BEVERLY HILSS, December 10, (THEWILL) – For the second consecutive season, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich won all of their home games in the UEFA Champions League group stage as they beat Lokomotiv Moscow 2-0 on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena.
Hansi Flick’s side had little pressure on their shoulders having already secured top spot in Group A heading into this tie in Munich.
The hosts enjoyed much of the possession in the first half, though their dominance only resulted in one attempt on target in the 30th minute when Douglas Costa drilled straight at Lokomotiv goalkeeper Guilherme Marinato.
Winger Serge Gnabry was introduced at half-time for Bayern and he almost set up an opener within five minutes as defender Niklas Sule met Gnabry’s corner with an angled header which was kept out by Guilherme.
The Brazil-born Russia international Guilherme was made to work tirelessly to deny their hosts a final group victory. He blocked centre forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s clever flick after a glorious square ball from Leroy Sane. But, his standout stop came in the 57th minute.
Kingsley Coman’s cross was received by Gnabry who went for goal immediately. Despite diving in the opposite direction, Guilherme spread his frame wide enough that he was able to make a supreme save with his feet before Bayern’s number seven thumped wide on the rebound.
However, Lokomotiv’s resolve and Guilherme’s hard work finally broke in the 63rd minute. This time, Sule’s brilliant header from Costa’s corner went beyond Guilherme to nestle in the net for Bayern’s opener.
Another stinging shot from Gnabry was saved with 10 minutes left on the clock. But, the visitors were slow to clear their lines and were punished when Choupo-Moting slammed home his first Champions League goal for Bayern.
Flick has now won 13 of his 14 Champions League matches in charge of Bayern, who have shown little let up following their triumphant campaign last term. Locomotiv exit the Champions League with this loss, finishing bottom of their group for the third successive year.
Up next for Bayern is a Saturday trip to Union Berlin, while Lokomotiv are in Russian Premier League action at Krasnodar a day later.
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.
