Bayern Munich has once again showcased their dominance in European football by delivering an incredible 9-2 victory over Dynamo Zagreb in their opening match of the Champions League season. This emphatic win not only sets the tone for their campaign but also reaffirms Bayern’s reputation as a formidable force in the tournament. Itβs a familiar scene for fans as the club has consistently begun their Champions League journeys with triumph, and this season is no exception.
With this victory, Bayern has extended an impressive record: they have won their first match in the Champions League for the past 21 successive seasons. This remarkable streak underscores the clubβs tradition of excellence and commitment to competing at the highest level. No other team in the competition can match this achievement, making it a significant talking point for analysts and fans alike.
In terms of historic significance, Bayern’s 9-2 scoreline is monumental. It marks a pivotal moment in Champions League history, as they became the first team to score nine goals in a single match. The last time Bayern experienced such high-scoring success in European competition was over four decades ago, a 10-0 victory over Anorthosis Famagusta during the UEFA Cup in the 1983/84 season. This latest display of offensive prowess stands as the second-highest aggregate score in the tournament’s history, just shy of Borussia Dortmundβs iconic 8-4 triumph over Legia Warsaw in November 2016.
Harry Kane was instrumental in this victory, further solidifying his place within the team. Following his hat-trick against Kiel, Kane netted four goals against Zagreb, bringing his tally to an astonishing seven goals in just four days. This marks a historic achievement for the English striker, as it was his first time scoring four goals in a Champions League match. The only comparable instance in his career came back in May 2017 when he scored four for Tottenham against Leicester City. As expected, Kaneβs performance earned him the UEFA Man of the Match award, a well-deserved recognition of his phenomenal contribution on the pitch.
Kane’s achievements were made possible largely due to the unwavering support from his teammates. One highlight was Joshua Kimmichβs long-range shot that rebounded into the net, giving Kane an opportunity to score easily. Impressively, Kane converted three penalties during the game, marking him as the only player in Champions League history to achieve such a feat in a single match. Moreover, with goals numbered from 30 to 33 in this competition, Kane has surpassed Wayne Rooney to become England’s all-time top scorer in Champions League history.
A notable mention in this match was the debut of Michael Olise, who made an immediate impact by scoring a goal against Zagreb. This remarkable debut has drawn parallels to Kaneβs own journey; when Kane made his first appearance in the Champions League last season, he also scored without delay. Oliseβs achievement makes him the first Frenchman since the legendary Thierry Henry to score twice on his Champions League debut, marking a promising start to his European career.
On the records front, Thomas MΓΌller is making headlines too. Just weeks after breaking FC Bayern’s record for the number of competitive appearances, MΓΌller achieved another milestone by making his 152nd Champions League appearance against Zagreb. His resilience and dedication to the club are evident as he now holds the record for most appearances in the Champions League for an individual club, a testament to his enduring legacy.
This historic victory over Zagreb also extends Bayernβs remarkable run in the Champions League. They have not lost a single opening-round match in their last 41 tries, with a staggering 40 of those played in the former group stage format, comprising 37 wins and four draws. Notably, this unbeaten streak at home spans 31 matches. Bayern’s last home defeat before the knockout stages dates back nearly 11 years to 2013 when they lost to Manchester City in a last group game, a match where current coach Vincent Kompany was an unused substitute.
With such an impressive start to the season, the future looks bright for Bayern Munich. The new strategic direction under coach Kompany combined with the squad’s talent and experience could signal another successful run in this season’s Champions League. Fans worldwide are undoubtedly eager to see how far this formidable team can go as they chase European glory once again.
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