Thanks to a first convincing success on the lawn of Inter Milan (2-0) six days ago, here is Bayern with six points, the maximum possible, before a double confrontation against the modest Czechs of Plzen after the international break , while Inter and Barça, both with three points, will face each other twice.

For the reunion between Robert Lewandowski and the Munich public, ears were strained to know how Bayern's former goalscoring machine for eight seasons (344 goals in 375 appearances) would be received.

Finally, the few whistles from the stands were largely covered by the applause of a large majority of the 75,000 spectators at the Allianz Arena, grateful for what the 34-year-old Pole brought to the club.

One of the first shocks of this 2022/23 edition of the Champions League was completely reversed in the space of six minutes after returning from the locker room.

Entering the game in place of Marcel Sabitzer at the break, Leon Goretzka offered the first free chance for Julian Nagelsmann's men in the 50th minute of a game hitherto dominated by Barça.

His strike was repelled by Marc-André Ter Stegen, little used before.

Lucas Hernandez goalscorer

On the next corner, the French international central defender headed Joshua Kimmich's corner to open the scoring, against the run of play (50th).

And four minutes later, it was Leroy Sané, the hero of San Siro with a goal and the origin of the goal against his interist camp, who doubled the bet for Bayern (54th), on an assist from Jamal Musiala.

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Stuck in the German championship with three consecutive draws and its worst start in the Bundesliga for twelve seasons, Bayern then held on for forty minutes to win again against Barça, after winning by two times 3-0 last year in the group stage.

This is Bayern's 30th successive Champions League group stage game without defeat, the last loss dating back to September 27, 2017 at the Parc des Princes against Paris SG.

A series that should continue at least for the next two meetings.

Lewandowski's miss

Barça can blame themselves for not having converted one of their many opportunities in the first period, in particular + Lewy + in the 18th minute.

Served by Pedri in the penalty area after a ball from Ousmane Dembélé, the Pole did not find the target.

The opportunities to open the scoring multiplied thanks to impressive pressing, but the efficiency in front of the goals kept by Manuel Neuer was not at the rendezvous Tuesday evening in the south of Germany.

Nagelsmann's choice to align a 100% French central hinge from the start with Lucas Hernandez and Dayot Upamecano will have paid off.

+ Upa + convinced his coach with his previous performances against Lewandowski, when he was playing in Leipzig.

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Black points for the Munich coach: Benjamin Pavard's injury exit from the 21st minute of play (right thigh) and the physical alert for Lucas Hernandez at the end of the game.

This setback for Xavi's players will force Barça to fight against Inter after the international break, to avoid the disillusionment of last season and elimination even before the round of 16 of the queen competition of European football.

© 2022 AFP