Bayern rout Atletico 4-0 to start Champions League defense

Bayern Munich picked up the place it left off within the Champions League, beginning its title protection with a 4-Zero rout of Atlético Madrid after overcoming the membership’s first coronavirus case. Kingsley Coman netted twice as Bayern took its successful streak to 12 straight video games in Europe’s premier competitors, with Leon Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso additionally scoring on Wednesday.

The buildup was overshadowed by Serge Gnabry testing positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday after he had taken half within the group’s last coaching session for the sport.

“It was a shock even if it was clear it would happen,” Goretzka stated.

Local well being authorities gave the go-ahead for the match to proceed as deliberate after Gnabry’s teammates examined unfavourable in additional assessments performed early Wednesday. No followers had been allowed as per restrictions beforehand introduced resulting from rising infections within the Bavarian capital.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge warned earlier than the sport towards one other suspension just like the two-month break in play when the pandemic began in March.

“Another lockdown would be a drama for soccer,” stated Rummenigge, who rued the shortage of followers. “Soccer culture is suffering terribly without spectators.” The 19-year-old Alphonso Davies needed to be content material with a spot on the bench as Bayern coach Hansi Flick opted to start out Lucas Hernández towards his former facet.

Atlético striker Luis Suárez had the primary huge probability however was unable to succeed in Renan Lodi’s low cross. Bayern steadily settled and Niklas Süle struck the submit within the 15th minute, earlier than Bayern broke the impasse within the 28th because of good work from Joshua Kimmich in his first recreation since changing into a father for the second time. The Bayern No. 6 slid in to win the ball again from an tried clearance and crossed diagonally for Coman to transform on the far submit.

Coman laid the ball again for Goretzka to attain Bayern’s second within the 41st. Atlético emerged strongly after the break however João Félix’s aim was dominated out as Suárez was offside and blocking Manuel Neuer’s view on an in any other case quiet evening for the Bayern goalkeeper.

The dwelling group resumed management comparatively rapidly. Thomas Müller virtually arrange Robert Lewandowski, earlier than Tolisso hammered the ball into the highest proper nook from round 25 meters (yards) within the 66th.

Coman capped his efficiency with a high quality particular person effort on a counterattack within the 72nd, turning Brazilian defender Felipe first a method, then the opposite, earlier than firing previous goalkeeper Jan Oblak.