Depleted Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday, three days before their Champions League return leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

Teenager Jamal Musiala beat three defenders to give Bayern the lead midway through the second half at the Allianz Arena only for Marcus Ingvartsen to equalise for Union four minutes from time.

"That is very annoying," Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer told Sky. "We played well over long stretches and would have deserved the victory."

In Paris on Tuesday, European champions Bayern need to overturn a 3-2 first-leg defeat in the quarter-finals and started reserve team players Tiago Dantas, on a season-long loan from Benfica, and Josip Stanisic against Union.

The club world champions have nine players sidelined, including injured top-scorer Robert Lewandowski and winger Serge Gnabry, who was quarantined after testing positive for Covid-19.

Musiala showed great footwork to pick his way through the Union defence for the opening goal, only for Ingvartsen to beat Stanisic to the ball and grab the visitors' late equaliser.

Off the field, tensions are brewing between sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and coach Hansi Flick, who has Neuer's backing.

"I think Hansi Flick is the right coach for us," said Neuer.

The draw trims Bayern's lead at the top of the Bundesliga table to five points ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig, who romped to a 4-1 win at Werder Bremen.

Leipzig dominated throughout and raced into a 3-0 lead as Dani Olmo gave them the lead before Alexander Sorloth netted twice.

Although Milot Rashica pulled a goal back for Bremen, Marcel Sabitzer made it 4-1 midway through the second half.

The sides meet again in Bremen on April 30 in the German Cup semi-finals.

Eintracht Frankfurt took another key step towards reaching the Champions League for the first time since 1960 with a thrilling 4-3 home win over Wolfsburg.

Daichi Kamada, Luka Jovic, Andre Silva and Erik Durm all netted for Frankfurt.

Third-placed Wolfsburg pulled goals back through Ridle Baku and Wout Weghorst before Frankfurt's Brazilian defender Tuta turned the ball into his own net for an own goal five minutes from time.

<h2>- Knauff rescues Dortmund -</h2>

The result leaves Frankfurt with a seven-point cushion in fourth after fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund, later earned a dramatic 3-2 win at Stuttgart.

Dortmund need to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat at home to Manchester City on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Substitute striker Ansgar Knauff came off the bench to score Dortmund's winner on only his third league appearance.

The 19-year-old, who made his Champions League debut in the defeat at City after being promoted from the reserves, dribbled clear following Erling Braut Haaland's pass to score his first Bundesliga goal.

"It's been an unbelievable week with my Champions League debut and first Bundesliga goal," said Knauff. "I hope things keep going so well."

This was Haaland's sixth game without a goal for club or country, but he claimed two assists.

The visitors were 1-0 down at half-time, but after Jude Bellingham equalised, Haaland left the ball for Marco Reus to put Dortmund 2-1 up.

Daniel Didavi fired Stuttgart level before Knauff hit the winner 10 minutes from time as Dortmund avenged their 5-1 thrashing at home by Stuttgart last December.

Borussia Moenchengladbach earned a 2-2 draw at Hertha Berlin despite playing 77 minutes a man down after goalkeeper Yann Sommer was shown an early red card for fouling Jhon Cordoba.

Goals by forwards Alassane Plea and Lars Stindl had put Gladbach in control after Santiago Ascacibar gave Hertha the lead with a superb strike, before Cordoba equalised just after the break.

Depleted Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday, three days before their Champions League return leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

Depleted Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday, three days before their Champions League return leg at Paris Saint-Germain. Teenager Jamal Musiala beat three defenders to give Bayern the lead midway through the second half at the Allianz Arena only for Marcus Ingvartsen to equalise for Union four minutes from time. "That is very annoying," Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer told Sky. "We played well over long stretches and would have deserved the victory." In Paris on Tuesday, European champions Bayern need to overturn a 3-2 first-leg defeat in the quarter-finals and started reserve team players Tiago Dantas, on a season-long loan from Benfica, and Josip Stanisic against Union. The club world champions have nine players sidelined, including injured top-scorer Robert Lewandowski and winger Serge Gnabry, who was quarantined after testing positive for Covid-19. Musiala showed great footwork to pick his way through the Union defence for the opening goal, only for Ingvartsen to beat Stanisic to the ball and grab the visitors' late equaliser. Off the field, tensions are brewing between sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and coach Hansi Flick, who has Neuer's backing. "I think Hansi Flick is the right coach for us," said Neuer. The draw trims Bayern's lead at the top of the Bundesliga table to five points ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig, who romped to a 4-1 win at Werder Bremen. Leipzig dominated throughout and raced into a 3-0 lead as Dani Olmo gave them the lead before Alexander Sorloth netted twice. Although Milot Rashica pulled a goal back for Bremen, Marcel Sabitzer made it 4-1 midway through the second half. The sides meet again in Bremen on April 30 in the German Cup semi-finals. Eintracht Frankfurt took another key step towards reaching the Champions League for the first time since 1960 with a thrilling 4-3 home win over Wolfsburg. Daichi Kamada, Luka Jovic, Andre Silva and Erik Durm all netted for Frankfurt. Third-placed Wolfsburg pulled goals back through Ridle Baku and Wout Weghorst before Frankfurt's Brazilian defender Tuta turned the ball into his own net for an own goal five minutes from time. - Knauff rescues Dortmund - The result leaves Frankfurt with a seven-point cushion in fourth after fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund, later earned a dramatic 3-2 win at Stuttgart. Dortmund need to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat at home to Manchester City on Wednesday in the Champions League. Substitute striker Ansgar Knauff came off the bench to score Dortmund's winner on only his third league appearance. The 19-year-old, who made his Champions League debut in the defeat at City after being promoted from the reserves, dribbled clear following Erling Braut Haaland's pass to score his first Bundesliga goal. "It's been an unbelievable week with my Champions League debut and first Bundesliga goal," said Knauff. "I hope things keep going so well." This was Haaland's sixth game without a goal for club or country, but he claimed two assists. The visitors were 1-0 down at half-time, but after Jude Bellingham equalised, Haaland left the ball for Marco Reus to put Dortmund 2-1 up. Daniel Didavi fired Stuttgart level before Knauff hit the winner 10 minutes from time as Dortmund avenged their 5-1 thrashing at home by Stuttgart last December. Borussia Moenchengladbach earned a 2-2 draw at Hertha Berlin despite playing 77 minutes a man down after goalkeeper Yann Sommer was shown an early red card for fouling Jhon Cordoba. Goals by forwards Alassane Plea and Lars Stindl had put Gladbach in control after Santiago Ascacibar gave Hertha the lead with a superb strike, before Cordoba equalised just after the break.

Injury-hit Bayern Munich held ahead of PSG clash

Kylian Mbappe insisted Paris Saint-Germain still have it all to do after he scored twice in a thrilling 3-2 win at holders Bayern Munich in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Bayern had their 19-match unbeaten run in the Champions League ended in a repeat of last year's final, as the German giants suffered their first European defeat since March 2019.

PSG&nbsp;raced into a 2-0 lead after just 28 minutes behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena as Neymar created goals for Mbappe and Marquinhos.

Bayern, whose top scorer Robert Lewandowski is sidelined by a knee injury, drew level courtesy of headers by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Mueller.

However, Mbappe showed his class with a superb second goal to give the visitors an advantage for the return leg in Paris.

"We used all our chances and had a bit of luck, but nothing has been decided," Mbappe told Sky, with the second leg to come in Paris on Tuesday.

PSG&nbsp;goalkeeper Keylor Navas played a key role with a&nbsp;string of saves as Bayern peppered his goal with 31 shots compared to the French club's six.

"We have to score a lot more goals," said Mueller. "If it had ended 5-3 or 6-3 for us, no one could have complained based on the chances."

Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who finished on the losing side for the first time in the Champions League, also rued the number of missed chances.

"With the chances we had, we could have got a good result despite conceding three goals," Flick said.

"We don't like to lose, but the way the team played was top."

This was a record 19th appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals for Bayern, but there was little for them to celebrate at the final whistle.

"Kylian Mbappe made the difference. It's a very positive result for us, but everything is still open," said&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;coach Maurico Pochettino.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Marquinhos scores and limps off -</h2>

&nbsp;

Covid-19 cast its shadow over both teams with Bayern winger Serge Gnabry, plus&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;pair Alessandro Florenzi and Marco Verratti quarantined after testing positive.

Heavy snow fell in the first half in Munich as the visitors put the heat on the holders.

The opening goal came after Neymar sprinted through a gaping hole in the defence and laid the ball off for Mbappe, whose shot flew into the net through Manuel Neuer's legs.

PSG&nbsp;forward Julian Draxler had a goal disallowed with Mbappe offside in the build-up as the visitors kept up the pressure.

Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka powered a header into the feet of Navas&nbsp;just before the hosts fell two goals behind.

A clearance kick only got as far as Neymar, whose ball over the top found Marquinhos unmarked in the area to stroke his shot past Neuer, shortly before the&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;captain limped off injured.

Flick responded by bringing on Alphonso Davies to provide pace on the flanks and moved David Alaba into defensive midfield.&nbsp;

The hosts pulled a goal back when Mueller's cross was headed past Navas by Choupo-Moting to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Neymar was denied by Neuer and Angel Di Maria had an effort cleared off the line, while Leroy Sane went close at the other end for Bayern as both teams had their chances after the break.

Bayern then equalised when Mueller nodded in a superb Joshua Kimmich free-kick on the hour.

However, the wintry night in Munich belonged to Mbappe, who showed his class by turning Bayern defender Jerome Boateng inside and out before driving his shot past Neuer with 22 minutes left.

Bayern went down fighting as Alaba and Mueller both fired agonisingly wide in the dying stages.&nbsp;

Kylian Mbappe insisted Paris Saint-Germain still have it all to do after he scored twice in a thrilling 3-2 win at holders Bayern Munich in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Kylian Mbappe insisted Paris Saint-Germain still have it all to do after he scored twice in a thrilling 3-2 win at holders Bayern Munich in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg. Bayern had their 19-match unbeaten run in the Champions League ended in a repeat of last year's final, as the German giants suffered their first European defeat since March 2019. PSG raced into a 2-0 lead after just 28 minutes behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena as Neymar created goals for Mbappe and Marquinhos. Bayern, whose top scorer Robert Lewandowski is sidelined by a knee injury, drew level courtesy of headers by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Mueller. However, Mbappe showed his class with a superb second goal to give the visitors an advantage for the return leg in Paris. "We used all our chances and had a bit of luck, but nothing has been decided," Mbappe told Sky, with the second leg to come in Paris on Tuesday. PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas played a key role with a string of saves as Bayern peppered his goal with 31 shots compared to the French club's six. "We have to score a lot more goals," said Mueller. "If it had ended 5-3 or 6-3 for us, no one could have complained based on the chances." Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who finished on the losing side for the first time in the Champions League, also rued the number of missed chances. "With the chances we had, we could have got a good result despite conceding three goals," Flick said. "We don't like to lose, but the way the team played was top." This was a record 19th appearance in the Champions League quarter-finals for Bayern, but there was little for them to celebrate at the final whistle. "Kylian Mbappe made the difference. It's a very positive result for us, but everything is still open," said PSG coach Maurico Pochettino. - Marquinhos scores and limps off - Covid-19 cast its shadow over both teams with Bayern winger Serge Gnabry, plus PSG pair Alessandro Florenzi and Marco Verratti quarantined after testing positive. Heavy snow fell in the first half in Munich as the visitors put the heat on the holders. The opening goal came after Neymar sprinted through a gaping hole in the defence and laid the ball off for Mbappe, whose shot flew into the net through Manuel Neuer's legs. PSG forward Julian Draxler had a goal disallowed with Mbappe offside in the build-up as the visitors kept up the pressure. Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka powered a header into the feet of Navas just before the hosts fell two goals behind. A clearance kick only got as far as Neymar, whose ball over the top found Marquinhos unmarked in the area to stroke his shot past Neuer, shortly before the PSG captain limped off injured. Flick responded by bringing on Alphonso Davies to provide pace on the flanks and moved David Alaba into defensive midfield. The hosts pulled a goal back when Mueller's cross was headed past Navas by Choupo-Moting to make it 2-1 at half-time. Neymar was denied by Neuer and Angel Di Maria had an effort cleared off the line, while Leroy Sane went close at the other end for Bayern as both teams had their chances after the break. Bayern then equalised when Mueller nodded in a superb Joshua Kimmich free-kick on the hour. However, the wintry night in Munich belonged to Mbappe, who showed his class by turning Bayern defender Jerome Boateng inside and out before driving his shot past Neuer with 22 minutes left. Bayern went down fighting as Alaba and Mueller both fired agonisingly wide in the dying stages.

UEFA Champions League: Mbappe stars as PSG win at holders Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski on Tuesday has been ruled out for four weeks after sustaining a sprained ligament in his right knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Andorra.

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His teammate, Thomas Mueller, feels that Lewandowski's injury came at the worst time for the club as Bayern Munich are set to face second-placed (in Bundesliga) RB Leipzig and UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris St. Germain.&nbsp;

"Injury to 'Lewy' is bitter news for us. It's the worst possible time," said Bayern forward Mueller.

"Well, others will have to step into the breach."

Poland skipper was ruled out of the match against England on Wednesday and underwent scans on Monday.&nbsp;

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The Poland striker continued his sublime form this season too as he scored 42 goals in all competitions, which includes 35 league goals. He was set to break former German legend Gerd Mueller's 1971-72 Bundesliga season record of 40 league goals.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Lewandowski climbed to second place in the Bundesliga all-time scorers list after scoring 271 goals in the league. He is behind Mueller, who had a stunning record of 365 goals.&nbsp;

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski on Tuesday has been ruled out for four weeks after sustaining a sprained ligament in his right knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Andorra.

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski on Tuesday has been ruled out for four weeks after sustaining a sprained ligament in his right knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Andorra. ALSO READ: FIFA President lists 11 key reforms to combat corruption in football His teammate, Thomas Mueller, feels that Lewandowski's injury came at the worst time for the club as Bayern Munich are set to face second-placed (in Bundesliga) RB Leipzig and UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris St. Germain. "Injury to 'Lewy' is bitter news for us. It's the worst possible time," said Bayern forward Mueller. "Well, others will have to step into the breach." Poland skipper was ruled out of the match against England on Wednesday and underwent scans on Monday. ALSO READ: 'Irreplaceable' Aguero won hearts and minds of City fans: Guardiola The Poland striker continued his sublime form this season too as he scored 42 goals in all competitions, which includes 35 league goals. He was set to break former German legend Gerd Mueller's 1971-72 Bundesliga season record of 40 league goals. Earlier this month, Lewandowski climbed to second place in the Bundesliga all-time scorers list after scoring 271 goals in the league. He is behind Mueller, who had a stunning record of 365 goals.

'Bitter news for us': Thomas Mueller on Robert Lewandowski's injury

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out for four weeks after sustaining a sprained ligament in his right knee during a &nbsp;World Cup qualifying match against Andorra, the club said on Tuesday.

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Poland skipper was ruled out of the match against England on Wednesday and underwent scans on Monday.&nbsp;

Lewandowski's absence comes as a big blow for Bayern as they are set to travel to RB Leipzig on Saturday. Leipzig are second-placed in Bundesliga. The star striker is set to miss out on both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals against Paris St. Germain. These legs are set to take place on April 7 and April 13.

