Bayern Munich 9-2 Dinamo Zagreb: Harry Kane sets Champions League record as Bayern blitz visitors
Harry Kane (31) achieved the remarkable feat of scoring four goals in a single match while representing Bayern Munich, as the German powerhouse maintained their flawless start to the season by commencing their UEFA Champions League journey with a resounding 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
In their 17th consecutive UEFA Champions League campaign, Bayern quickly established dominance over their less seasoned rivals, putting the visiting team on the defensive.
The deadlock was broken in just 19 minutes, following a well-executed play that ended with a precise finish from Serge Gnabry. Although this goal was initially disallowed for offside, the referee called back the play for a foul in the buildup, allowing Kane to successfully convert a penalty, marking his third successful spot-kick of the season.
Vincent Kompany’s team maintained complete control, extending their lead with a spectacular sequence of play. Gnabry delivered a lofted pass from deep, which found Musiala, who skillfully controlled the ball with his chest, setting up Raphael Guerreiro to score from the edge of the penalty area.
Just five minutes later, the match appeared to be firmly in Bayern's grasp, as they added a third goal before halftime. Michael Olise, following his first Bundesliga goal over the weekend, marked his UEFA Champions League debut with a header from Joshua Kimmich’s cross.
A heavy fall near the center circle early in the match ultimately necessitated Manuel Neuer's substitution at halftime, yet few spectators at the Allianz Arena could have anticipated the events that unfolded thereafter.
After a lackluster first half in terms of offensive efforts, Dinamo Zagreb managed to score twice within a mere three minutes, igniting jubilation among their traveling supporters.
Sven Ulreich, who came on for Neuer, was immediately tasked with retrieving the ball from the net after Bruno Petkovic converted Marko Pjaca’s clever flick with a sliding finish.
Bayern Munich, still reeling from the previous events, saw their lead diminish further when Takuya Ogiwara broke through on goal and skillfully maneuvered the ball between the legs of the substitute goalkeeper.
Once they regained their composure, the home team quickly returned to their fluid style of play, and just 11 minutes later, Bayern had reestablished their three-goal cushion.
Kane appeared to have secured another hat-trick by converting two rebounds in rapid succession; however, the second goal was ruled offside.
Nevertheless, Kompany’s team found the net for the fifth time shortly thereafter, as Ivan Nevistic advanced off his line, allowing Musiala to assist Olise for an easy tap-in.
These goals extinguished any remaining hopes for a Dinamo comeback, as the visiting side conceded two quick penalties, with Kane converting both.
Substitutes Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka contributed two additional goals, culminating in an astonishing total of nine for the hosts, who have only suffered defeat to PSG in their last 26 European matches at the Allianz Arena.
For Dinamo, the upcoming challenges will be less daunting, as the Croatian champions aim to build on their three prior victories in Europe’s top competition when they face Monaco next month.
SportsLigue