Bayern Munich’s Stunning Fightback Sinks Sporting to Make Champions League Statement

Bayern Munich fought back from a goal down to secure a 3-1 victory over Sporting CP at the Allianz Arena, extending their impressive unbeaten home run in this stage of the competition to 35 matches.

Looking to rebound from their only loss of the season against Arsenal on Matchday 5, Bayern started with clear intent. Harry Kane signalled their ambition early on, sending a long-range shot over the bar in the third minute as the hosts dominated the first half with numerous chances.

Kane was a constant menace, drawing a save from Rui Silva and later striking the post after skillfully evading several defenders. Seventeen-year-old Lennart Karl, who recently became Bayern's youngest-ever Champions League scorer, also posed a significant threat. He tested Silva with a close-range effort and even found the net with a calm, curling finish, only for it to be disallowed for offside.

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Sporting, despite their positive intentions, struggled to escape their own half due to Bayern's relentless pressing. Their only notable first-half chance came from a defensive mix-up, as Manuel Neuer was forced to react quickly to prevent a Jonathan Tah own goal from a deflected cross.

The second half began in a similar fashion, but Bayern initially struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. This allowed Sporting to grow in confidence, and they capitalised by taking a surprise lead.

Joao Simoes made a brilliant run down the right flank, outmaneuvering Konrad Laimer before delivering a dangerous cross. In an attempt to block Luis Suarez, Joshua Kimmich inadvertently diverted the ball past Neuer into his own net.

Undeterred, Bayern gradually regained control. After near misses from Kane and Karl, they found an equaliser when Serge Gnabry was left unmarked at the back post to tap in a corner from Michael Olise.

True to form, Bayern accelerated after scoring. Soon after, they took the lead when Laimer found Karl. The teenager still had work to do but controlled the ball expertly before firing past Silva, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history to score in three consecutive games.

Sporting offered little in response, with Silva making a key save from a Dayot Upamecano header to keep the deficit at one. However, Jonathan Tah sealed the victory for the German champions with a close-range volley, moving Bayern level on points with Arsenal at the top of the league phase standings.

While this defeat, their first in 13 games, damages Sporting's hopes for automatic qualification to the last 16, they remain in a solid position to advance to the knockout stages.