The Poland striker continued his sublime form this season too as he scored 42 goals in all competitions, which includes 35 league goals. He was set to break former German legend Gerd Mueller's 1971-72 Bundesliga season record of 40 league goals.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Lewandowski climbed to second place in the Bundesliga all-time scorers list after scoring 271 goals in the league. He is behind Mueller, who had a stunning record of 365 goals.&nbsp;

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out for four weeks after sustaining a sprained ligament in his right knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Andorra, the club said on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out for four weeks after sustaining a sprained ligament in his right knee during a World Cup qualifying match against Andorra, the club said on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Bale willing to boycott social media over abuse of footballers Poland skipper was ruled out of the match against England on Wednesday and underwent scans on Monday. Lewandowski's absence comes as a big blow for Bayern as they are set to travel to RB Leipzig on Saturday. Leipzig are second-placed in Bundesliga. The star striker is set to miss out on both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals against Paris St. Germain. These legs are set to take place on April 7 and April 13. The Poland striker continued his sublime form this season too as he scored 42 goals in all competitions, which includes 35 league goals. He was set to break former German legend Gerd Mueller's 1971-72 Bundesliga season record of 40 league goals. Earlier this month, Lewandowski climbed to second place in the Bundesliga all-time scorers list after scoring 271 goals in the league. He is behind Mueller, who had a stunning record of 365 goals.

Robert Lewandowski ruled out for four weeks after sustaining knee injury

Holders Bayern Munich cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals as a 2-1 win over Lazio in Wednesday's last-16 second leg sealed a 6-2 aggregate victory.

Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty before a deft chip from his second-half replacement Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting doubled the advantage on the night.

Lazio grabbed a consolation when Marco Parolo was left unmarked to head in a late free-kick from close range.

"The win is very important to us. It's in our DNA that we want to win every game," Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich told Sky.

"We played confidently, even if it wasn't a brilliant performance and it was annoying to concede a goal."

Their passage into the last eight takes Bayern past Barcelona's tally of 18 Champions League quarter-final appearances since the competition was rebranded from the European Cup.

Snow fell during the game at the Allianz Arena, but Bayern made light work of the wintry conditions.

They extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to 19 games over two years.

"We needed a good performance and we bow out of the competition with a positive game," Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi told Sky.

"Some teams are unplayable: Bayern are one of them."

With his side trailing 4-1 from the first leg, Inzaghi opted to rest top-scorer Ciro Immobile, with the 1.94m-tall Vedat Muriqi starting up front.

Bayern had captain and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sidelined by a cold as understudy Alexander Nuebel made only his third start of the season.

Bayern were awarded a penalty on 31 minutes when Muriqi brought Leon Goretzka down in the area.

After a VAR review, Lewandowski smashed in the resulting spot-kick.

It was the Poland star's 39th goal in all competitions this season and fifth in the Champions League.

Lewandowski hit the post with Lazio goalkeeper Pepe Reina beaten on 67 minutes.

It was one of his last involvements as he and Thomas Mueller made way for Choupo-Moting and 18-year-old Jamal Musiala.

Less than two minutes later, David Alaba slid a pass through for Choupo-Moting to sprint onto and flick a shot over Reina.

Bayern were guilty of sloppy defending eight minutes from the final whistle when Andreas Pereira's free-kick was headed home by Muriqi's replacement Parolo.

Serge Gnabry fired wide late on as Bayern kept Lazio under pressure.

Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi said the Italians played better than in their heavy first-leg defeat, but admitted that "Bayern are probably the best in the world".

Holders Bayern Munich cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals as a 2-1 win over Lazio in Wednesday's last-16 second leg sealed a 6-2 aggregate victory. Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty before a deft chip from his second-half replacement Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting doubled the advantage on the night.

Holders Bayern Munich cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals as a 2-1 win over Lazio in Wednesday's last-16 second leg sealed a 6-2 aggregate victory. Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty before a deft chip from his second-half replacement Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting doubled the advantage on the night. Lazio grabbed a consolation when Marco Parolo was left unmarked to head in a late free-kick from close range. "The win is very important to us. It's in our DNA that we want to win every game," Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich told Sky. "We played confidently, even if it wasn't a brilliant performance and it was annoying to concede a goal." Their passage into the last eight takes Bayern past Barcelona's tally of 18 Champions League quarter-final appearances since the competition was rebranded from the European Cup. Snow fell during the game at the Allianz Arena, but Bayern made light work of the wintry conditions. They extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to 19 games over two years. "We needed a good performance and we bow out of the competition with a positive game," Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi told Sky. "Some teams are unplayable: Bayern are one of them." With his side trailing 4-1 from the first leg, Inzaghi opted to rest top-scorer Ciro Immobile, with the 1.94m-tall Vedat Muriqi starting up front. Bayern had captain and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sidelined by a cold as understudy Alexander Nuebel made only his third start of the season. Bayern were awarded a penalty on 31 minutes when Muriqi brought Leon Goretzka down in the area. After a VAR review, Lewandowski smashed in the resulting spot-kick. It was the Poland star's 39th goal in all competitions this season and fifth in the Champions League. Lewandowski hit the post with Lazio goalkeeper Pepe Reina beaten on 67 minutes. It was one of his last involvements as he and Thomas Mueller made way for Choupo-Moting and 18-year-old Jamal Musiala. Less than two minutes later, David Alaba slid a pass through for Choupo-Moting to sprint onto and flick a shot over Reina. Bayern were guilty of sloppy defending eight minutes from the final whistle when Andreas Pereira's free-kick was headed home by Muriqi's replacement Parolo. Serge Gnabry fired wide late on as Bayern kept Lazio under pressure. Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi said the Italians played better than in their heavy first-leg defeat, but admitted that "Bayern are probably the best in the world".

Bayern down Lazio to stroll into Champions League quarter-finals

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich romped to a 5-1 win at home to Cologne on Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting headed Bayern into an early lead before Lewandowski, the league's top scorer, struck twice to increase his league tally for the season to 28 goals.

Gnabry came off the bench to claim two late goals at the Allianz Arena on his first appearance since tearing his thigh a fortnight ago in Bayern's Club World Cup final win in Qatar.

The result sees Bayern bounce back in the Bundesliga after taking just a point from their previous two league games.

However, second-placed RB Leipzig can trim Bayern's lead when they host Borussia Moenchengladbach later on Saturday.

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich romped to a 5-1 win at home to Cologne on Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich romped to a 5-1 win at home to Cologne on Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting headed Bayern into an early lead before Lewandowski, the league's top scorer, struck twice to increase his league tally for the season to 28 goals. Gnabry came off the bench to claim two late goals at the Allianz Arena on his first appearance since tearing his thigh a fortnight ago in Bayern's Club World Cup final win in Qatar. The result sees Bayern bounce back in the Bundesliga after taking just a point from their previous two league games. However, second-placed RB Leipzig can trim Bayern's lead when they host Borussia Moenchengladbach later on Saturday.

Lewandowski, Gnabry net twice as Bayern Munich go five points clear

Austrian defender David Alaba on Tuesday confirmed that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of 2020-21 season after spending 13 years with the German giants. Alaba has been at the heart of Bayern Munich&nbsp;defence&nbsp;for over a decade while playing in various positions such as left-back and central defender.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alaba said that he will leave Allianz Arena following the expiry of his contract as he looks forward to a new challenge. Many European clubs are interested in Alaba's services with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea among others in the hunt for the Austrian veteran.&nbsp;

Alaba, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, said that it wasn't an easy decision to leave Bayern while adding he has made no decision as to which club he will join in the summer.&nbsp;

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"I have made the decision to leave FC Bayern at the end of this season and try something new. It obviously wasn't an easy decision - I've been here for 13 years and the club means a lot to me,” Alaba said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“First of all, I haven’t decided which club I’m going to join yet," he added.&nbsp;

"This lies in the future and we will see.”&nbsp;

Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly leading the race to sign Alaba with at least five clubs in the fray to sign the defender.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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When asked who fought for him to stay at Bayern Munich, Alaba said:&nbsp;"Everyone, absolutely everyone. I'm really thankful for that and that's why it made this such a hard decision. I can call FC Bayern my family."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have already confirmed that they have signed Dayot Upamecano with the&nbsp;RB Leipzig defender set to join the club after the end of ongoing season.

Austrian defender David Alaba on Tuesday confirmed that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of 2020-21 season after spending 13 years with the German giants. Alaba has been at the heart of Bayern Munich defence for over a decade while playing in various positions such as left-back and central defender.

Austrian defender David Alaba on Tuesday confirmed that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of 2020-21 season after spending 13 years with the German giants. Alaba has been at the heart of Bayern Munich defence for over a decade while playing in various positions such as left-back and central defender. Alaba said that he will leave Allianz Arena following the expiry of his contract as he looks forward to a new challenge. Many European clubs are interested in Alaba's services with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea among others in the hunt for the Austrian veteran. Alaba, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner with Bayern Munich, said that it wasn't an easy decision to leave Bayern while adding he has made no decision as to which club he will join in the summer. ALSO READ: New Tokyo 2020 chief needs deep understanding of gender equality: Organisers "I have made the decision to leave FC Bayern at the end of this season and try something new. It obviously wasn't an easy decision - I've been here for 13 years and the club means a lot to me,” Alaba said on Tuesday. “First of all, I haven’t decided which club I’m going to join yet," he added. "This lies in the future and we will see.” Spanish giants Real Madrid are reportedly leading the race to sign Alaba with at least five clubs in the fray to sign the defender. ALSO READ: 'Long way to go': Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel despite strong start When asked who fought for him to stay at Bayern Munich, Alaba said: "Everyone, absolutely everyone. I'm really thankful for that and that's why it made this such a hard decision. I can call FC Bayern my family." Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have already confirmed that they have signed Dayot Upamecano with the RB Leipzig defender set to join the club after the end of ongoing season.

David Alaba confirms he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of season

French international defender Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig&nbsp;in the summer, the European champions confirmed on Sunday.&nbsp;

Bayern said the 22-year-old would sign a five-year contract but did not reveal the size of the transfer fee. German media reported that Upamecano had a €43 million buyout in his Leipzig contract.&nbsp;

Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic told German tabloid Bild on Friday that Bayern were signing Upamecano, but the club only officially confirmed that the deal had been completed on Sunday.

"We're happy that we've been&nbsp;able to&nbsp;sign&nbsp;Dayot&nbsp;Upamecano&nbsp;for&nbsp;FC Bayern Munich," Salihamidzic said on the club web site.&nbsp;"We're convinced that&nbsp;Dayot&nbsp;will be a very important member of&nbsp;our team in the coming years."&nbsp;

"We are happy to have been able to convince Dayot Upamecano to come to FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said on Sunday on the club's website. "Dayot will be a very important element for our team in the years to come."

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ℹ️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> have agreed to sign Dayot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Upamecano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Upamecano</a> from 1st July 2021 🤝 
 
📰 <a href="https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG">https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a>
— 🏆🏆🏆FC Bayern English🏆🏆🏆 (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1360907647948640264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Upamecano, who has three France caps, had also been linked with Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea.

"We knew that we had very strong competition," Salihamidzic told Bild. "Upamecano is a young player, 22, whose qualities are already exceptionally developed."

Bayern won the Club World Cup on Thursday to claim a sixth trophy in less than a year but are likely to have defensive vacancies by the summer when both David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are out of contract.

Alaba has made clear he plans&nbsp;to leave and, at 32, Boateng does not expect to be offered another contract.

Upamecano joined RB Salzburg at the age of 16 and moved to Leipzig 18 months later. He has played almost 140 matches for the club and helped them reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time last season.

"We presented him with our vision of his career at FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said, adding that negotiations had continued while he was in Doha for the Club World Cup. "At the end of a long process, players, family and management were convinced that FC Bayern is the right partner."

Bayern already have a strong French connection with internationals Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, as well as the former Metz and Marseille player Bouna Sarr and 18-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, a product of the Paris Sain-Germain youth system who joined last summer.

French international defender Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer, the European champions confirmed on Sunday. Bayern said the 22-year-old would sign a five-year contract but did not reveal the size of the transfer fee.

French international defender Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer, the European champions confirmed on Sunday. Bayern said the 22-year-old would sign a five-year contract but did not reveal the size of the transfer fee. German media reported that Upamecano had a €43 million buyout in his Leipzig contract. Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic told German tabloid Bild on Friday that Bayern were signing Upamecano, but the club only officially confirmed that the deal had been completed on Sunday. "We're happy that we've been able to sign Dayot Upamecano for FC Bayern Munich," Salihamidzic said on the club web site. "We're convinced that Dayot will be a very important member of our team in the coming years." "We are happy to have been able to convince Dayot Upamecano to come to FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said on Sunday on the club's website. "Dayot will be a very important element for our team in the years to come." ℹ️ #FCBayern have agreed to sign Dayot #Upamecano from 1st July 2021 🤝 📰 https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG#MiaSanMia — 🏆🏆🏆FC Bayern English🏆🏆🏆 (@FCBayernEN) February 14, 2021 × Upamecano, who has three France caps, had also been linked with Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea. "We knew that we had very strong competition," Salihamidzic told Bild. "Upamecano is a young player, 22, whose qualities are already exceptionally developed." Bayern won the Club World Cup on Thursday to claim a sixth trophy in less than a year but are likely to have defensive vacancies by the summer when both David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are out of contract. Alaba has made clear he plans to leave and, at 32, Boateng does not expect to be offered another contract. Upamecano joined RB Salzburg at the age of 16 and moved to Leipzig 18 months later. He has played almost 140 matches for the club and helped them reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time last season. "We presented him with our vision of his career at FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said, adding that negotiations had continued while he was in Doha for the Club World Cup. "At the end of a long process, players, family and management were convinced that FC Bayern is the right partner." Bayern already have a strong French connection with internationals Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, as well as the former Metz and Marseille player Bouna Sarr and 18-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, a product of the Paris Sain-Germain youth system who joined last summer.

Upamecano joining Bayern from Leipzig

Bayern Munich on Friday announced that Serge Gnabry tore a muscle in his left thigh during the FIFA Club World Cup final. The club said the injury was confirmed following an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit.

"FC Bayern will have to do without Serge Gnabry for the foreseeable. The forward tore a muscle in his left thigh in yesterday`s 1-0 triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Tigres UANL. The injury was confirmed following an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit," the club said in a statement. Gnabry has played in 28 of 32 competitive matches so far this season and scored six goals.

On Thursday, FC Bayern defeated Tigres 1-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup and thus secured a historic sixth title within one year. Only FC Barcelona (in 2009) had previously achieved this feat.

During the match, Bayern were dominant for long spells and had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, but Benjamin Pavard scored the match-winner early in the second half, firing his side to the title.

Expressing elation over the historic feat, Bayern Munich`s Robert Lewandowski had said that now they have the "six-pack" as it was their sixth title in a year.

"We just wanted to win. Now we have the six-pack, that`s a big story, not only for Bayern Munich but for all of football. The way we played, that will keep for a long, long time," the club`s official website had quoted Lewandowski as saying.&nbsp;

Bayern Munich on Friday announced that Serge Gnabry tore a muscle in his left thigh during the FIFA Club World Cup final. The club said the injury was confirmed following an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit.

