GROUP D – Tuesday 17th September 2013

BAYERN MUNICH 3-0 CSKA MOSCOW

Bayern Munich began their defence of the Champions League trophy by easing past a lacklustre CSKA side at the Allianz Arena. Bayern, aiming to be the first side to win back-to-back titles, started strongly and David Alaba floated a brilliant free kick from a central position over the wall and past Igor Akinfeev. Mario Mandzukic should have doubled their lead minutes later, however his weak effort hit keeper.

Bayern, without the injured Javi Martinez and new signings Thiago Alcantara and Mario Goetze dominated position under new manager Pep Gaurdiola. The Bavarians however found it very difficult to break down a stubborn CSKA defence, and when they did, Mandzukic missed 2 gloriees chances, one a header which he put over the bar before hitting the post moments later.

Their breakthrough for a second came 5 minutes before half time, when Robben whipped a vicious free kick across the box and Mandzukic was there to head the ball past the helpless Akinfeev.

The hosts continued to dominate after the break, and could have had a third soon after when Arjen Robben hit a volley inside the area, however the ball was well saved by Akinfeev. Robben was on the score sheet soon after however, when Alaba produced a brilliant scooped pass over the CSKA defence and Robben was there to drill the ball home.

Robben was a menace all night to Moscow, and could have added to his and Munich’s tally, however wasteful finishing by Robben and Mandzukic kept the score at 3. On this performance Bayern look good for making the latter stages of the competition under the leadership of Pep Guardiola.