Bayern Munich flagged off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a convincing home win over RSC Anderlecht. The German team used goals from Robert Lewandowski (12' minute), Thiago Alcántara (65' minute), and Joshua Kimmich (90' minute) to out-past 10-men Anderlecht on Tuesday night.
Earlier on, Anderlecht started well showing some promise in the midfield, but the German team was more dominant. However, things got worse for the visitors when center back Sven Kums was sent off after eleven minutes of play for fouling Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski to concede a penalty, which the Pole scored before they eventually increased the scoreline in the second half.
With this victory, Bayern Munich are second in Group B, while Anderlecht are third with no point.
Bayern Munich outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Manuel Neuer (6.68). Defenders - Joshua Kimmich (8.50), Niklas Süle (7.51), Javi Martínez (7.20), Rafinha (eight points). Midfielder - Corentin Tolisso (7.82), Thiago Alcántara (9.53), Arjen Robben (6.68), James Rodríguez (7.20), Franck Ribéry (7.20). Forward - Robert Lewandowski (8.10). Used substitutes - Kingsley Coman (six points), Jérôme Boateng (6.71), Thomas Müller (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Bayern Munich created several goal scoring opportunities through set pieces and long balls. The hosts attempted long range shots and were strong at finishing up their chances.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's men were aggressive in tackling.
Team style of play: Bayern played with width, launched attacks from the both flanks and favored long crosses.
RSC Anderlecht outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Matz Sels (seven points). Defenders - Alexandru Chipciu (seven points), Olivier Deschacht (5.78), Sven Kums (4.50), Uros Spajic (seven points).
Midfielder - Andy Najar (six points), Nicolae Stanciu (six points), Leander Dendoncker (5.72), Adrien Trebel (six points), Sofiane Hanni (6.51). Forward - Lukasz Teodorczyk (6.38). Used substitutes - Dennis Appiah (six points), Hamdi Harbaoui (six points), Henry Onyekuru (5.55).
Team's strength and weakness: Anderlecht created few goal scoring chances, and they barely held possession.
They were poor in scoring and made a lot of individual stumbles in their defense.
Team style of play: René Weile's men largely operated through the right side, favored short passes and long shot situations. They were too aggressive in their tackles and gave away a lot of free kicks around their half.
Man of the match
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcántara was awesome in the encounter. Alcántara did the dirty jobs in the midfield as he made four solid key passes and completed a total of 137 touches.
Both teams upcoming fixtures
Bayern Munich will travel to France to face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, September 17. The same night, Anderlecht will play host to Celtic.