Bayern Munich on Friday announced that Serge Gnabry tore a muscle in his left thigh during the FIFA Club World Cup final. The club said the injury was confirmed following an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit. "FC Bayern will have to do without Serge Gnabry for the foreseeable. The forward tore a muscle in his left thigh in yesterday`s 1-0 triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Tigres UANL. The injury was confirmed following an examination by the FC Bayern medical unit," the club said in a statement. Gnabry has played in 28 of 32 competitive matches so far this season and scored six goals. On Thursday, FC Bayern defeated Tigres 1-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup and thus secured a historic sixth title within one year. Only FC Barcelona (in 2009) had previously achieved this feat. During the match, Bayern were dominant for long spells and had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, but Benjamin Pavard scored the match-winner early in the second half, firing his side to the title. Expressing elation over the historic feat, Bayern Munich`s Robert Lewandowski had said that now they have the "six-pack" as it was their sixth title in a year. "We just wanted to win. Now we have the six-pack, that`s a big story, not only for Bayern Munich but for all of football. The way we played, that will keep for a long, long time," the club`s official website had quoted Lewandowski as saying.

Bayern Munich suffer blow as Gnabry out with thigh muscle tear

Bayern Munich beat Mexico's Tigres UANL 1-0 on Thursday (February 11) thanks to Benjamin Pavard's winner on the hour, to win the&nbsp;Club&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;title and earn their sixth trophy in less than nine months.

Pavard scored in the 59th minute following a VAR review and in front of around 12,000 spectators allowed into Education City Stadium, after Tigres keeper Nahuel Guzman had stopped a Robert Lewandowski header.

The Germans, who also twice hit the woodwork, won all domestic and European titles they competed for in 2020 and are the first team to match Barcelona's sextuple from 2009.

It was also Bayern coach's Hansi Flick's sixth trophy since he took over in November 2019.

The Bavarians were missing several players, including Thomas Mueller, Leon Goretzka, and Javi Martinez to COVID-19 infections and Jerome Boateng who returned to Germany for personal reasons.

But they quickly pinned back Tigres, the first North American&nbsp;club&nbsp;to reach the final, with their high-pressing game.

Early efforts from Kingsley Coman and Lewandowski did not seriously threaten Guzman, who was beaten in the 18th minute by Joshua Kimmich but his 20-metre missile was disallowed for offside.

With pressure mounting, Leroy Sane hit the crossbar with a powerful shot in the 34th minute. Tigres were struggling to break clear and with their French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac completely marked, it was only a matter of time until the Germans scored.

Sane had another chance after the break and Serge Gnabry curled his 51st-minute shot wide before Pavard found the net in the 59th.

Bayern should have added another with a string of chances late in the game and Corentin Tolisso hit the post with a low shot as well.

Bayern's second&nbsp;Club&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;title after 2013 means European&nbsp;clubs have now won the last eight consecutive finals.

Bayern Munich beat Mexico's Tigres UANL 1-0 on Thursday (February 11) thanks to Benjamin Pavard's winner on the hour, to win the Club World Cup title and earn their sixth trophy in less than nine months.

Bayern Munich beat Mexico's Tigres UANL 1-0 on Thursday (February 11) thanks to Benjamin Pavard's winner on the hour, to win the Club World Cup title and earn their sixth trophy in less than nine months. Pavard scored in the 59th minute following a VAR review and in front of around 12,000 spectators allowed into Education City Stadium, after Tigres keeper Nahuel Guzman had stopped a Robert Lewandowski header. The Germans, who also twice hit the woodwork, won all domestic and European titles they competed for in 2020 and are the first team to match Barcelona's sextuple from 2009. It was also Bayern coach's Hansi Flick's sixth trophy since he took over in November 2019. The Bavarians were missing several players, including Thomas Mueller, Leon Goretzka, and Javi Martinez to COVID-19 infections and Jerome Boateng who returned to Germany for personal reasons. But they quickly pinned back Tigres, the first North American club to reach the final, with their high-pressing game. Early efforts from Kingsley Coman and Lewandowski did not seriously threaten Guzman, who was beaten in the 18th minute by Joshua Kimmich but his 20-metre missile was disallowed for offside. With pressure mounting, Leroy Sane hit the crossbar with a powerful shot in the 34th minute. Tigres were struggling to break clear and with their French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac completely marked, it was only a matter of time until the Germans scored. Sane had another chance after the break and Serge Gnabry curled his 51st-minute shot wide before Pavard found the net in the 59th. Bayern should have added another with a string of chances late in the game and Corentin Tolisso hit the post with a low shot as well. Bayern's second Club World Cup title after 2013 means European clubs have now won the last eight consecutive finals.

Bayern beat Tigres 1-0 in Club World Cup final for sixth title in 9 months

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been termed as "the Messi of&nbsp;Africa" by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as the Bayern Munich CEO fueled transfer speculation by saying that&nbsp;"it would be an honour to have him" at the German club.&nbsp;

Salah, since his move to Liverpool in 2017, has become a prolific threat in front of the goal and is regarded as one of the most popular athletes in Africa.&nbsp;

The Egypt international has been a vital cog in Jurgen Klopp's Premier League and Champions League winning side. Reflecting on Salah's achievements and skills, Rummenigge said that the&nbsp;28-year-old can be compared to the likes of Lionel Messi at Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In my opinion, Salah is the Messi of Africa and of course he has the skills to play for the best teams in the world,” Rummenigge told ON Time Sports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-v-chelsea-champions-league-match-moved-to-bucharest-uefa-362652" hreflang="en">Atletico Madrid v Chelsea Champions League match moved to Bucharest: UEFA</a>

“What he [Salah] has achieved can be compared to what Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo did with Barcelona and Real Madrid.”&nbsp;

Salah has been constantly linked with a move away from the Anfield with reports, over the recent months, stating that the Egyptian is unhappy at the Merseyside club. However, with Barcelona and Real Madrid being tipped as the potential destination for Salah, the current financial problems of the clubs could make it difficult for them to sign the Liverpool star.&nbsp;

“At the moment we don’t plan on signing Salah, but certainly it would be an honour to have him,” Rummenigge said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-no-hugs-to-150000-condoms-here-are-the-details-of-athlete-rulebook-for-tokyo-2020-362452" hreflang="en">From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020</a>

Salah is nearing his 200th&nbsp;goal of his club career and the Liverpool fans would love to see him touch another landmark in the red jersey.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Liverpool&nbsp;are&nbsp;currently struggling in the Premier League with the Reds losing last three home games at the Anfield.&nbsp;They currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings with 40 points, 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.&nbsp;

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been termed as "the Messi of Africa" by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as the Bayern Munich CEO fueled transfer speculation by saying that "it would be an honour to have him" at the German club.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been termed as "the Messi of Africa" by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as the Bayern Munich CEO fueled transfer speculation by saying that "it would be an honour to have him" at the German club. Salah, since his move to Liverpool in 2017, has become a prolific threat in front of the goal and is regarded as one of the most popular athletes in Africa. The Egypt international has been a vital cog in Jurgen Klopp's Premier League and Champions League winning side. Reflecting on Salah's achievements and skills, Rummenigge said that the 28-year-old can be compared to the likes of Lionel Messi at Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. “In my opinion, Salah is the Messi of Africa and of course he has the skills to play for the best teams in the world,” Rummenigge told ON Time Sports. ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid v Chelsea Champions League match moved to Bucharest: UEFA “What he [Salah] has achieved can be compared to what Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo did with Barcelona and Real Madrid.” Salah has been constantly linked with a move away from the Anfield with reports, over the recent months, stating that the Egyptian is unhappy at the Merseyside club. However, with Barcelona and Real Madrid being tipped as the potential destination for Salah, the current financial problems of the clubs could make it difficult for them to sign the Liverpool star. “At the moment we don’t plan on signing Salah, but certainly it would be an honour to have him,” Rummenigge said. ALSO READ: From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020 Salah is nearing his 200th goal of his club career and the Liverpool fans would love to see him touch another landmark in the red jersey. Meanwhile, Liverpool are currently struggling in the Premier League with the Reds losing last three home games at the Anfield. They currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings with 40 points, 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.

Bayern Munich CEO's 'Messi of Africa' praise for Mohamed Salah fuels transfer speculation

Bayern Munich are the overwhelming favourites to cap a remarkable last year as they head to Qatar for the delayed FIFA Club World Cup, taking place later than scheduled because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which overshadows the tournament.

Bayern qualified after their triumph in last season's UEFA Champions League, the crowning moment of a 2020 which also saw Hansi Flick's team win the Bundesliga, German Cup, UEFA Super Cup and German Super Cup.

Now they are hoping to become the eighth consecutive European winner of the Club World Cup, a run that started when Bayern themselves lifted the trophy in Morocco in 2013.

If they do so they can -- albeit with the caveat that this competition is being played in a different calendar year -- match the achievement of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, who won six trophies in 2009.

"That would probably be the icing on the cake, but it's obviously going to be a challenge," said Flick.

"It's always the case at Bayern Munich that you want to have the most successful season possible and after the treble, you're obviously looking at the FIFA Club World Cup."

Bayern have named all the big guns, from Manuel Neuer to Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski, in their squad ahead of their entrance in the semi-final next Monday against either African champions Al Ahly or host nation representative Al Duhail.

<h2>- Final against Palmeiras? -</h2>

The expectation is that they will go through to the February 11 final and likely face Palmeiras, with the Brazilians fresh from winning the Copa Libertadores last weekend.

Palmeiras play their semi-final on Sunday against either Tigres of Mexico, the CONCACAF Champions League winner, or Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea, who are back in Qatar after winning the Asian Champions League there in December.

Tigres and Ulsan Hyundai kick the tournament off on Thursday when they meet at the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, on the outskirts of Doha.

<h2>- Muted atmosphere, but fans allowed in -</h2>

The mood in Doha is muted compared to the last Club World Cup in December 2019, which saw thousands of supporters of Liverpool and Brazilian giants Flamengo descend on the normally staid city.

This time, the tournament kicks off with Qatar seeing a spike in coronavirus cases and hospital admissions, and local authorities have taken a swathe of measures including banning travelling fans from outside the country.

New cases over the last week jumped by a third compared to the week before, according to official data, while hospital admissions due to Covid-19 are up 85 percent in the past month, according to the country's Ministry of Public Health.

As of Monday, 249 people had died from the virus while the overall case load has topped 151,000 in a country with a population of under three million.

<h2>- Obligatory testing -</h2>

However&nbsp;Abdulwahab al-Musleh, sports affairs adviser to Qatar's health ministry, claimed ahead of the tournament that fans faced a negligible risk of contracting the virus because of the requirement for them to present a negative test ahead of each match.

That comes after the experience of the domestic Emir of Qatar Cup final in December, where all 20,000 fans who attended the half-capacity match were required to present a negative test.

And so while sporting events across much of the world are currently going ahead behind closed doors, a limited number of spectators will be allowed inside Club World Cup games.

Spectator numbers are capped at 30 percent of capacity at each of the two 40,000-seat venues. Social distancing, mask wearing and use of Qatar's contact tracing app will be mandatory.

Meanwhile, following a cluster of cases in the Saudi Al-Hilal team during the AFC Champions League late last year, Musleh said "several measures to prevent that recurring" had been taken.

The pandemic has already directly impacted the tournament though as Oceania champions Auckland City withdrew due to quarantine measures required by the New Zealand authorities.

Despite the spectre of coronavirus, the tournament remains a useful test event for FIFA and organisers ahead of the fast-approaching 2022 World Cup in the country.

Bayern Munich are the overwhelming favourites to cap a remarkable last year as they head to Qatar for the delayed FIFA Club World Cup, taking place later than scheduled because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which overshadows the tournament.

Bayern Munich are the overwhelming favourites to cap a remarkable last year as they head to Qatar for the delayed FIFA Club World Cup, taking place later than scheduled because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which overshadows the tournament. Bayern qualified after their triumph in last season's UEFA Champions League, the crowning moment of a 2020 which also saw Hansi Flick's team win the Bundesliga, German Cup, UEFA Super Cup and German Super Cup. Now they are hoping to become the eighth consecutive European winner of the Club World Cup, a run that started when Bayern themselves lifted the trophy in Morocco in 2013. If they do so they can -- albeit with the caveat that this competition is being played in a different calendar year -- match the achievement of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, who won six trophies in 2009. "That would probably be the icing on the cake, but it's obviously going to be a challenge," said Flick. "It's always the case at Bayern Munich that you want to have the most successful season possible and after the treble, you're obviously looking at the FIFA Club World Cup." Bayern have named all the big guns, from Manuel Neuer to Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski, in their squad ahead of their entrance in the semi-final next Monday against either African champions Al Ahly or host nation representative Al Duhail. - Final against Palmeiras? - The expectation is that they will go through to the February 11 final and likely face Palmeiras, with the Brazilians fresh from winning the Copa Libertadores last weekend. Palmeiras play their semi-final on Sunday against either Tigres of Mexico, the CONCACAF Champions League winner, or Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea, who are back in Qatar after winning the Asian Champions League there in December. Tigres and Ulsan Hyundai kick the tournament off on Thursday when they meet at the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium in Al Rayyan, on the outskirts of Doha. - Muted atmosphere, but fans allowed in - The mood in Doha is muted compared to the last Club World Cup in December 2019, which saw thousands of supporters of Liverpool and Brazilian giants Flamengo descend on the normally staid city. This time, the tournament kicks off with Qatar seeing a spike in coronavirus cases and hospital admissions, and local authorities have taken a swathe of measures including banning travelling fans from outside the country. New cases over the last week jumped by a third compared to the week before, according to official data, while hospital admissions due to Covid-19 are up 85 percent in the past month, according to the country's Ministry of Public Health. As of Monday, 249 people had died from the virus while the overall case load has topped 151,000 in a country with a population of under three million. - Obligatory testing - However Abdulwahab al-Musleh, sports affairs adviser to Qatar's health ministry, claimed ahead of the tournament that fans faced a negligible risk of contracting the virus because of the requirement for them to present a negative test ahead of each match. That comes after the experience of the domestic Emir of Qatar Cup final in December, where all 20,000 fans who attended the half-capacity match were required to present a negative test. And so while sporting events across much of the world are currently going ahead behind closed doors, a limited number of spectators will be allowed inside Club World Cup games. Spectator numbers are capped at 30 percent of capacity at each of the two 40,000-seat venues. Social distancing, mask wearing and use of Qatar's contact tracing app will be mandatory. Meanwhile, following a cluster of cases in the Saudi Al-Hilal team during the AFC Champions League late last year, Musleh said "several measures to prevent that recurring" had been taken. The pandemic has already directly impacted the tournament though as Oceania champions Auckland City withdrew due to quarantine measures required by the New Zealand authorities. Despite the spectre of coronavirus, the tournament remains a useful test event for FIFA and organisers ahead of the fast-approaching 2022 World Cup in the country.

