Bayern Munich 3-1 Sporting Lisbon: Lennart Karl outstanding but 5/10 star flops | OneFootball

Bayern Munich maintained their impressive form against Portuguese sides, securing a 3-1 win at the Allianz Arena in the Champions League group phase on Tuesday night. 

After a stalemate first half, Bayern fell behind due to an unfortunate own goal from Joshua Kimmich.

However, goals from Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl, and Jonathan Tah ensured Bayern maintained their unbeaten run at home.

Bayern Munich vs Sporting Lisbon: Match report

(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Bayern set the tone early on after Harry Kane tried to test the Sporting keeper from 20 yards out with his left foot, but it went over the bar.

Moments later, Lennart Karl scored a fantastic goal, but it was later ruled out due to offside in the buildup after a thorough VAR check.

Kane was thick in the action again. Joshua Kimmich found Serge Gnabry in the box with a floated delivery, but Karl could not keep it on target.

It took the visitors 22 minutes to register their first attempt. Matheus Reus’ header from the right side of the box went high and wide to the right.

Gnabry tried to bend the ball from the left with his right foot, saved by Rui Silva.

Karl found Kane inside the box, but the Englishman’s right-footed shot was saved from the centre of the box by Silva.

In the 36th minute, Kane produced a mesmerising skill before unleashing a thunderbolt strike with his left foot, and it hit the woodwork.

Josip Stanisic came close to scoring with a header, but it went off target after Olise picked up with a delightful cross.

Towards the end of the first half, Karl produced a breathtaking skill, like prime Lionel Messi, to breeze past defenders with his left foot, then had a crack on goal with his right, but the keeper saved it.

In the second half, Sporting created an early scare, as Alisson Santos’ left-footed shot from the left side of the box went agonisingly wide.

In the 53rd minute, Sporting took the lead, and once again Bayern conceded early. The visitors created problems from the left-hand side, and Joshua Kimmich unfortunately diverted the ball into his net while he tried to clear the danger.

Kimmich tried to redeem himself with a brilliant left-footed effort on goal, but Silva made a routine save. Moments later, Karl produced a left-footed shot from outside the box, and the keeper saved it again.

In the 64th minute, Bayern restored parity. From a corner taken by Michael Olise, Sporting defence made a mess by allowing Serge Gnabry to roam free on the far corner, and the German gleefully accepted the invitation by putting the ball into the net.

Three minutes later, Bayern took the lead through Lennart Karl, who had been outstanding throughout the game. Konrad Laimer picked him inside the box after he made an intelligent run. The 17-year-old produced great composure and skill to first control the ball, and then hit with the right foot. He is an amazing talent, and no wonder Bayern rate him highly.

In the 77th minute, Jonathan Tah scored from close range to put the game beyond doubt. Kimmich floated the ball, and Gnabry kept it in for Tah to slot home from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.

Sporting tried to create a few chances towards the end, but Bayern’s defence were upto the task, as they secured yet another home win.

Bayern Munich vs Sporting Lisbon: Here at CF Bayern Insider, we have rated the players out of 10.

Manuel Neuer – 7

Back in goal after missing the last game, Neuer was forced to make some good saves. The German was equal to the task.

Josip Stanisic – 6

The left-back was solid at the back as usual, and nearly scored a goal in the first half after Michael Olise picked him inside the box with a delightful cross.

Jonathan Tah – 7

Defensively, he could have done better, but he played a big role in picking up all three points as he scored the final goal.

Dayot Upamecano – 7

Absolutely superb at the back. Give him the new contract. He made three clearances and blocked one shot, and was involved in the attack as well.

Konrad Laimer – 7

Laimer provided the assist for Karl’s goal, but picked up a yellow card in the end, which means he will be suspended for the next Champions League game.

Alexander Pavlovic – 6

The young midfielder made 109 passes with 97% accuracy. Created two big chances. 100% long balls as well. Controlled the midfield with great authority.

Joshua Kimmich – 5

While he atoned for himself by getting involved in Tah’s goal, it was his mistake that led to Sporting’s opening goal.

Serge Gnabry – 7

Fox in the box. The German made a superb effort in the first half, which the keeper saved, and scored the equaliser in the second half.

Lennart Karl – 9

Absolutely stunning. The youngster scored his third Champions League goal of the season already! Produced a mazy skill in the first half.

Michael Olise – 8

Olise was a constant threat on the flanks, but what made him even more dangerous was the swap in positions between him and Karl.

Harry Kane – 7

Struck the post in the first half. A bit quiet in the second, but nevertheless, he was always involved with his passing and creativity.

Substitute

Raphael Guerreiro –