SAN FRANCISCO, November 26, (THEWILL) – Polish striker Robert Lewandowski levelled with Raul as the third-highest scorer in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 with a 3-1 win over Salzburg on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old scored his 71st goal in the competition before half-time as Hansi Flick’s charges won their fourth game in four matches and qualified as Group A winners.
Bayern winger Serge Gnabry came close to a stunning opener in the 10th minute, but his powerful volley from the edge of the penalty flashed narrowly wide of keeper Cican Stankovic’s left-hand post.
Dominik Szoboszlai left winger for Salzburg, spurned a glorious opportunity to put the visitors ahead just 10 minutes before the interval. Instead, the Hungarian blazed wildly over with only goalie Manuel Neuer to beat after being put through by Berisha.
His wastefulness was costly because Bayern took the lead just before the interval. Lewandowski was in the right spot to slot home after Stankovic parried Thomas Muller’s effort into his path.
The defending champions easily doubled their lead seven minutes after the restart. The impressive left winger Kingsley Coman’s low shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected past Stankovic via the outstretched foot of centre back Maximilian Wober.
In a sore point for the hosts, however, central defensive midfielder Marc Roca, who was making just his second start of the season, was red carded in the 66th minute after receiving a second caution. However, substitute Leroy Sane headed home a third two minutes later when he met Coman’s cross from six yards.
Neuer made a fantastic double save from a Berisha shot and course-range Enock Mwepu effort. Yet, there was still time for Berisha to score a 73rd-minute consolation, sliding home Rasmus Kristensen’s low cross from close range.
Bayern next travel to Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday, while Salzburg travel to St. Polten in the Austrian top flight on the same day.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