Covid tests for fans, limited crowds and Bayern favourites - Club World Cup kicks off in Qatar

Barcelona have topped the Deloitte Football Money League after the financial performances of the highest revenue-generating clubs were charted for the 2019-20 season. While Barca sit atop the&nbsp;list, the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich complete the top three.&nbsp;

For the first time since 2013, Manchester United dropped out of the top three of the Deloitte Football Money League while Liverpool's on-pitch success helped them be in the top five for the first time since 2001-02 season.&nbsp;

Manchester City continue to remain in the sixth spot with Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur (9), Arsenal (11) and Everton (17) also placed in the top 20.&nbsp;

Given the hardships amid COVID-19 pandemic, the top 20 clubs witnessed a revenue decline of 12 per cent as compared to the 2018-19 season. The sharp decline comes due to a drop in broadcast revenue and fall in matchday revenue.&nbsp;

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Tim Bridge, director of Deloitte Sports Business Group, said that the "digital model" helped Liverpool sit on the fifth spot besides their Premier League success.&nbsp;

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"The on-pitch success is a massive factor," Bridge&nbsp;told Sky Sports. "Building on winning the Champions League and then taking the Premier League crown for the first time has had a significant impact. They have moved significantly towards a more digital model, and have been doing for a number of years.&nbsp;

"That has benefitted them in comparison to others during the pandemic because they are able to engage with their fans in a&nbsp;way others&nbsp;probably had to pay catch-up."&nbsp;

While Liverpool played both their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matches in one financial year, Manchester City were forced to play the fixtures in two financial years due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

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"But with those placings, take a little bit of care because with the timings of the fixtures they were able to generate more revenue ahead of Manchester City," said Bridge.&nbsp;

"Had timings been a little bit different, those rankings may have been different."&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-they-wont-they-key-questions-for-troubled-tokyo-olympics-359408" hreflang="en">Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics</a>

Whereas Manchester United had largest year-on-year decline among the top 20 clubs in the Deloitte Football Money League. Bridge&nbsp;emphasised&nbsp;that the sharp drop comes due to their lack of Champions League football.&nbsp;

Bridge said: "The reason for the decrease is predominantly driven by the pandemic, as you can imagine Manchester United with a huge fanbase generate significant amounts of revenue every time they play at Old Trafford.&nbsp;

"They are going to be impacted in a more significant way than many other clubs. Of course, last year they didn't have Champions League football either, so the revenue differential from competing in the Europa League compared to the Champions League had a significant impact on the numbers.&nbsp;

"But caution is needed. With Bayern Munich moving ahead of them, they were able to complete their domestic season in the timeframe, so the numbers for Bayern represent a full year of domestic football, whereas for United they are curtailed."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Barcelona have topped the Deloitte Football Money League after the financial performances of the highest revenue-generating clubs were charted for the 2019-20 season.

Barcelona have topped the Deloitte Football Money League after the financial performances of the highest revenue-generating clubs were charted for the 2019-20 season. While Barca sit atop the list, the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich complete the top three. For the first time since 2013, Manchester United dropped out of the top three of the Deloitte Football Money League while Liverpool's on-pitch success helped them be in the top five for the first time since 2001-02 season. Manchester City continue to remain in the sixth spot with Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur (9), Arsenal (11) and Everton (17) also placed in the top 20. Given the hardships amid COVID-19 pandemic, the top 20 clubs witnessed a revenue decline of 12 per cent as compared to the 2018-19 season. The sharp decline comes due to a drop in broadcast revenue and fall in matchday revenue. Tim Bridge, director of Deloitte Sports Business Group, said that the "digital model" helped Liverpool sit on the fifth spot besides their Premier League success. ALSO READ: Europe's top clubs face two billion euro coronavirus hit - report "The on-pitch success is a massive factor," Bridge told Sky Sports. "Building on winning the Champions League and then taking the Premier League crown for the first time has had a significant impact. They have moved significantly towards a more digital model, and have been doing for a number of years. "That has benefitted them in comparison to others during the pandemic because they are able to engage with their fans in a way others probably had to pay catch-up." While Liverpool played both their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matches in one financial year, Manchester City were forced to play the fixtures in two financial years due to COVID-19 pandemic. Testing Times: Football Money League from Deloitte UK × "But with those placings, take a little bit of care because with the timings of the fixtures they were able to generate more revenue ahead of Manchester City," said Bridge. "Had timings been a little bit different, those rankings may have been different." ALSO READ: Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics Whereas Manchester United had largest year-on-year decline among the top 20 clubs in the Deloitte Football Money League. Bridge emphasised that the sharp drop comes due to their lack of Champions League football. Bridge said: "The reason for the decrease is predominantly driven by the pandemic, as you can imagine Manchester United with a huge fanbase generate significant amounts of revenue every time they play at Old Trafford. "They are going to be impacted in a more significant way than many other clubs. Of course, last year they didn't have Champions League football either, so the revenue differential from competing in the Europa League compared to the Champions League had a significant impact on the numbers. "But caution is needed. With Bayern Munich moving ahead of them, they were able to complete their domestic season in the timeframe, so the numbers for Bayern represent a full year of domestic football, whereas for United they are curtailed."

Barcelona top Deloitte Football Money League, Manchester United witness biggest drop

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a new Bundesliga record with the 197th clean sheet of his career in the German top flight as the league leaders thrashed Schalke on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, voted FIFA's best goalkeeper of 2020, bettered the previous record set by former Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

Kahn needed 557 Bundesliga matches, for Bayern and Karlsruher, to reach the old mark, which current Germany 'keeper Neuer has usurped after 423 league games for the Bavarians and former club Schalke.

On Sunday, Neuer pulled off saves to deny Mark Uth and Suat Serdar in Gelsenkirchen.

Neuer said he hopes Schalke avoid relegation having come through their academy before joining Bayern in 2011.&nbsp;

"I hope Schalke stay in the league and manage to turn the tide," Neuer told Sky, after brushing off questions about his record.

"They had one or two chances and we didn't defend as well as we could have done."

The 4-0 victory, which saw Thomas Mueller score twice, sent Bayern seven points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig in the table.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a new Bundesliga record with the 197th clean sheet of his career in the German top flight as the league leaders thrashed Schalke on Sunday.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a new Bundesliga record with the 197th clean sheet of his career in the German top flight as the league leaders thrashed Schalke on Sunday. The 34-year-old, voted FIFA's best goalkeeper of 2020, bettered the previous record set by former Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn. Kahn needed 557 Bundesliga matches, for Bayern and Karlsruher, to reach the old mark, which current Germany 'keeper Neuer has usurped after 423 league games for the Bavarians and former club Schalke. On Sunday, Neuer pulled off saves to deny Mark Uth and Suat Serdar in Gelsenkirchen. Neuer said he hopes Schalke avoid relegation having come through their academy before joining Bayern in 2011. "I hope Schalke stay in the league and manage to turn the tide," Neuer told Sky, after brushing off questions about his record. "They had one or two chances and we didn't defend as well as we could have done." The 4-0 victory, which saw Thomas Mueller score twice, sent Bayern seven points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig in the table.

Neuer sets new Bundesliga record for most clean sheets

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick was "shocked" as the holders crashed out of the German Cup on Wednesday after defeat at second division Holstein Kiel, who won a nail-biting penalty shoot-out 6-5 as the second round tie finished 2-2 after extra-time.

"It's a shock. We are enormously disappointed," Flick told Sky.

"It's all the more annoying that we conceded an equaliser which made it 2-2 in the last second (of normal time). Congratulations to Kiel.

"We have to put it behind us and do things better."

Bayern forward Thomas Mueller said the defeat was "brutal".

This is the first time Bayern have been knocked out of the cup by a non-Bundesliga club since losing to then fourth-tier Magdeburg in 2000/01.&nbsp;

After Bayern midfielder Marc Roca was the first player to miss with his team's sixth penalty, Kiel's Fin Bartels converted the winning spot-kick to spark wild celebrations.

The upset means this is the first time European champions Bayern have been eliminated from a cup competition since Flick took charge in November 2019.&nbsp;

Bayern were 2-1 up thanks to goals by Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane, either side of a superb Bartels strike, before a last-gasp header by Kiel captain Hauke Wahl on 95 minutes took the game to extra time, then penalties.

"Even if it sounds stupid after a cup defeat against an underdog from Kiel - luck wasn't on our side," said Mueller.

"It's certainly not FC Bayern's best phase," he added as the European champions also crashed to a 3-2 league defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach last Friday.

"Being knocked out is brutal, we have to let that sink in first."

The German FA gave Bayern permission to postpone the cup tie from late December.&nbsp;

Bayern fielded a near-full strength side with only top-scoring striker Robert Lewandowski, who made a second-half cameo, and centre-back Jerome Boateng started on the bench.

Lewandowski's stand-in Gnabry gave Bayern the lead after only 14 minutes.

When Kiel goalkeeper Ioannis Gelios parried a Thomas Mueller header, it fell straight to the feet of Germany winger Gnabry who tapped into an empty net.

Having started 2021 top of the second division after five straight wins, Kiel caused nervous looks in Bayern's ranks when Bartels, 33, put them level.

The former Bremen veteran sprinted onto a long ball, avoided the challenge of Bayern defender Bouna Sarr and fired past Manuel Neuer eight minutes from half time.

However, Sane restored the lead just three minutes after the break.

Sane expertly curled his free-kick over the Kiel wall and out of reach of Gelios' glove.

As heavy snow started to fall, Kiel kept plugging away and were rewarded with the equaliser five minutes into added time.

Sloppy defending at a corner when Wahl was left free in the area and the centre-back flicked his header into the far corner of the Bayern net to force extra time.

The European champions laid siege to the Kiel goal in a bid to avoid penalties but Gelios pulled off a string of saves.

In the last 16, Kiel will host fellow second-division side Darmstadt on February 2.

Bayer Leverkusen, who beat Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 on Tuesday in their postponed second round tie, are at Rot-Weiss Essen, the only fourth-tier club left in the competition.

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick was "shocked" as the holders crashed out of the German Cup on Wednesday after defeat at second division Holstein Kiel, who won a nail-biting penalty shoot-out 6-5 as the second round tie finished 2-2 after extra-time.

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick was "shocked" as the holders crashed out of the German Cup on Wednesday after defeat at second division Holstein Kiel, who won a nail-biting penalty shoot-out 6-5 as the second round tie finished 2-2 after extra-time. "It's a shock. We are enormously disappointed," Flick told Sky. "It's all the more annoying that we conceded an equaliser which made it 2-2 in the last second (of normal time). Congratulations to Kiel. "We have to put it behind us and do things better." Bayern forward Thomas Mueller said the defeat was "brutal". This is the first time Bayern have been knocked out of the cup by a non-Bundesliga club since losing to then fourth-tier Magdeburg in 2000/01. After Bayern midfielder Marc Roca was the first player to miss with his team's sixth penalty, Kiel's Fin Bartels converted the winning spot-kick to spark wild celebrations. The upset means this is the first time European champions Bayern have been eliminated from a cup competition since Flick took charge in November 2019. Bayern were 2-1 up thanks to goals by Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane, either side of a superb Bartels strike, before a last-gasp header by Kiel captain Hauke Wahl on 95 minutes took the game to extra time, then penalties. "Even if it sounds stupid after a cup defeat against an underdog from Kiel - luck wasn't on our side," said Mueller. "It's certainly not FC Bayern's best phase," he added as the European champions also crashed to a 3-2 league defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach last Friday. "Being knocked out is brutal, we have to let that sink in first." The German FA gave Bayern permission to postpone the cup tie from late December. Bayern fielded a near-full strength side with only top-scoring striker Robert Lewandowski, who made a second-half cameo, and centre-back Jerome Boateng started on the bench. Lewandowski's stand-in Gnabry gave Bayern the lead after only 14 minutes. When Kiel goalkeeper Ioannis Gelios parried a Thomas Mueller header, it fell straight to the feet of Germany winger Gnabry who tapped into an empty net. Having started 2021 top of the second division after five straight wins, Kiel caused nervous looks in Bayern's ranks when Bartels, 33, put them level. The former Bremen veteran sprinted onto a long ball, avoided the challenge of Bayern defender Bouna Sarr and fired past Manuel Neuer eight minutes from half time. However, Sane restored the lead just three minutes after the break. Sane expertly curled his free-kick over the Kiel wall and out of reach of Gelios' glove. As heavy snow started to fall, Kiel kept plugging away and were rewarded with the equaliser five minutes into added time. Sloppy defending at a corner when Wahl was left free in the area and the centre-back flicked his header into the far corner of the Bayern net to force extra time. The European champions laid siege to the Kiel goal in a bid to avoid penalties but Gelios pulled off a string of saves. In the last 16, Kiel will host fellow second-division side Darmstadt on February 2. Bayer Leverkusen, who beat Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 on Tuesday in their postponed second round tie, are at Rot-Weiss Essen, the only fourth-tier club left in the competition.

'Shocked' Bayern Munich knocked out of German Cup by second division Kiel

Lionel Messi is bang in form in the new year, Schalke avoided matching the Bundesliga record for the most consecutive games without a win and there was a very rare defeat for Bayern Munich.

AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from across the continent:

<h2>- Messi means business -</h2>

Lionel Messi looks like a man on a mission at the start of 2021 and what could be his final six months as a Barcelona player. On Saturday he scored twice -- including direct from a free-kick, one of his late-career specialities -- in a 4-0 win at Granada. That followed a masterful double and two shots off the post in a 3-2 midweek victory at Athletic Bilbao.&nbsp;

Before that he provided the assist for Frenkie de Jong's winner at Huesca, and Barcelona have won three out of three since the turn of the year, while Messi is now La Liga's top scorer. Maybe it's not too late for Ronald Koeman's side to challenge for the title: they are third, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, albeit having played three games more.

<h2>- New Hoppe for Schalke -</h2>

Matthew Hoppe is the latest young American to break through in the Bundesliga and he is already a hero for Schalke supporters. The California-born 19-year-old, who made his debut in November, had never scored a senior goal before netting a hat-trick -- the first ever for an American in the Bundesliga -- in the 4-0 defeat of Hoffenheim that rescued the Royal Blues from equalling an unwanted record.

Their first win since January 17 last year, after 30 games without, prevented them from matching Tasmania Berlin's infamous German top-flight record of 31 games without a victory set in 1965/66. Hoppe has given hope to a whole club, and suddenly Schalke have new cause for optimism as they bid to beat the drop. They are off the bottom, above Mainz, but they remain in the relegation zone.

<h2>- Title race alive as Bayern come unstuck -</h2>

Bayern Munich had begun to look a little less irresistible on a run of eight straight Bundesliga matches in which they had conceded the opening goal. But they had won five and drawn three of those matches. Then on Friday they were 2-0 up away to Borussia Moenchengladbach only to lose 3-2, just their second Bundesliga defeat since losing at the same ground in December 2019.

It is a result that keeps the Bundesliga title race very much alive, although Hansi Flick's team have a winnable run of matches upcoming and they remain top, two points clear of RB Leipzig, who lost 3-1 at home to Borussia Dortmund, for whom Erling Braut Haaland scored twice. Third-placed Bayer Leverkusen are four points off the top after drawing 1-1 with Werder Bremen.

<h2>- Milan unfazed by Juve defeat -</h2>

Three days after a 3-1 home loss to reigning champions Juventus which ended a 27-game unbeaten run in Serie A stretching back to June, AC Milan bounced back to beat Torino 2-0 at San Siro. With second-placed city rivals Inter drawing at Roma, Milan are now three points clear at the top of the table, and remain seven ahead of Juventus, who are fourth but do have a game in hand.

