Thirty shots, 19 on target, with nine resulting in goals. Bayern's expected goals (xG) stood at 6.13. Statistically, this was the Bavarians' impressive display in the first match of the new Champions League. At halftime, the German team led Dinamo Zagreb 3-0, but early in the second half, they quickly conceded two goals. This acted like a red flag to a bull for Bayern, who added six more goals in just over half an hour. They also had two goals disallowed by VAR, so the score could have been even higher.
German media thrilled and concerned after Bayern's performance
Bayern Munich's 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb set a new Champions League record. Never before had a team scored so many goals in one match in Europe’s premier club competition. Previously, Bayern had shared this record with two other teams. The German giant crushed Barcelona 8-2 in the 2020 quarterfinals, while in 2016, Borussia Dortmund netted eight against Legia Warsaw (8-4), and AS Monaco defeated Deportivo La Coruña 8-3 in 2003.
German media are not hiding their admiration for Bayern's performance. "Sport Bild" speaks of a "dizzying victory," highlighting the joy Bayern's game brought. Harry Kane, who scored four goals, including three penalties, received special praise. Terms like "outstanding man, superstar" were used. Kane became the highest-scoring English player in Champions League history with 33 goals.
"Bayern presented themselves in the first half with extraordinary dominance. The two conceded goals had no effect on Bayern" - they added.
"Kicker" called Bayern's game a "spectacle" and noted the Munich side’s cosmic streak, having won 21 consecutive Champions League openers. It was emphasized that Bayern played with ease, quickly suppressing Dinamo's hopes and "impressively getting back on track after conceding two goals".
"Spiegel" also gave some attention to Bayern, noting that "after an extremely confident first half, the situation briefly became exciting as the visitors cut the deficit to 2-3. The Croatians even had a chance to equalize, but the Munich team woke up and completely destroyed their weaker opponents. The southern Germans went into a frenzy, giving the overwhelmed visitors no more chances".
"Die Zeit" mentioned the "clear, record-breaking victory", noting that Vincent Kompany "was satisfied with his debut as a Champions League coach" and that Bayern once again dreams of the final at their own stadium, set to take place on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena. Twelve years ago, Bayern lost the final at home to Chelsea in a penalty shootout.
The "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" spoke of Bayern's "goal festival", saying that the team is very strong, and Kane is exceptional. The paper described the match as one-sided, adding that bigger challenges await the Bavarians.
At the same time, German media expressed concern over Manuel Neuer's health, as he did not appear for the second half and was replaced by Sven Ulreich. Details regarding the goalkeeper's injury are not yet known.
After the first day of the new Champions League campaign, Bayern is the leader, and after such a high-scoring victory, they will likely remain so after the first round. In the second matchday, Bayern will face Aston Villa away. This match is scheduled for October 2.
