Robert Lewandowski (front R) of Barcelona vies with Sadio Mane (front L) of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League Group C match in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 13, 2022. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Bayern Munich got past Barcelona in Robert Lewandowski's return to the Allianz Arena.
BERLIN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich made it two wins from two in this season's UEFA Champions League after goals from Lucas Hernandez and Leroy Sane, edging a wasteful Barcelona 2-0 in Group C on Tuesday.
Barcelona started powerfully on the road and created the first opportunity as Pedri tested Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a low shot from eight meters in the ninth minute.
Former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski then had a great chance to break the deadlock, but the unmarked Pole pulled over the target with 18 minutes gone.
Lewandowski remained in the thick of things and kept Neuer busy as the Bayern keeper had to save a dangerous header on target three minutes later.
Robert Lewandowski (C) of Barcelona shoots during the match. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
The visitors were the more energetic team as Raphinha unleashed a promising long-range effort at the half-hour mark.
Bayern needed some time to gain a foothold into the clash, with the next chance not coming until the 31st minute, when Marcel Sabitzer lacked accuracy in front of the goal.
Barcelona came out with all guns blazing after the restart and should have opened the scoring, but Raphinha's hammer went just wide.
Ronald Araujo (L) of Barcelona vies with Thomas Mueller of Bayern Munich during the match. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
However, the opener was scored at the other end and against the run of the pay, as Joshua Kimmich's long ball found Hernandez, who headed home to mark the opener in the 50th minute.
Bayern's goal shocked the visitors, and the home side made it 2-0 four minutes later, after Sane benefitted from Jamal Musiala's good build-up work and through-ball to beat Barcelona custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The Blaugrana sparked into life again at the hour mark when Lewandowski rattled the woodwork from six meters. It remained Barcelona's last opportunity as Bayern stood firm to secure all three points on home soil.
"The result doesn't tell the full story. Our first-half performance merited much more than a goalless draw at halftime. We had opportunities to take the lead," said Barcelona midfielder Pedri. ■