Added good news for Milan came with the return of veteran top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a late substitute for his first appearance since November 22 after injury. The Swede came on for Rafael Leao, who had earlier scored his third goal in five games. Can Zlatan now fire the Rossoneri to their first Scudetto since 2011?&nbsp;

<h2>- Lyon lead way in France -</h2>

Mauricio Pochettino got his first victory as coach of Paris Saint-Germain, a 3-0 defeat of Brest, but it is Lyon who lead halfway through the Ligue 1 season. They claimed the symbolic title of autumn champions after coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Rennes on Saturday with Memphis Depay scoring one fine goal before setting up Jason Denayer's equaliser.

Rudi Garcia's team are unbeaten in 16 games although both PSG and Lille are just a point behind, and there is a very long way to go. Ensuring Depay stays to see out the remainder of his contract rather than leaving this month will be crucial.

Lionel Messi is bang in form in the new year, Schalke avoided matching the Bundesliga record for the most consecutive games without a win and there was a very rare defeat for Bayern Munich.

Lionel Messi is bang in form in the new year, Schalke avoided matching the Bundesliga record for the most consecutive games without a win and there was a very rare defeat for Bayern Munich. AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from across the continent: - Messi means business - Lionel Messi looks like a man on a mission at the start of 2021 and what could be his final six months as a Barcelona player. On Saturday he scored twice -- including direct from a free-kick, one of his late-career specialities -- in a 4-0 win at Granada. That followed a masterful double and two shots off the post in a 3-2 midweek victory at Athletic Bilbao. Before that he provided the assist for Frenkie de Jong's winner at Huesca, and Barcelona have won three out of three since the turn of the year, while Messi is now La Liga's top scorer. Maybe it's not too late for Ronald Koeman's side to challenge for the title: they are third, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, albeit having played three games more. - New Hoppe for Schalke - Matthew Hoppe is the latest young American to break through in the Bundesliga and he is already a hero for Schalke supporters. The California-born 19-year-old, who made his debut in November, had never scored a senior goal before netting a hat-trick -- the first ever for an American in the Bundesliga -- in the 4-0 defeat of Hoffenheim that rescued the Royal Blues from equalling an unwanted record. Their first win since January 17 last year, after 30 games without, prevented them from matching Tasmania Berlin's infamous German top-flight record of 31 games without a victory set in 1965/66. Hoppe has given hope to a whole club, and suddenly Schalke have new cause for optimism as they bid to beat the drop. They are off the bottom, above Mainz, but they remain in the relegation zone. - Title race alive as Bayern come unstuck - Bayern Munich had begun to look a little less irresistible on a run of eight straight Bundesliga matches in which they had conceded the opening goal. But they had won five and drawn three of those matches. Then on Friday they were 2-0 up away to Borussia Moenchengladbach only to lose 3-2, just their second Bundesliga defeat since losing at the same ground in December 2019. It is a result that keeps the Bundesliga title race very much alive, although Hansi Flick's team have a winnable run of matches upcoming and they remain top, two points clear of RB Leipzig, who lost 3-1 at home to Borussia Dortmund, for whom Erling Braut Haaland scored twice. Third-placed Bayer Leverkusen are four points off the top after drawing 1-1 with Werder Bremen. - Milan unfazed by Juve defeat - Three days after a 3-1 home loss to reigning champions Juventus which ended a 27-game unbeaten run in Serie A stretching back to June, AC Milan bounced back to beat Torino 2-0 at San Siro. With second-placed city rivals Inter drawing at Roma, Milan are now three points clear at the top of the table, and remain seven ahead of Juventus, who are fourth but do have a game in hand. Added good news for Milan came with the return of veteran top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a late substitute for his first appearance since November 22 after injury. The Swede came on for Rafael Leao, who had earlier scored his third goal in five games. Can Zlatan now fire the Rossoneri to their first Scudetto since 2011? - Lyon lead way in France - Mauricio Pochettino got his first victory as coach of Paris Saint-Germain, a 3-0 defeat of Brest, but it is Lyon who lead halfway through the Ligue 1 season. They claimed the symbolic title of autumn champions after coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Rennes on Saturday with Memphis Depay scoring one fine goal before setting up Jason Denayer's equaliser. Rudi Garcia's team are unbeaten in 16 games although both PSG and Lille are just a point behind, and there is a very long way to go. Ensuring Depay stays to see out the remainder of his contract rather than leaving this month will be crucial.

Messi on form, a new American star and Bayern beaten: Talking points from around Europe

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has laid down the law to Leroy Sane, telling the former Manchester City winger that he needs to start delivering for the European champions.

A string of disappointing performances by Sane since he joined in a 50-million-euro ($61 million) move in the summer was capped on Saturday when he was removed just half an hour after entering the field as a substitute in Bayern's 2-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen.

"We put everything possible in play" to acquire the German international, Rummenigge&nbsp;told Sport 1 TV, "and now he has to justify it".

"He hasn't yet really got into the DNA of Bayern. His task now has got to be to make his talent bear fruit," the former Bayern forward said.

Rummenigge added: "I think he has got a good future ahead of him. We're prepared to support any player but we have demands too. He must now take the next step."

Sane, 24, admitted he had been surprised to be yanked off before the final whistle, telling Bild newspaper: "That is not something that has happened to me before."

Veteran midfielder Thomas Mueller acknowledged that coach Hansi Flick's decision to remove Sane before the end of the game had been "a bitter pill to swallow" for the winger.

Flick is believed to be unimpressed by Sane's work rate and&nbsp;willingness to work for the team and with France forward Kingsley Coman in fine form since he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final, Sane has mainly been used as a substitute.

With the Bundesliga now entering its winter break, Sane will have to wait until January to make an impression.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has laid down the law to Leroy Sane, telling the former Manchester City winger that he needs to start delivering for the European champions.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has laid down the law to Leroy Sane, telling the former Manchester City winger that he needs to start delivering for the European champions. A string of disappointing performances by Sane since he joined in a 50-million-euro ($61 million) move in the summer was capped on Saturday when he was removed just half an hour after entering the field as a substitute in Bayern's 2-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen. "We put everything possible in play" to acquire the German international, Rummenigge told Sport 1 TV, "and now he has to justify it". "He hasn't yet really got into the DNA of Bayern. His task now has got to be to make his talent bear fruit," the former Bayern forward said. Rummenigge added: "I think he has got a good future ahead of him. We're prepared to support any player but we have demands too. He must now take the next step." Sane, 24, admitted he had been surprised to be yanked off before the final whistle, telling Bild newspaper: "That is not something that has happened to me before." Veteran midfielder Thomas Mueller acknowledged that coach Hansi Flick's decision to remove Sane before the end of the game had been "a bitter pill to swallow" for the winger. Flick is believed to be unimpressed by Sane's work rate and willingness to work for the team and with France forward Kingsley Coman in fine form since he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final, Sane has mainly been used as a substitute. With the Bundesliga now entering its winter break, Sane will have to wait until January to make an impression.

Sane warned by Rummenigge to shape up fast at Bayern

Robert Lewandowski scored his 11th goal in just his sixth Bundesliga game this season as Bayern Munich went top of the table on Saturday with a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund.

"In the end, we deserved the win and such victories are doubly important for us," said midfielder Leon Goretzka as Bayern saw off their rivals.

After Marco Reus had put Dortmund ahead, David Alaba blasted home a free-kick to make it 1-1 at half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park.

Lewandowski gave Bayern the lead with a superb header early in the second half before Leroy Sane grabbed the visitors' third.&nbsp;

Erling Braut Haaland gave Dortmund hope with a late goal, but was left to regret earlier misses.

"I have to score more goals, if we don't put our chances away at this level, then we won't win," said Haaland, who converted one of four shots on goal.

"They are the best team in the world and we have to work harder to take the next step to be as good as them".

The 32-year-old Lewandowski could have finished with a hat-trick against his former club after also having two goals disallowed by the VAR.

The win leaves Bayern two points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig with Dortmund third, three points behind Munich.&nbsp;

<h2>- Kimmich injury -</h2>

The away win could have come at a cost, however, as Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich had to be helped off in clear distress with a first-half knee injury.

"I think his knee got overstretched, it didn't look good," admitted Goretzka.

After the hosts made a bright start with Haaland firing wide, Lewandowski's effort on 24 minutes was ruled out by the VAR who spotted the Poland star offside in the build up.

Dortmund took the lead on 45 minutes when centre-half Mats Hummels sent a superb pass down the left flank for Jadon Sancho.

The England winger played Raphael Guerreiro into the area to provide the final pass which Reus fired home.

However, Bayern levelled four minutes later.

After Dortmund's midfield enforcer Thomas Delaney brought down Serge Gnarby on the edge of the area, Alaba blasted home a superb free-kick to make it 1-1 at the break.

Haaland fired wide at the start of the second half, just before Lewandowski powered home his header from a pin-point Lucas Herandez cross to put Bayern 2-1 up on 48 minutes.

Bayern had their tails up and Kingsley Coman's shot crashed off the post soon after.

Sane looked to have put the game beyond Dortmund when he cut inside, beat two defenders and fired home ten minutes from time.

However, Haaland fired home from a tight angle to give Dortmund hope while Reus volleyed wide with the goal at his mercy.

Lewandowski had the ball in the Dortmund net once more just before the whistle, only to again be denied by the VAR.

<h2>- Leipzig down Freiburg -</h2>

Earlier, RB Leipzig were impressive in their 3-0 home win over Freiburg.

Defender Ibrahima&nbsp;Konate fired home Leipzig's opener before midfielder Marcel Sabitzer added their second goal with a 70th-minute penalty.

Manchester City loanee Angelino claimed the third with a stunning free-kick which curled over the Freiburg wall just before the final whistle.

"We really deserved the win - we were very, very good in the first-half," said Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Union Berlin climbed to fourth with a 5-0 home thrashing of strugglers Arminia Bielefeld.

Former Germany striker Max Kruse helped set up Union's first three goals, then converted a late penalty.

Bottom side Mainz were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Schalke, who sit one place above them and have now gone 23 games without a league win dating back to January.

After five games without a win, Hertha Berlin roared back with a 3-0 victory in the fog at Augsburg.

Forwards Matheus Cunha, Dodi Lukebakio and Krzysztof Piatek, who cost Hertha 24 million euros ($28 million) from AC Milan in January, got on the scoresheet.

Robert Lewandowski scored his 11th goal in just his sixth Bundesliga game this season as Bayern Munich went top of the table on Saturday with a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund.

Robert Lewandowski scored his 11th goal in just his sixth Bundesliga game this season as Bayern Munich went top of the table on Saturday with a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund. "In the end, we deserved the win and such victories are doubly important for us," said midfielder Leon Goretzka as Bayern saw off their rivals. After Marco Reus had put Dortmund ahead, David Alaba blasted home a free-kick to make it 1-1 at half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park. Lewandowski gave Bayern the lead with a superb header early in the second half before Leroy Sane grabbed the visitors' third. Erling Braut Haaland gave Dortmund hope with a late goal, but was left to regret earlier misses. "I have to score more goals, if we don't put our chances away at this level, then we won't win," said Haaland, who converted one of four shots on goal. "They are the best team in the world and we have to work harder to take the next step to be as good as them". The 32-year-old Lewandowski could have finished with a hat-trick against his former club after also having two goals disallowed by the VAR. The win leaves Bayern two points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig with Dortmund third, three points behind Munich. - Kimmich injury - The away win could have come at a cost, however, as Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich had to be helped off in clear distress with a first-half knee injury. "I think his knee got overstretched, it didn't look good," admitted Goretzka. After the hosts made a bright start with Haaland firing wide, Lewandowski's effort on 24 minutes was ruled out by the VAR who spotted the Poland star offside in the build up. Dortmund took the lead on 45 minutes when centre-half Mats Hummels sent a superb pass down the left flank for Jadon Sancho. The England winger played Raphael Guerreiro into the area to provide the final pass which Reus fired home. However, Bayern levelled four minutes later. After Dortmund's midfield enforcer Thomas Delaney brought down Serge Gnarby on the edge of the area, Alaba blasted home a superb free-kick to make it 1-1 at the break. Haaland fired wide at the start of the second half, just before Lewandowski powered home his header from a pin-point Lucas Herandez cross to put Bayern 2-1 up on 48 minutes. Bayern had their tails up and Kingsley Coman's shot crashed off the post soon after. Sane looked to have put the game beyond Dortmund when he cut inside, beat two defenders and fired home ten minutes from time. However, Haaland fired home from a tight angle to give Dortmund hope while Reus volleyed wide with the goal at his mercy. Lewandowski had the ball in the Dortmund net once more just before the whistle, only to again be denied by the VAR. - Leipzig down Freiburg - Earlier, RB Leipzig were impressive in their 3-0 home win over Freiburg. Defender Ibrahima Konate fired home Leipzig's opener before midfielder Marcel Sabitzer added their second goal with a 70th-minute penalty. Manchester City loanee Angelino claimed the third with a stunning free-kick which curled over the Freiburg wall just before the final whistle. "We really deserved the win - we were very, very good in the first-half," said Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Union Berlin climbed to fourth with a 5-0 home thrashing of strugglers Arminia Bielefeld. Former Germany striker Max Kruse helped set up Union's first three goals, then converted a late penalty. Bottom side Mainz were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Schalke, who sit one place above them and have now gone 23 games without a league win dating back to January. After five games without a win, Hertha Berlin roared back with a 3-0 victory in the fog at Augsburg. Forwards Matheus Cunha, Dodi Lukebakio and Krzysztof Piatek, who cost Hertha 24 million euros ($28 million) from AC Milan in January, got on the scoresheet.

Lewandowski strikes as Bayern Munich down Dortmund to go top

Bayern Munich have withdrawn their offer of a new five-year contract for Austria defender David Alaba after his representative rejected their latest proposal, club President Herbert Hainer has said.

The current deal for 28-year-old Alaba, who has been at Bayern since 2008, runs out in 2021. Contract talks have dragged on for months, reportedly over the player's annual salary.

"We submitted to David and his advisor some time ago what we think was a very good offer," Hainer told broadcaster BR late on Sunday.

"During the last meeting we had said we wanted clarity by the end of October. We did not hear anything until yesterday and we contacted his advisor.

"The answer was that the offer was still unsatisfactory and we should think about it again. We then decided to take the offer completely off the table."

Alaba, who has won two Champions League trophies with the club as well as nine league titles and six German Cups, said he heard about Bayern's decision from the media.

"I heard it like everyone else on the news," Alaba told a press conference ahead of their game at Salzburg in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I cannot say how it will continue from this point. I am glad to be playing for Bayern, and to be a part of the team. But what the future will look like after yesterday evening I just cannot say, as no one has talked to me officially."

Alaba was upset that the club never shot down the reported salary figures mentioned in German media, saying he had wished Bayern had done it so that his image with fans was not damaged.

"I can completely understand the fans. I wish internal stuff would stay internal. The numbers out there do not correspond to reality and I am a bit disappointed and sad that the club never officially came out to say they are wrong."

Asked about a possible move to the English Premier League, Alaba said: "I have not made any thoughts about my future because Bayern was always the first point of contact. I had no contact with other clubs for that reason."

