In a showdown between two European giants who had already booked their spot in the knockout stage of this season’s Champions League, Bayern Munich picked up a 2-0 victory against Inter Milan on Tuesday night.
Continuing on what has been a stellar run of form while on Group C duties this year, goals from Benjamin Pavard Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting wrapped up another eye-catching win for the German heavyweights.
Making it six Champions League victories on the spin and signing off their Group C adventure with a 100% record, Bayern have certainly laid down a real marker.
However, while Inter Milan might have already booked their knockout stage ticket ahead of Tuesday’s matchup in Munich, the former Italian champions were disappointed by a downbeat display.
Watching Bayern claim a deserved victory at the Allianz Arena, we have taken a look at the main talking points.
Can Bayern make more European history this season?
While Bayern might have shown some domestic inconsistencies when opening the 2022/23 campaign, the German giants now find themselves in the midst of a real purple patch.
Heading into Tuesday’s showdown at the Allianz Arena after landing an action-packed 6-2 victory against Mainz, Julian Nagelsmann’s men have certainly hit top gear heading into the festive break.
Winning each of their last seven matchups across all competitions, Bayern have also laid down quite the marker on the European stage this season.
Signing off their Group C adventure with a deserved 2-0 victory here, the former RB Leipzig boss could have his sights set on making more history this season.
Breezing their way to the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League with a 100% record, the Bundesliga record-breakers will be looking to match a similar level that saw them claim their sixth European crown just two years ago.
Although the likes of Manchester City and PSG might still be tipped as the standout contenders, Nagelsmann’s side are certainly worth keeping an eye out for.
Inter come crashing back down to earth
While Inter Milan might have booked their knockout stage ticket following a 4-0 romp against Viktoria Plzen last week, the former Italian champions came crashing back down to earth on Tuesday night.
Managing to find a much-needed boost when returning from September’s international break, Simone Inzaghi’s side still have the feel of a squad seeking some stability.
Making the trip to Munich coming off the back of a 3-0 victory against Sampdoria and enjoying a four-match winning run, the ex-Lazio boss will be desperate to prove that their toothless display here was just a minor blip.
However, still sitting sixth in the Serie A table and appearing some way off mounting a title charge, the Nerazzurri face what looks set to be another heavyweight showdown this weekend.
Knowing that they must make up some ground ahead of heading into the World Cup break, Inzaghi’s men will be next seen on Sunday night when they travel to a Juventus side who find themselves enduring a public European nightmare.
Choupo-Moting underlines his value
While fans around Munich were left heartbroken to have seen Robert Lewandowski make the move to Barcelona over the summer, Bayern have another attacking talisman on their hands.
Although Choupo-Moting might still be most remembered for his spell with Stoke City, the 33-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable run of form since leaving England.
Once again finding the net on Tuesday night and spearheading Nagelsmann’s attack at the Allianz Arena, Choupo-Moting has done s stellar job of filling Lewandowski’s void.
Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits and with it believed that Bayern are keen on agreeing on a new deal with the Cameroon international, he has also become a key part of Nagelsmann’s plans this season.
In fact, along with finding the net as the German champions claimed a 3-0 romp away at the Nou Camp last month, Choupo-Moting has now found the net in each of his last six straight appearances.
Match Report:
Bayern Munich: Ulreich, Mazraoui, Pavard, Upamecanno, Stanisic, Kimmich, Sabitzer, Coman, Gravenberch, Mane, Choupo-Moting
Subs: Davies, Wanner, Tel, Musiala, Gnabry
Inter Milan: Onana, Darmian, de Vrij, Acerbi, Gosens, Gagliardini, Asllani, Barella, Bellanova, Martinez, Correa
Subs: Skriniar, Dzeko, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Carboni
Goals: Pavard (32′), Choupo-Moting (72′)
Yellow Cards: Bayern Munich: Kimmich, Sabitzer, Stanisic – Bayern Munich: Gosens, Carboni
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Ivan Kruzliak
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