Five-star Bayern roll over Rostov
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Article summary
Robert Lewandowski's penalty was added to by Thomas Müller, Juan Bernat and two Joshua Kimmich strikes as Bayern won 5-0 to give Russian newcomers Rostov a harsh introduction.
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Bayern München produced a five-star display to dispatch group stage debutants FC Rostov, setting a new UEFA Champions League record with a 13th successive home win.
Rostov did not help their own cause by giving away two soft goals in the first half, the first a Robert Lewandowski penalty and the second on the stroke of half-time to Thomas Müller, on his 27th birthday.
Bayern had hardly broken sweat in the first 45 minutes, but began to press harder in the second. The impressive Joshua Kimmich scored twice in quick succession before Juan Bernat added a fifth in stoppage time.
Key Player: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern)
When Ancelotti announced that Joshua Kimmich would be in the starting XI, many assumed he would replace Philipp Lahm at right-back. Instead, the Italian put him in the heart of his midfield and the 21-year-old didn't disappoint. Not disheartened by two failed attempts on goal in the first half, the Bayern youngster continued to push forward to exploit the space afforded him and was rewarded with his first UEFA Champions League goals.
Bayern's depth
Being able to rest key players like Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribéry and Xabi Alonso for a UEFA Champions League match is not a luxury many teams enjoy, but Bayern have quality in abundance. Kimmich has clearly given Carlo Ancelotti something to think about, while the Italian still has to fit Jérôme Boateng into a defence that is yet to concede this season. Kingsley Coman and Arjen Robben are also yet to return to bolster an already devastating attack.
Rostov's rude awakening
Rostov discovered just how big the gulf in class is in the UEFA Champions League, as they were outplayed in Munich. Naivety as much as anything cost the Russian side as they gave away an unnecessary penalty, which was converted by the prolific Robert Lewandowski, but the sucker punch was to come on the stroke of half time when poor defending presented Thomas Müller with a simple finish to effectively end the contest.
UEFA.com team reporters' views
Jordan Maciel, Bayern (@UEFAcomJordanM)
A good start to the campaign for Bayern, who never really had to get out of first gear. Rostov gave a good account of themselves in the first half and will rue conceding the opener from a penalty and then again so close to half-time. Ancelotti will have no complaints as his side claimed all three points and a healthy goal difference ahead of another meeting with Atlético.
Richard van Poortvliet, Rostov (@UEFAcomRichVP)
Rostov offered little in attack, which is understandable given the size of the task of playing against one of the best sides in Europe. However, it's imperative the side from the south of Russia become more streetwise in their remaining games if they are to have any hope of qualifying.
Match reaction
Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern coach
It was a good start to our Champions League campaign. It was difficult to score early on, we didn't have many chances. We got there. At the moment the team is in good condition, both physically and mentally.
Ivan Danilyants, Rostov coach
We have never played against a team that played like Bayern today. We tried hard to hold them off and stay organised then the first goal came from an unfortunate penalty. The rest from quick counters. This side is different to the one under Pep Guardiola: they are much more direct.