Jamal Musiala scored the only goal of the game as Bayern Munich got their Champions League campaign back on track with a 1-0 win over Benfica.
A lacklustre first half saw Bayern dominate possession, but they were unable to cause any real problems until goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made a good double stop to deny Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry.
Trubin made some more solid saves as the hosts improved after the break before Musiala found the breakthrough in the 67th minute with a close-range header as Bayern bounced back from two consecutive defeats in Europe’s premier club competition.
The result sees Vincent Kompany’s side move into 17th in the table, two spots above Benfica who also have six points after four games.
Bayern took control in the opening stages and threatened from two successive corners, with Trubin forced to punch one inswinging attempt away.
Trubin made another strong punch to clear a corner, but despite dominating possession Bayern were unable to break through the Benfica defence and cause problems for the goalkeeper.
The visitors reacted quickly to clear Konrad Laimer’s low cross before he sliced a shot well wide of the post.
CLOSE! Gnabry hits a powerful volley towards goal, but Trubin makes a smart save on the line.
💫 38’ | #FCBSLB 0-0 💫 pic.twitter.com/vu5zeELt1X
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) November 6, 2024
Trubin made an easy save to collect Kane’s long-range attempt in the 32nd minute and he made another comfortable stop to deny a low effort from the England striker.
Benfica were tested again from a corner and a scramble in the box led to Kane having a shot saved by Trubin from a tight angle before the goalkeeper made a great save from Gnabry’s powerful strike.
Bayern had a great chance to take the lead early in the second half, but Michael Olise’s tame free-kick from just outside of the box was held by Trubin.
Kane cut into the box to drive a low shot into the side netting and the hosts built pressure well as before Joao Palhinha fired a shot over the crossbar.
Substitute Leroy Sane forced Trubin to push the ball away with a strike from a difficult angle and the goalkeeper made another brilliant save to tip the former Manchester City winger’s menacing shot over the bar.
Bayern eventually struck when Sane’s cross was headed back across the six yard box by Kane for Musiala to nod home.
Kingsley Coman had an effort saved minutes after being substituted on before Musiala drove a low cross across the face of goal, but no one was there to stab home.
Bayern looked to wrap up the game in the late stages with some good pressure around the box, from where Joshua Kimmich blasted an effort well over the bar, but one goal proved to be enough.
