Stoppage-time drama again as Bayern Munich beats Manchester United 4-3 in Champions League opener

Wed, Sep 20, 2023
Soccer News (AP)

MUNICH (AP) - Mathys Tel's stoppage-time goal proved enough for Bayern Munich to beat Manchester United 4-3 in their Champions League opening game on Wednesday.

Tel scored with a spectacular finish in the second minute of injury time, restoring Bayern's two-goal lead just when United threatened to pull off another remarkable comeback after Casemiro scored in the 88th.

Casemiro did score again in the fifth minute of stoppages with a header to Bruno Fernandes' free kick, but this time there was no fairy-tale ending for United, which beat Bayern with two late goals to win the 1999 Champions League title.

United had forced the initiative early as the old rivals met again in the group stage, but Harry Kane's penalty in the 53rd for 3-1 seemed to be the final blow for an injury-hit team low on confidence after starting the Premier League with three defeats in five games.

Other news Salzburg seizes on Benfica's blunders in 2-0 win in the Champions League Italian champion Napoli needs help from an own goal to beat Braga 2-1 in its Champions League opener No dream return for Sociedad in Champions League as Martinez scores late to rescue draw for Inter

United was without the injured Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and coach Erik ten Hag was forced to name three goalkeepers among his substitutes.

United almost grabbed a shock early lead with Alphonso Davies sliding in to deny Facundo Pellistri from close range. Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich denied Christian Eriksen from the rebound.

Bayern had to wait till the 20th minute for its first chance and had fortune on its side with United 'keeper Andre Onana deflecting Leroy Sane's harmless-looking shot inside the right post in the 28th after Sane had played a one-two with Kane.

Serge Gnabry capitalized by adding another goal four minutes later, sweeping a shot from distance inside the far post.

Hojlund scored with a deflected shot early in the second half, but Danish compatriot Eriksen was penalized through VAR for hand ball after Dayot Upamecano headed the ball into his hand.

Kane duly converted the penalty for his first Champions League goal in a Bayern jersey. The six-time champion maintained control until Casemiro restored some excitement to the finish.

Galatasary drew with Copenhagen 2-2 in the other Group A match

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer