez's absence.
BAYERN TEAM NEWS
The big news from the Bayern camp is that Philippe Coutinho does indeed start in the No.10 role. Corentin Tolisso also starts ahead of Thiago in midfield, while Lucas Hernandez has been ruled out with injury and Jerome Boateng starts in his place.
WELCOME!
The line-ups are in and we're less than an hour away from kick-off in London for Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League group stage match against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
CONFIRMED line-ups
Tottenham: Lloris (c) – Aurier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose – Ndombele, Winks, Sissoko – Alli – Kane, Son
Subs: Gazzaniga, Dier, Sanchez, Davies, Eriksen, Lamela, Lucas
Out: Foyth (match fitness), Lo Celso (groin), Sessegnon (thigh)
Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
Bayern: Neuer (c) – Pavard, Süle, Boateng, Alaba – Kimmich, Tolisso – Gnabry, Coutinho, Coman – Lewandowski
Subs: Ulreich, Thiago, Martinez, Cuisance, Perisic, Davies, Müller
Out: Arp (wrist), Goretzka (thigh), Hernandez (knee)
Coach: Niko Kovac
Watch: Lewandowski's top 3 Bundesliga goals so far in 2019/20
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