Bayern Munich have withdrawn their offer of a new five-year contract for Austria defender David Alaba after his representative rejected their latest proposal, club President Herbert Hainer has said.

Bayern Munich have withdrawn their offer of a new five-year contract for Austria defender David Alaba after his representative rejected their latest proposal, club President Herbert Hainer has said. The current deal for 28-year-old Alaba, who has been at Bayern since 2008, runs out in 2021. Contract talks have dragged on for months, reportedly over the player's annual salary. "We submitted to David and his advisor some time ago what we think was a very good offer," Hainer told broadcaster BR late on Sunday. "During the last meeting we had said we wanted clarity by the end of October. We did not hear anything until yesterday and we contacted his advisor. "The answer was that the offer was still unsatisfactory and we should think about it again. We then decided to take the offer completely off the table." Alaba, who has won two Champions League trophies with the club as well as nine league titles and six German Cups, said he heard about Bayern's decision from the media. "I heard it like everyone else on the news," Alaba told a press conference ahead of their game at Salzburg in the Champions League on Tuesday. "I cannot say how it will continue from this point. I am glad to be playing for Bayern, and to be a part of the team. But what the future will look like after yesterday evening I just cannot say, as no one has talked to me officially." Alaba was upset that the club never shot down the reported salary figures mentioned in German media, saying he had wished Bayern had done it so that his image with fans was not damaged. "I can completely understand the fans. I wish internal stuff would stay internal. The numbers out there do not correspond to reality and I am a bit disappointed and sad that the club never officially came out to say they are wrong." Asked about a possible move to the English Premier League, Alaba said: "I have not made any thoughts about my future because Bayern was always the first point of contact. I had no contact with other clubs for that reason."

Bayern Munich withdraw contract offer for Alaba

Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele has tested positive for COVID-19 and gone into home isolation, the club said on the eve of their Champions League match at Salzburg.

The 25-year-old Germany centre back is the second Bayern player to be pulled out of action after Serge Gnabry's false positive test in October. Gnabry has since returned.

"I will think about the lineup for Salzburg after the final training this evening," coach Hansi Flick told a news conference. "Niklas will not be available. It is not nice and it is one option less for us.

"There have been many cases in pro leagues and now it hit us. We have to accept it... and hope that it remains with that one positive test."

Suele had missed much of last season due to cruciate ligament injury and only returned to action in the summer.

Flick said the players and staff were now tested on a daily basis.

Bayern, who won five titles in 2020 including the Champions League and the domestic league and Cup double, travel to title rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

They are top of the Bundesliga following their 2-1 win at Cologne on Saturday.

Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele has tested positive for COVID-19 and gone into home isolation, the club said on the eve of their Champions League match at Salzburg.

Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele has tested positive for COVID-19 and gone into home isolation, the club said on the eve of their Champions League match at Salzburg. The 25-year-old Germany centre back is the second Bayern player to be pulled out of action after Serge Gnabry's false positive test in October. Gnabry has since returned. "I will think about the lineup for Salzburg after the final training this evening," coach Hansi Flick told a news conference. "Niklas will not be available. It is not nice and it is one option less for us. "There have been many cases in pro leagues and now it hit us. We have to accept it... and hope that it remains with that one positive test." Suele had missed much of last season due to cruciate ligament injury and only returned to action in the summer. Flick said the players and staff were now tested on a daily basis. Bayern, who won five titles in 2020 including the Champions League and the domestic league and Cup double, travel to title rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. They are top of the Bundesliga following their 2-1 win at Cologne on Saturday.

Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele tests positive for COVID-19

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Liverpool and Manchester City also made it six points out of a possible six in Europe this season, after Bayern needed a late Joshua Kimmich strike to claim a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A.&nbsp;

Leon Goretzka put the Germans ahead early on in front of a limited crowd in the Russian capital, but Anton Miranchuk tucked in an equaliser for Lokomotiv in the second half -- Miranchuk's twin brother Aleksei scored for Atalanta in the Champions League last week.

But Bayern were not to be denied a record 13th straight win in the competition as Kimmich controlled a Javi Martinez pass and volleyed home low from outside the box 11 minutes from time.

"We had to work hard for the victory," Kimmich admitted to broadcaster DAZN.

In the same group Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Salzburg 3-2, with Joao Felix grabbing their late winner.

The Portuguese starlet had hit the bar with a stunning overhead kick before Marcos Llorente put Atletico ahead in the Spanish capital.

Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before the break and then a Felipe own goal put Salzburg ahead just after half-time.

However, Joao Felix equalised on 52 minutes and then won it five minutes from the end.

&nbsp;

<h2>- City cruise -</h2>

&nbsp;

In Germany, Real were heading for another defeat in Group B, six days after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marcus Thuram netted twice for Gladbach, either side of half-time.

But Casemiro set up Karim Benzema to reduce the deficit in the 87th minute and the Brazilian midfielder then scored himself deep in injury time to salvage a point for Zinedine Zidane's team.

"If we continue to play like that, we'll do great things and we'll win matches, that's for sure," said Zidane.

It is Shakhtar who lead the section, though, by two points from Inter Milan and Gladbach, after a 0-0 draw with the Italians in Kiev.

Pep Guardiola's City eased to a second straight win in Group C with Kevin De Bruyne setting up Ferran Torres for the early opener against Marseille after the hosts had carelessly ceded possession.

Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling added late goals to make it 3-0, leaving Marseille without a point.

Guardiola was confident City could build on their victory after an indifferent start to the Premier League season which has seen them come in for criticism.

"Part of the criticism was right, but you've got to accept it. It's part of our job," Guardiola told BT Sport.

"It's about where we've come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and Covid-19, but the Champions League is in a good place now."

In the same group Porto beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Portugal with Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira on target.

<h2>- 'Tough night' for Liverpool -</h2>

Meanwhile, Liverpool built on their 1-0 victory at Ajax last week by defeating Danish champions Midtjylland 2-0 in a low-key game behind closed doors at Anfield in Group D.

Diogo Jota finished off a fine move to give Jurgen Klopp's team the lead early in the second half, before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points with a late penalty.

Klopp rested Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his starting line-up but his defensive worries deepened as Fabinho went off with an apparent hamstring injury.

"It was a tough night," Klopp told BT Sport.

"It's a bit like in a marriage, there are good and bad times. It's not a bad time but it's a tricky time."

He added: "It was a hard game to play. But winning 2-0 is completely fine so that's it -- let's carry on."

Liverpool now have a double-header against Atalanta, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Ajax.

A Dusan Tadic penalty put the visitors ahead on the half-hour and Lassina Traore made it two, only for Duvan Zapata to save Atalanta with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Holders Bayern Munich continued their perfect start to their Champions League title defence on Tuesday as Real Madrid had Casemiro's late goal to thank for scrambling a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Liverpool and Manchester City also made it six points out of a possible six in Europe this season, after Bayern needed a late Joshua Kimmich strike to claim a 2-1 win at Lokomotiv Moscow in Group A. Leon Goretzka put the Germans ahead early on in front of a limited crowd in the Russian capital, but Anton Miranchuk tucked in an equaliser for Lokomotiv in the second half -- Miranchuk's twin brother Aleksei scored for Atalanta in the Champions League last week. But Bayern were not to be denied a record 13th straight win in the competition as Kimmich controlled a Javi Martinez pass and volleyed home low from outside the box 11 minutes from time. "We had to work hard for the victory," Kimmich admitted to broadcaster DAZN. In the same group Atletico Madrid came from behind to beat Salzburg 3-2, with Joao Felix grabbing their late winner. The Portuguese starlet had hit the bar with a stunning overhead kick before Marcos Llorente put Atletico ahead in the Spanish capital. Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before the break and then a Felipe own goal put Salzburg ahead just after half-time. However, Joao Felix equalised on 52 minutes and then won it five minutes from the end. - City cruise - In Germany, Real were heading for another defeat in Group B, six days after losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Marcus Thuram netted twice for Gladbach, either side of half-time. But Casemiro set up Karim Benzema to reduce the deficit in the 87th minute and the Brazilian midfielder then scored himself deep in injury time to salvage a point for Zinedine Zidane's team. "If we continue to play like that, we'll do great things and we'll win matches, that's for sure," said Zidane. It is Shakhtar who lead the section, though, by two points from Inter Milan and Gladbach, after a 0-0 draw with the Italians in Kiev. Pep Guardiola's City eased to a second straight win in Group C with Kevin De Bruyne setting up Ferran Torres for the early opener against Marseille after the hosts had carelessly ceded possession. Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling added late goals to make it 3-0, leaving Marseille without a point. Guardiola was confident City could build on their victory after an indifferent start to the Premier League season which has seen them come in for criticism. "Part of the criticism was right, but you've got to accept it. It's part of our job," Guardiola told BT Sport. "It's about where we've come from in the last month, with lack of preparation, injuries and Covid-19, but the Champions League is in a good place now." In the same group Porto beat Olympiakos 2-0 in Portugal with Fabio Vieira and Sergio Oliveira on target. - 'Tough night' for Liverpool - Meanwhile, Liverpool built on their 1-0 victory at Ajax last week by defeating Danish champions Midtjylland 2-0 in a low-key game behind closed doors at Anfield in Group D. Diogo Jota finished off a fine move to give Jurgen Klopp's team the lead early in the second half, before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points with a late penalty. Klopp rested Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino from his starting line-up but his defensive worries deepened as Fabinho went off with an apparent hamstring injury. "It was a tough night," Klopp told BT Sport. "It's a bit like in a marriage, there are good and bad times. It's not a bad time but it's a tricky time." He added: "It was a hard game to play. But winning 2-0 is completely fine so that's it -- let's carry on." Liverpool now have a double-header against Atalanta, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Ajax. A Dusan Tadic penalty put the visitors ahead on the half-hour and Lassina Traore made it two, only for Duvan Zapata to save Atalanta with two goals in the space of seven second-half minutes.

Bayern, English clubs win in Champions League as Real Madrid scramble draw

Real Madrid triumphed in the Clasico, Robert Lewandowski kept up his stunning form and Ajax recorded the biggest victory in the history of the Dutch top flight.

AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from the weekend's action across the continent:

<h2>- Real take Clasico honours -</h2>

Rarely in recent years have both Barcelona and Real Madrid come into a Clasico at such a low ebb, but it was Zinedine Zidane's team who emerged from their own mini-crisis with a fine 3-1 win at an empty Camp Nou.

Not for the first time in this fixture there was controversy, with the decision to award Real a crucial second-half penalty leaving Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman furious with the VAR.

Sergio Ramos's spot-kick put the visitors 2-1 up and Luka Modric went on to wrap up the win which saw Real bounce back from suffering consecutive defeats in the week leading up to the game.

They have now lost just once in eight trips to the Camp Nou and the result relieves the pressure on Zidane, while leaving Koeman under the cosh. That is two straight La Liga losses now for Barca, the first time that has happened since April 2016. They are 12th in the table.

<h2>- Another record for Lewandowski -</h2>

Robert Lewandowski's sensational start to this season continued as he bagged a hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 5-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Polish striker has 10 goals already and is the first to reach that mark after just five matches of a Bundesliga campaign.

It was a perfect hat-trick, with Lewandowski scoring one each with his left foot, right foot and head. At 32 he is in the form of his life, having scored 55 times in total last season as Bayern won the treble.

<h2>- Lucky 13: Ajax make history -</h2>

Those who thought record wins and double-figure scorelines belonged to the 1930s can think again. On Saturday Ajax set the all-time mark for the biggest victory in the Dutch Eredivisie as they crushed hapless VVV Venlo 13-0 away.

Lassina Traore struck five times as the Amsterdam club outdid Johan Cruyff's Ajax, whose 12-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem had stood as the top flight's record win since May 1972 -- the season they won the league title and the second of their four European Cups.

Traore, the 19-year-old from Burkina Faso, became the first Ajax player to score five in an Eredivisie game since Marco van Basten in 1985.

"We were hungry in the field. We wanted to score goals, and I'm fine with that," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, whose team now go to Atalanta in the Champions League.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Stumbling Juventus -</h2>

Juventus have now drawn the last three Serie A games they have actually played, leaving aside the 3-0 win they were awarded when Napoli did not turn up for their recent match in Turin due to a coronavirus outbreak.

On Sunday Andrea Pirlo's team needed Dejan Kulusevski to come off the bench and salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Verona as the reigning champions again had to do without Cristiano Ronaldo following a positive Covid-19 test.

"We could have done better," admitted novice coach Pirlo, whose side may have their work cut out if they are to win a 10th straight Scudetto with a resurgent AC Milan joining the likes of Inter and Atalanta in hoping to knock the Old Lady off her perch.

Now Juve host Barcelona in the Champions League looking to build on the one victory they have enjoyed in recent weeks, away at Dynamo Kiev.

<h2>- Depay, Aouar star for Lyon -</h2>

They were supposed to leave Lyon before the transfer window closed but both saw moves away from the French club fall through.

Memphis Depay had hoped to join his former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman at Barcelona while Houssem Aouar might have left his boyhood club for Arsenal, but instead they remain with last season's Champions League semi-finalists, who are not in Europe at all in this campaign.

It hs been a slow start for OL but on Sunday they trounced Monaco 4-1 to go sixth in Ligue 1, with Depay opening the scoring and Aouar netting a penalty. Karl Toko Ekambi got their other two goals.

Real Madrid triumphed in the Clasico, Robert Lewandowski kept up his stunning form and Ajax recorded the biggest victory in the history of the Dutch top flight. AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from the weekend's action across the continent: - Real take Clasico honours - Rarely in recent years have both Barcelona and Real Madrid come into a Clasico at such a low ebb, but it was Zinedine Zidane's team who emerged from their own mini-crisis with a fine 3-1 win at an empty Camp Nou.

