Bayern Munich made light work at Camp Nou in their opening game of the UEFA Champions League, as they beat Barcelona 3-0. Juventus registered their first win of the season, beating Malmo by the same scoreline.
“This is the best we could do,” opined the Blagurana head coach Ronald Koeman, much to the chagrin of Barcelona supporters who had just watched their team outplayed and outclassed by Bayern Munich.
The Catalans lost 3-0 on the night, offering little to no attacking threat in return. They begin their 2021/22 UEFA Champions League group campaign with another soul-crushing defeat, a year and a month after being thrashed 8-2 by the Bavarians.
Thomas Muller made it 1-0 with a deflected effort in the 34th minute – a lead Bayern took with them into the break. Robert Lewandowski added a brace after the interval, with both goals bearing remarkable similarities.
The Polish striker was on hand to smash in the rebound both times after his teammates hit the framework. Bayern finished the game with seven shots on target and three goals, Barcelona with none in either department.
Elsewhere, Juventus beat Malmo 3-0 thanks to three first-half goals. Alex Sandro opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, heading in a cross from Juan Cuadrado. After Alvaro Morata was brought down inside the box, Paulo Dybala stepped up to make it 2-0 from the spot right on the stroke of half-time. A minute later, Morata would himself score from close range to make it 3-0 to the Bianconeri.
The Turin side held on to their advantage, without adding any further goals, to take the lead in Group H, ahead of champions Chelsea. Massimiliano Allegri also registered his first win of the season in the beating of Malmo, following one draw and two defeats in the domestic league.
