Manchester City thrashed German champions Bayern Munich 3-0 in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg tie, claiming victory in a highly entertaining encounter at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.
The hosts started with the in-form Norweigian forward Erling Haaland in attack, while Jack Grealish and Bernado Silva were on the flanks. For Bayern Munich, it was an unfamiliar start for Serge Gnabry in the striking role with Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman. Senegalese international Sadio Mane was on the bench.
In the 27th minute, City opened the scoring from a brilliant curling effort from midfielder Rodri that flew past Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who had no chance to stop the strike.
Pep Guardiola’s side weren’t stopping there and looked to extended its lead as they created more chances.
In the 70th minute, winger Bernardo Silva headed in Manchester City’s second after Haaland’s perfect cross fell to the Portuguese international, who buried the effort.
Bayern Munich looked for a way back into the encounter but could not break Manchester City’s resilient defence.
Manchester City forward Haaland then put the icing on the cake when he fired in a volley after a brilliant piece of play to make the scores 3-0.
It was Haaland’s 45th goal of the season in all competitions as he continued his amazing goalscoring run in the 2022/2023 season. He is also the highest goal scorer in the Champions League this season with 11 goals in 7 matches.
Manchester City outplayed Bayern Munich in every department as they blew past the mighty Germans to secure a 3-0 first leg victory in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Incredible.#UCL pic.twitter.com/OlkegWLYH4
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 11, 2023
The second leg takes place in Munich on Wednesday, April 19.
Before the second leg, Manchester City will face are Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium, while Bayern Munich hosts Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga also on Saturday.
Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League results
Benfica 0-2 Inter Milan
Manchester City 3-0 Bayern Munich.