Real Madrid triumphed in the Clasico, Robert Lewandowski kept up his stunning form and Ajax recorded the biggest victory in the history of the Dutch top flight. AFP Sport rounds up some of the main talking points from the weekend's action across the continent: - Real take Clasico honours - Rarely in recent years have both Barcelona and Real Madrid come into a Clasico at such a low ebb, but it was Zinedine Zidane's team who emerged from their own mini-crisis with a fine 3-1 win at an empty Camp Nou. Not for the first time in this fixture there was controversy, with the decision to award Real a crucial second-half penalty leaving Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman furious with the VAR. Sergio Ramos's spot-kick put the visitors 2-1 up and Luka Modric went on to wrap up the win which saw Real bounce back from suffering consecutive defeats in the week leading up to the game. They have now lost just once in eight trips to the Camp Nou and the result relieves the pressure on Zidane, while leaving Koeman under the cosh. That is two straight La Liga losses now for Barca, the first time that has happened since April 2016. They are 12th in the table. - Another record for Lewandowski - Robert Lewandowski's sensational start to this season continued as he bagged a hat-trick in Bayern Munich's 5-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. The Polish striker has 10 goals already and is the first to reach that mark after just five matches of a Bundesliga campaign. It was a perfect hat-trick, with Lewandowski scoring one each with his left foot, right foot and head. At 32 he is in the form of his life, having scored 55 times in total last season as Bayern won the treble. - Lucky 13: Ajax make history - Those who thought record wins and double-figure scorelines belonged to the 1930s can think again. On Saturday Ajax set the all-time mark for the biggest victory in the Dutch Eredivisie as they crushed hapless VVV Venlo 13-0 away. Lassina Traore struck five times as the Amsterdam club outdid Johan Cruyff's Ajax, whose 12-1 win over Vitesse Arnhem had stood as the top flight's record win since May 1972 -- the season they won the league title and the second of their four European Cups. Traore, the 19-year-old from Burkina Faso, became the first Ajax player to score five in an Eredivisie game since Marco van Basten in 1985. "We were hungry in the field. We wanted to score goals, and I'm fine with that," said Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, whose team now go to Atalanta in the Champions League. - Stumbling Juventus - Juventus have now drawn the last three Serie A games they have actually played, leaving aside the 3-0 win they were awarded when Napoli did not turn up for their recent match in Turin due to a coronavirus outbreak. On Sunday Andrea Pirlo's team needed Dejan Kulusevski to come off the bench and salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Verona as the reigning champions again had to do without Cristiano Ronaldo following a positive Covid-19 test. "We could have done better," admitted novice coach Pirlo, whose side may have their work cut out if they are to win a 10th straight Scudetto with a resurgent AC Milan joining the likes of Inter and Atalanta in hoping to knock the Old Lady off her perch. Now Juve host Barcelona in the Champions League looking to build on the one victory they have enjoyed in recent weeks, away at Dynamo Kiev. - Depay, Aouar star for Lyon - They were supposed to leave Lyon before the transfer window closed but both saw moves away from the French club fall through. Memphis Depay had hoped to join his former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman at Barcelona while Houssem Aouar might have left his boyhood club for Arsenal, but instead they remain with last season's Champions League semi-finalists, who are not in Europe at all in this campaign. It hs been a slow start for OL but on Sunday they trounced Monaco 4-1 to go sixth in Ligue 1, with Depay opening the scoring and Aouar netting a penalty. Karl Toko Ekambi got their other two goals.

Madrid's Clasico, Lewandowski, record-breaking Ajax: European football talking points

Barca's shocking defeat in El Clasico to Ruhr clash: Results of weekend matches!

Thirteen times Champions League winners Real Madrid were struck down by Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk in the Group B opener on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-group-stage-matches-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-ucl-matches-336958">See:&nbsp;UEFA Champions League, Group Stage matches Live Streaming: When and where to watch UCL matches?</a>

Shakhtar had taken a 3-0 lead as Brazilian midfielder Tete opened in the 29th minute. Madrid defender Raphael Varane scored an own goal as coach Zidane's injury-hit team struggled to take on their resurgent opponents.

Israeli forward Manor Solomons scored for Shakhtar. Luka Modric stuck for Real with substitute Vinicius Jr reducing the deficit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/played-to-perfection-immobiles-lazio-shock-dortmund-on-champions-league-return-336840">Also Read:&nbsp;'Played to perfection:' Immobile's Lazio shock Dortmund on Champions League return</a>

"We were lacking a bit of everything today but worst of all we were lacking confidence," Zidane said after the match. "It's difficult to think of what to say when you concede three goals in the first half. We made a mistake with their first goal and from then on it was very difficult.

"I'm left with a very bad feeling because of everything that happened tonight. It's a bad game, a bad night but I'm the coach and I'm the one who has to find solutions. I didn't find them tonight and it's a very difficult moment for the players."

Meanwhile, defending champions Bayern Munich crushed Atletico Madrid 4-0 to start their campaign in emphatic fashion as they stretched their winning run in the competition to 12 games.

Thirteen times Champions League winners Real Madrid were struck down by Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk in the Group B opener on Wednesday. See: UEFA Champions League, Group Stage matches Live Streaming: When and where to watch UCL matches?

Thirteen times Champions League winners Real Madrid were struck down by Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk in the Group B opener on Wednesday. See: UEFA Champions League, Group Stage matches Live Streaming: When and where to watch UCL matches? Shakhtar had taken a 3-0 lead as Brazilian midfielder Tete opened in the 29th minute. Madrid defender Raphael Varane scored an own goal as coach Zidane's injury-hit team struggled to take on their resurgent opponents. Israeli forward Manor Solomons scored for Shakhtar. Luka Modric stuck for Real with substitute Vinicius Jr reducing the deficit. Also Read: 'Played to perfection:' Immobile's Lazio shock Dortmund on Champions League return "We were lacking a bit of everything today but worst of all we were lacking confidence," Zidane said after the match. "It's difficult to think of what to say when you concede three goals in the first half. We made a mistake with their first goal and from then on it was very difficult. "I'm left with a very bad feeling because of everything that happened tonight. It's a bad game, a bad night but I'm the coach and I'm the one who has to find solutions. I didn't find them tonight and it's a very difficult moment for the players." Meanwhile, defending champions Bayern Munich crushed Atletico Madrid 4-0 to start their campaign in emphatic fashion as they stretched their winning run in the competition to 12 games.

Champions League: Giant killer Shakhtar Donetsk stun Real Madrid; Bayern Munich make winning start

Bayern Munich claimed their fifth title of the year on Wednesday as a late Joshua Kimmich goal sealed their 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to land the German Super Cup.&nbsp;

Hosts Bayern built a 2-0 lead with first-half goals by Corentin Tolisso and Thomas Mueller, only for Erling Braut Haaland to equalise early in the second half after Julian Brandt pulled a Dortmund goal back just before the break.

However, Kimmich settled the matter through sheer determination behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena.

His initial shot was saved by Dortmund goalkeeper Marwin Hitz but the rebound clipped Kimmich's boot and looped in for the winning goal eight minutes from time.

"Joshua is a classy player. The way he chipped that ball in," said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer in admiration.

Having had their record 23-match winning streak ended by a shock defeat at Hoffenheim on Sunday, Bayern bounced back with Kimmich leading the charge.

"As long as I have known him (Kimmich), his mentality is very special.&nbsp;He is well on his way to being one of those players who shape this club," Bayern head coach Hansi Flick told broadcaster ZDF.

Bayern have already won an eighth-straight Bundesliga title, the German Cup, Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup this year.

This is the fourth time in five years they have won the showcase match.

<h2>- Sancho missing -</h2>

Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki and England winger Jadon Sancho missed the flight to Munich with "a respiratory infection", the club said, but both tested negative on Monday for Covid-19.

Flick made five changes from the side which lost 4-1 at Hoffenheim.

Leroy Sane was sidelined by a knee injury, Leon Goretzka rested and Segre Gnabry started on the bench.

Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies moved up to the wing and Tolisso started in central midfield.

The Frenchman gave Bayern the lead when Robert Lewandowski put in a short cross from the right wing and Tolisso side-footed home on 18 minutes.

Mueller grabbed Bayern's second when he headed home after Davies floated in a cross on 32 minutes.

Brandt put Dortmund back in the game five minutes before the break when Benjamin Pavard's loose pass was snapped up by Marco Reus and Brandt finished the move.

It was 2-1 at the break, but Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier fired a golden chance over the bar early in the second half with just Manuel Neuer to beat.

Dortmund drew level when central midfielder Thomas Delaney slid a great pass into Haaland, who showed ice cool finishing to fire past Neuer on 55 minutes.

It was the 20-year-old's 19th goal in 22 games for Dortmund.

With time running out, Kimmich robbed Delaney of possession near the halfway line and sprinted clear with Lewandowski in support.

The pair exchanged passes and although Hitz saved the inital shot, the rebound looped over his head into the Dortmund goal after clipping Kimmich's boot.

The Super Cup was the final game for Bundesliga referee Bibiana Steinhaus, 41, the first female to officiate in one of Europe's top leagues, before retirement.&nbsp;

Bayern Munich claimed their fifth title of the year on Wednesday as a late Joshua Kimmich goal sealed their 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to land the German Super Cup.

Bayern Munich claimed their fifth title of the year on Wednesday as a late Joshua Kimmich goal sealed their 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund to land the German Super Cup. Hosts Bayern built a 2-0 lead with first-half goals by Corentin Tolisso and Thomas Mueller, only for Erling Braut Haaland to equalise early in the second half after Julian Brandt pulled a Dortmund goal back just before the break. However, Kimmich settled the matter through sheer determination behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena. His initial shot was saved by Dortmund goalkeeper Marwin Hitz but the rebound clipped Kimmich's boot and looped in for the winning goal eight minutes from time. "Joshua is a classy player. The way he chipped that ball in," said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer in admiration. Having had their record 23-match winning streak ended by a shock defeat at Hoffenheim on Sunday, Bayern bounced back with Kimmich leading the charge. "As long as I have known him (Kimmich), his mentality is very special. He is well on his way to being one of those players who shape this club," Bayern head coach Hansi Flick told broadcaster ZDF. Bayern have already won an eighth-straight Bundesliga title, the German Cup, Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup this year. This is the fourth time in five years they have won the showcase match. - Sancho missing - Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki and England winger Jadon Sancho missed the flight to Munich with "a respiratory infection", the club said, but both tested negative on Monday for Covid-19. Flick made five changes from the side which lost 4-1 at Hoffenheim. Leroy Sane was sidelined by a knee injury, Leon Goretzka rested and Segre Gnabry started on the bench. Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies moved up to the wing and Tolisso started in central midfield. The Frenchman gave Bayern the lead when Robert Lewandowski put in a short cross from the right wing and Tolisso side-footed home on 18 minutes. Mueller grabbed Bayern's second when he headed home after Davies floated in a cross on 32 minutes. Brandt put Dortmund back in the game five minutes before the break when Benjamin Pavard's loose pass was snapped up by Marco Reus and Brandt finished the move. It was 2-1 at the break, but Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier fired a golden chance over the bar early in the second half with just Manuel Neuer to beat. Dortmund drew level when central midfielder Thomas Delaney slid a great pass into Haaland, who showed ice cool finishing to fire past Neuer on 55 minutes. It was the 20-year-old's 19th goal in 22 games for Dortmund. With time running out, Kimmich robbed Delaney of possession near the halfway line and sprinted clear with Lewandowski in support. The pair exchanged passes and although Hitz saved the inital shot, the rebound looped over his head into the Dortmund goal after clipping Kimmich's boot. The Super Cup was the final game for Bundesliga referee Bibiana Steinhaus, 41, the first female to officiate in one of Europe's top leagues, before retirement.

Bayern win German Super Cup to lift fifth title in 2020

Leroy Sane said all-conquering Bayern Munich crave even more silverware after the Germany winger scored on his debut in Friday's historic 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in the opening game of the new Bundesliga season.

"We're still hungry, even though we won the treble last season," said Sane after creating two goals for Serge Gnabry, who claimed a hat-trick in the goalfest at the Allianz Arena.

"Winning our first game at home 8-0 is obviously super.

"It felt really, really good finally to be able to play with the lads," said Sane, who spent most of last season sidelined at former club Manchester City after tearing knee ligaments at the very start of last season.

"It's been a very good day with lots of goals."

Just 26 days after winning the Champions League final, Bayern picked up where they left off last season with their 22nd-straight win.

"It is amazing how the team has built on the performance of the past season," said Bayern board member and former club captain Oliver Kahn.

The jaw-dropping result is the highest win in an opening game of a new Bundesliga season - five weeks to the day after Bayern's 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Leon Goretzka, Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowksi also netted, while England junior international Jamal Musiala, 17, became the youngest Bayern goal-scorer in the Bundesliga when he came on late.&nbsp;

Bayern had to brush off setbacks in the days leading up to kick-off.

On Thursday, the Mayor of Munich scuppered plans to allow 7,500 fans into the Allianz Arena, due to rising new cases of the coronavirus in the Bavarian capital, hours after Bayern confirmed the sale of Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool.

Before kick-off, David Alaba, who is stalling over signing a contract extension with a year left to go, dropped out with a leg injury.

<h2>- Normal service resumed -</h2>

However, Bayern picked up where they left off 26 days after winning the Champions League final in Lisbon.&nbsp;

Cash-strapped Schalke continued their miserable finish to last season as David Wagner's side have now gone 17 games without a win.

Gnabry opened the scoring with just four minutes gone with a great piece of finishing which gave Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann no chance.

Burly central midfielder Goretzka grabbed the second against his former club when he hit the bottom corner from the edge of the box on 19 minutes.

Lewandowski, the Bundesliga's top scorer last season with 34 goals, opened his account for 2020/21 with half an hour gone.

He netted a penalty after being brought down in the area by Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, who has been linked to a move to Liverpool.

Incredibly, Lewandowski has now scored in each of his last 10 games against Schalke, dating back to April 2016, including a hat-trick in last August's 3-0 win over the Royal Blues in Gelsenkirchen.&nbsp;

It was 3-0 at half-time, but Gnabry grabbed his second two minutes after the break when he fired into an empty net after a sprint by Sane pulled Faehrmann out of position.

The pair combined again when Sane chested the ball down after getting in behind the defence and rolled the ball off to the waiting Gnabry to claim his hat-trick just before the hour mark.

Mueller added the sixth on 69 minutes after Lewandowski had again cut Schalke's defence to shreds.

The records were sent tumbling as Sane marked his debut with the seventh on 71 minutes when he sprinted onto Joshua Kimmich's superb pass and fired home with Lewandowski unmarked outside him.

Musiala, who only turned 17 in February, became the club's youngest scorer in the Bundesliga when he darted in from the left wing to add the eighth on 81 minutes.&nbsp;

Leroy Sane said all-conquering Bayern Munich crave even more silverware after the Germany winger scored on his debut in Friday's historic 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in the opening game of the new Bundesliga season.

Leroy Sane said all-conquering Bayern Munich crave even more silverware after the Germany winger scored on his debut in Friday's historic 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in the opening game of the new Bundesliga season. "We're still hungry, even though we won the treble last season," said Sane after creating two goals for Serge Gnabry, who claimed a hat-trick in the goalfest at the Allianz Arena. "Winning our first game at home 8-0 is obviously super. "It felt really, really good finally to be able to play with the lads," said Sane, who spent most of last season sidelined at former club Manchester City after tearing knee ligaments at the very start of last season. "It's been a very good day with lots of goals." Just 26 days after winning the Champions League final, Bayern picked up where they left off last season with their 22nd-straight win. "It is amazing how the team has built on the performance of the past season," said Bayern board member and former club captain Oliver Kahn. The jaw-dropping result is the highest win in an opening game of a new Bundesliga season - five weeks to the day after Bayern's 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Leon Goretzka, Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowksi also netted, while England junior international Jamal Musiala, 17, became the youngest Bayern goal-scorer in the Bundesliga when he came on late. Bayern had to brush off setbacks in the days leading up to kick-off. On Thursday, the Mayor of Munich scuppered plans to allow 7,500 fans into the Allianz Arena, due to rising new cases of the coronavirus in the Bavarian capital, hours after Bayern confirmed the sale of Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool. Before kick-off, David Alaba, who is stalling over signing a contract extension with a year left to go, dropped out with a leg injury. - Normal service resumed - However, Bayern picked up where they left off 26 days after winning the Champions League final in Lisbon. Cash-strapped Schalke continued their miserable finish to last season as David Wagner's side have now gone 17 games without a win. Gnabry opened the scoring with just four minutes gone with a great piece of finishing which gave Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann no chance. Burly central midfielder Goretzka grabbed the second against his former club when he hit the bottom corner from the edge of the box on 19 minutes. Lewandowski, the Bundesliga's top scorer last season with 34 goals, opened his account for 2020/21 with half an hour gone. He netted a penalty after being brought down in the area by Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, who has been linked to a move to Liverpool. Incredibly, Lewandowski has now scored in each of his last 10 games against Schalke, dating back to April 2016, including a hat-trick in last August's 3-0 win over the Royal Blues in Gelsenkirchen. It was 3-0 at half-time, but Gnabry grabbed his second two minutes after the break when he fired into an empty net after a sprint by Sane pulled Faehrmann out of position. The pair combined again when Sane chested the ball down after getting in behind the defence and rolled the ball off to the waiting Gnabry to claim his hat-trick just before the hour mark. Mueller added the sixth on 69 minutes after Lewandowski had again cut Schalke's defence to shreds. The records were sent tumbling as Sane marked his debut with the seventh on 71 minutes when he sprinted onto Joshua Kimmich's superb pass and fired home with Lewandowski unmarked outside him. Musiala, who only turned 17 in February, became the club's youngest scorer in the Bundesliga when he darted in from the left wing to add the eighth on 81 minutes.

