Formidable Bayern crush Brugge 4-0 to stretch winning run
MUNICH, Germany :Bayern Munich outclassed visitors Club Brugge 4-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday with three goals in the first 34 minutes to maintain their flawless start to the season and make it three wins from three matches in the competition.
The German champions have now won all 12 matches across all competitions this season while also staking an early claim for a Champions League knockout stage spot with a maximum nine points.
First half goals from 17-year-old man-of-the-match Lennart Karl, who became the youngest German scorer in the competition, Harry Kane and Luis Diaz sealed the game before substitute Nicolas Jackson added another in the 79th minute.
"It was a good performance and we could have scored more goals," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. "A very good home game. We also saw young players. Lennart Karl showed in an important game that he can help us."
"But I am no fan of the hype. If he continues like that he will get his chance," Kompany said.
Bayern next travel to defending champions Paris St Germain on November 4 while Brugge, sitting on three points from three matches, host Barcelona a day later.
CLEAR FAVOURITES
The Bavarians were the clear favourites and Karl's sensational solo effort and powerful shot in the fifth minute put them in the driving seat early as the record-breaking teenager celebrated a memorable first start in the Champions League.
England captain Kane then tapped in at the far post after a perfectly-timed cutback from Konrad Laimer in the 14th to confirm his sensational scoring form and take his tally to 20 goals in 12 matches across all competitions with Bayern this season.
That is faster to 20 goals than Argentine great Lionel Messi or Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo have ever managed from the start of a season in their club careers.
The Belgians never got a chance to get back in the game, and Diaz found enough space to cut into the box and fire an unstoppable shot to make it 3-0 and put the game to bed in the 34th.
The Bavarians, who lead the Bundesliga title race with seven wins from seven matches, could have added to their tally, missing half a dozen golden chances and twice hitting the woodwork, as the Belgians struggled with the hosts' fierce tempo.
Kane should have scored a second goal in the 58th when he had only the keeper to beat but his attempted chip was plucked out of the air by Nordin Jackers, as the hosts wasted chance after chance.
Jackson, who had an effort cleared on the line minutes earlier, made amends in the 79th, tapping in to complete a quick break and cap a dominant performance by the hosts.
"We knew it wouldn't be an easy game against Bayern, they are one of the best teams in Europe, if not the best," said Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi. "We showed them a bit too much respect in the first half. In the second half we improved, but there's no shame in losing against Bayern."
