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In what turned out to be a hard-fought match, Bayern Munich disposed of FC Lokomotiv Moscow to clinch their 13th consecutive UEFA Champions League victory. The home side were able to equalize Leon Goretzka’s early effort through Anton Miranchuk’s 70th minute strike, before Joshua Kimmich’s magnificent long range screamer ensured that the reigning European champions came home with three points.
Star forward Thomas Müller, who was taken-off during the half-time break, reached another milestone in his already illustrious career. Der Raumdeuter made his 545th competitive appearance for FC Bayern, taking him level with legendary defender Klaus Augenthaler.
545 - Thomas Müller plays his 545th competitive match for @FCBayernEN in @ChampionsLeague tonight, drawing level with Klaus Augenthaler. Only 2 outfield players made more competitive matches for Bayern since BL promotion in 1965 (Schwarzenbeck 547, Gerd Müller 565). Legend. pic.twitter.com/RBhPklwhIE
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 27, 2020
The ever-witty German now needs twenty more outings to become the player with most appearances for Die Roten, alongside football’s greatest and namesake Gerd Müller.
Speaking to the reporters after the match, the industrious midfielder credited his opposition for pushing the German giants to the limit.
“Respect to the opposition, that falls in the category of a hard-earned win”, the 30-year-old told FCBayern.com post-match.
Unlike in Munich, the Russian authorities had allowed over 6,000 fans to attend the match. Müller, whose team was resultantly found on the receiving end of heavy jeers from the home crowd, praised the atmosphere in the Lokomotiv stadium.
“It was a tough game, but also nice to soak up that atmosphere again,” said Müller. “We’ve often experienced matches like that in the Champions League, against supposed underdogs.”
The Parovozy gave Bavarians a hard time on both ends of the pitch. Marko Nikolić’s men formed a compact defense, while they also managed to create 11 chances on the attacking front.
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Bayern Munich’s vice-captain confessed that Die Roten were considerably wasteful in their chances and the giveaways subsequently allowed the home side to create danger from counter attacks.
“Moscow did really well. We missed one or two chances and took a few blows on the counter,” Müller said.
Head coach Hansi Flick’s men were nonetheless able to get the job done and Müller is now looking forward to Bayern’s next fixture in the Bundesliga.
“We’re glad we won. It means we can now focus on the weekend,” Müller remarked.
The Bavarians now face 1. FC Köln, which happens to be their second of four successive fixtures on road.