Bayern Munich 3-1 Slovan Bratislava: Die Roten secure Champions League play-off spot with hard-fought win over resilient Slovan
A convincing 3-1 victory against Slovan Bratislava enabled Bayern Munich to achieve the remarkable feat of being the first team in UEFA Champions League history to remain unbeaten in 34 consecutive home matches (W32, D2).
With a win being essential for Bayern to secure automatic advancement to the last 16, Vincent Kompany’s squad began the match with determination, breaking the deadlock within just eight minutes.
Thomas Muller, reinstated to the starting lineup after being omitted from the matchday squad for the recent victory over Freiburg, made a triumphant return by heading in a superb cross from Joshua Kimmich.
The six-time Champions League champions nearly extended their lead in the 23rd minute, but Mathys Tel, who surprisingly started alongside Muller despite uncertainty surrounding his future at the club, sent a misdirected shot over the bar.
Leroy Sane forced Slovan goalkeeper Dominik Takac into his first significant save shortly thereafter, as Takac expertly denied the German's attempt from just outside the penalty area. Despite launching 15 shots at the Slovakian side's goal, the hosts could only manage a narrow lead at halftime.
The one-sided nature of the match continued ten minutes into the second half, with Sane again testing Takac, who made another impressive save.
However, the Slovan keeper was soon picking the ball out of the net after Jamal Musiala set up Harry Kane, who headed Bayern into a two-goal advantage shortly after the hour mark.
Substitute Kingsley Coman capped off a satisfying evening for Kompany’s team in the 84th minute, scoring with a beautifully struck shot following a dazzling team move that dismantled Slovan's defense.
Marko Tolic netted a consolation goal for Slovan in the 90th minute, but it had no impact on the outcome, as Bayern secured a place in the two-leg play-off round after a disappointing performance in the league phase (W5, L3).
Slovan's disappointing season has ultimately concluded, having suffered defeats in all eight of their matches.
SportsLigue