Gnabry hits hat-trick as 'hungry' Bayern run riot in historic Bundesliga opener

UEFA on Thursday said that they are in talks with Champions League winners Bayern Munich regarding Super Cup final that is set to be held next week in Budapest. The German government declared the Hungarian capital a risk area for the coronavirus.

UEFA on Thursday said that they are in talks with Champions League winners Bayern Munich regarding Super Cup final that is set to be held next week in Budapest. The German government declared the Hungarian capital a risk area for the coronavirus. IN PICS: Bundesliga: Top five new signings to watchout for! However, the European football's governing body says Champions League winners Bayern will face Europa League holders Sevilla as planned at Budapest's Puskas Arena on September 24 for the UEFA Super Cup, despite the travel warning. Also read: COVID-19 pandemic to cost football $14 billion this year, says FIFA "UEFA is in contact with Bayern Munich," European football's governing body said in a statement. "The impact of the decision of the German authorities on the fans who have purchased tickets is being discussed. "Further information will be provided in due course." The German government is advised by Robert Koch Institute and it has added Budapest to its list of risk areas. During early September, Hungary closed its borders to foreigners in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19. Bayern fans are due to travel with 4,500 tickets allocated to the German champions as 30 per cent of the stadium's 67,000 capacity will be used for the UEFA Super Cup final. (Inputs from AFP)

UEFA in talks with Bayern Munich over Super Cup after Budapest despite travel warning

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick.

There was tickertape at the trophy ceremony and the usual celebratory songs playing over the loudspeakers at the Estadio da Luz as the Bayern players savoured the moment after Kingsley Coman's goal saw them defeat PSG 1-0.

But it was a bizarre spectacle with the 65,000-seat stadium empty, supporters having been barred from attending the biggest match in club football.

The coronavirus pandemic killed the Champions League as we know it, at least temporarily, and UEFA was forced to come up with a new 'Final Eight' format in order to make sure its flagship competition was completed.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told AFP in an interview in Lisbon that the format was likely to be a one-off, and some will be tempted to say that this Champions League should always have an asterisk next to it.

But, against first-time finalists PSG, Bayern were worthy winners of their sixth European Cup, their third in the Champions League era.

They won all their 11 Champions League matches this season, an unprecedented feat.&nbsp;

They scored 43 goals in that time on a run that included a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the stunning 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

They just had the better of the final, even if they were fortunate at times up against the French side's formidable attack of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.

In Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller, Bayern's line-up featured four survivors from their last final victory, against Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

But this was also about the new faces, such as 19-year-old left-back Alphonso Davies, the Canadian international.

"Moments like these you dream of as a kid," he told DAZN. "I honestly can't believe it, winning the Champions League is the top level."

<h2>- Winning formula -</h2>

Flick deserves great credit.

A year ago Bayern were dumped out by Liverpool, the eventual winners, in the last 16, and under Niko Kovac looked a long way off being contenders to win the trophy again.

But Flick replaced Kovac in November, initially as caretaker, and has gone on to win a treble.

"It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick.

"I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played."

As for changing coach mid-season, it is a formula that has worked for clubs at this level in the recent past.

Flick is the third coach in the last decade to win the Champions League having being appointed during a campaign, after Roberto di Matteo with Chelsea in 2011/12 and Zinedine Zidane with Real Madrid in 2015/16.

Zidane went on to win the next two as well.

<h2>- 'Not the football we know' -</h2>

It remains to be seen how Bayern will fare next season, which is just around the corner, with the Bundesliga starting on September 18 and the Champions League group stage in October.

They will be a formidable force again, but so will their rivals, including PSG, who need not be too downbeat in defeat.

"Over the last few weeks we have shown everything you need to win every title going," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.

"We lost 1-0 in the final against one of the strongest sides in Europe. We must maintain the same quality to carry on this road."

The format of one-off matches in the quarter-finals and semi-finals maybe helped PSG more than anybody else, given their struggles in knockout ties in recent years.

But, as long as the health crisis does not worsen again, the Champions League will return to normal in the new campaign, and that includes seeing at least some fans return to stadiums.

Istanbul is in line to host the 2021 final, having had this season's showpiece taken away, and hopefully the winning team will be able to celebrate with their supporters.

As Flick said: "It's a pity that the fans couldn't be here with us today. Perhaps they can be back again in the future. A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know."

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick.

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick. There was tickertape at the trophy ceremony and the usual celebratory songs playing over the loudspeakers at the Estadio da Luz as the Bayern players savoured the moment after Kingsley Coman's goal saw them defeat PSG 1-0. But it was a bizarre spectacle with the 65,000-seat stadium empty, supporters having been barred from attending the biggest match in club football. The coronavirus pandemic killed the Champions League as we know it, at least temporarily, and UEFA was forced to come up with a new 'Final Eight' format in order to make sure its flagship competition was completed. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told AFP in an interview in Lisbon that the format was likely to be a one-off, and some will be tempted to say that this Champions League should always have an asterisk next to it. But, against first-time finalists PSG, Bayern were worthy winners of their sixth European Cup, their third in the Champions League era. They won all their 11 Champions League matches this season, an unprecedented feat. They scored 43 goals in that time on a run that included a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the stunning 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals in Lisbon. They just had the better of the final, even if they were fortunate at times up against the French side's formidable attack of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. In Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller, Bayern's line-up featured four survivors from their last final victory, against Borussia Dortmund in 2013. But this was also about the new faces, such as 19-year-old left-back Alphonso Davies, the Canadian international. "Moments like these you dream of as a kid," he told DAZN. "I honestly can't believe it, winning the Champions League is the top level." - Winning formula - Flick deserves great credit. A year ago Bayern were dumped out by Liverpool, the eventual winners, in the last 16, and under Niko Kovac looked a long way off being contenders to win the trophy again. But Flick replaced Kovac in November, initially as caretaker, and has gone on to win a treble. "It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick. "I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played." As for changing coach mid-season, it is a formula that has worked for clubs at this level in the recent past. Flick is the third coach in the last decade to win the Champions League having being appointed during a campaign, after Roberto di Matteo with Chelsea in 2011/12 and Zinedine Zidane with Real Madrid in 2015/16. Zidane went on to win the next two as well. - 'Not the football we know' - It remains to be seen how Bayern will fare next season, which is just around the corner, with the Bundesliga starting on September 18 and the Champions League group stage in October. They will be a formidable force again, but so will their rivals, including PSG, who need not be too downbeat in defeat. "Over the last few weeks we have shown everything you need to win every title going," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "We lost 1-0 in the final against one of the strongest sides in Europe. We must maintain the same quality to carry on this road." The format of one-off matches in the quarter-finals and semi-finals maybe helped PSG more than anybody else, given their struggles in knockout ties in recent years. But, as long as the health crisis does not worsen again, the Champions League will return to normal in the new campaign, and that includes seeing at least some fans return to stadiums. Istanbul is in line to host the 2021 final, having had this season's showpiece taken away, and hopefully the winning team will be able to celebrate with their supporters. As Flick said: "It's a pity that the fans couldn't be here with us today. Perhaps they can be back again in the future. A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know."

Bayern worthy winners in strangest Champions League season

German giants Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Lisbon in an empty Estadio da Luz stadium on Sunday night.

Bayern won the engaging final with a 1-0 margin after former PSG 24-year-old Kingsley Coman headed Joshua Kimmich's cross in the second half in the 59th minute.

"I am proud of the team. When I started in November, all the headlines were about 'no more respect for Bayern', but the way the team has developed has been sensational," Hansi Flick said.

"PSG have really good forwards, but we deserved to win the final," he added. Bayern has now won the treble clinching the Bundesliga and the German Cup earlier.

"This is the biggest day in my career," Kimmich said, adding,""Hansi Flick showed a lot of trust in us from the beginning," while celebrating victory. Bayern won all the games in the Champions League becoming the first team ever to do so while scoring 43 goals in the 10 games.

The German coach paid back the compliment, saying: "He's a former Parisian, he will undoubtedly have a little extra motivation and I chose him for his speed."

German giants Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Lisbon in an empty Estadio da Luz stadium on Sunday night. Bayern won the engaging final with a 1-0 margin after former PSG 24-year-old Kingsley Coman headed Joshua Kimmich's cross in the second half in the 59th minute.

German giants Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Lisbon in an empty Estadio da Luz stadium on Sunday night. Bayern won the engaging final with a 1-0 margin after former PSG 24-year-old Kingsley Coman headed Joshua Kimmich's cross in the second half in the 59th minute. "I am proud of the team. When I started in November, all the headlines were about 'no more respect for Bayern', but the way the team has developed has been sensational," Hansi Flick said. "PSG have really good forwards, but we deserved to win the final," he added. Bayern has now won the treble clinching the Bundesliga and the German Cup earlier. "This is the biggest day in my career," Kimmich said, adding,""Hansi Flick showed a lot of trust in us from the beginning," while celebrating victory. Bayern won all the games in the Champions League becoming the first team ever to do so while scoring 43 goals in the 10 games. The German coach paid back the compliment, saying: "He's a former Parisian, he will undoubtedly have a little extra motivation and I chose him for his speed."

Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League final

Bayern Munich on Sunday defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League 2019-20</a> in what can be termed as an emphatic season for the German giants. Paris-born Kingsley Coman headed in a delicious cross by Joshua Kimmich to score the only game of the match for Bayern Munich at the Estadio da Luz stadium as they became only the second team after Barcelona to win the treble twice.

While Bayern Munich completed the treble for the first time in 2014-15 season under Jupp Heynckes and achieved the feat twice in 2019-20 season under Hansi Flick, Barcelona completed the landmark in 2009 and 2015.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-worthy-winners-in-strangest-champions-league-season-322691" hreflang="en">Bayern worthy winners in strangest Champions League season</a>

Talking about the final between Bayern Munich and PSG, the encounter was enticing with both teams creating good chances in the first half. While the likes of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria should have given the lead to PSG, Lewandowski struck the post in the first half for the German clubs.&nbsp;

However, PSG looked a bit lost in the second half as Bayern capitalized on the opportunity and dominated the proceedings. However, PSG midfielder Marquinhos had a glorious opportunity to put PSG in front only to be denied by Manuel Neuer, who arguably had one of his finest performance in front of the goal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-boss-tuchel-backs-neymar-and-mbappe-after-final-loss-322693" hreflang="en">PSG boss Tuchel backs Neymar and Mbappe after final loss</a>

With Bayern dominating the game in the second-half, Kimmich curled an inch-perfect cross to Coman at the far post only for the Frenchman to head it past Keylor Navas to make it 1-0 for Bayern Munich.&nbsp;

"It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick.

"I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played."

Bayern Munich on Sunday defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 in what can be termed as an emphatic season for the German giants.

Bayern Munich on Sunday defeated Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 in what can be termed as an emphatic season for the German giants. Paris-born Kingsley Coman headed in a delicious cross by Joshua Kimmich to score the only game of the match for Bayern Munich at the Estadio da Luz stadium as they became only the second team after Barcelona to win the treble twice. While Bayern Munich completed the treble for the first time in 2014-15 season under Jupp Heynckes and achieved the feat twice in 2019-20 season under Hansi Flick, Barcelona completed the landmark in 2009 and 2015. ALSO READ: Bayern worthy winners in strangest Champions League season Talking about the final between Bayern Munich and PSG, the encounter was enticing with both teams creating good chances in the first half. While the likes of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria should have given the lead to PSG, Lewandowski struck the post in the first half for the German clubs. However, PSG looked a bit lost in the second half as Bayern capitalized on the opportunity and dominated the proceedings. However, PSG midfielder Marquinhos had a glorious opportunity to put PSG in front only to be denied by Manuel Neuer, who arguably had one of his finest performance in front of the goal. ALSO READ: PSG boss Tuchel backs Neymar and Mbappe after final loss With Bayern dominating the game in the second-half, Kimmich curled an inch-perfect cross to Coman at the far post only for the Frenchman to head it past Keylor Navas to make it 1-0 for Bayern Munich. "It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick. "I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played."

Champions League: Bayern Munich equal Barcelona's 'treble' feat

The Paris Saint-Germain of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe go after a first-ever Champions League crown in a final behind closed doors in Lisbon on Sunday, but standing in their way are a fearsome Bayern Munich led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski.

It is a mouthwatering showdown between two of Europe's super clubs, with PSG eager to cap their rise in the last decade under Qatari ownership and Bayern hoping to lift the trophy for the sixth time.

Such an occasion deserves to be played in front of a full stadium, but the cavernous, 65,000-seat Estadio da Luz will remain empty.

No fans are allowed in, as has been the case throughout this unprecedented 'Final Eight' tournament in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It will be odd to play behind closed doors. We would have liked to have our supporters there but I know they are supporting us where they are. But this is still the Champions League," said Mbappe on Saturday.

"You still feel all the tension. Everyone wants to win it, especially with this unusual format. Everyone will remember this for a long time because of the tragic events surrounding it."

While the atmosphere in the ground will be surreal, the match promises to be fascinating, pitting together two teams whose domestic dominance is almost total and who were both comfortable winners in the semi-finals.

<h2>'Go down in history'&nbsp;</h2>

PSG beat RB Leipzig 3-0 to become the first French representative in the final since Monaco in 2004 and can now become just the second French winner ever, after Marseille in 1993.

"At the gates of paradise" roared a headline in France's leading sports daily, L'Equipe, on Sunday.

"This is exactly why I came here. I always said that I wanted to go down in my country's history. (This) is another chance to do that," said Mbappe.

If PSG represent, in the eyes of many, the nouveau riche, Bayern are one of the continent's traditional giants. This is their 11th final.

The last of their five victories came in 2013. Four starters from that victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley -- goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller -- could play here. Boateng is expected to start after a hamstring injury.

The game comes exactly 50 years after PSG's first official match. When, in 1974, Bayern won their first European Cup, PSG were just winning promotion to France's top flight.&nbsp;

Leaving aside their storied past, Bayern appear the most formidable team in Europe just now.

Their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon was their 20th consecutive victory. They are unbeaten in 29 matches since December last year under coach Hansi Flick.

They have already pocketed a German league and cup double, with the Bundesliga title their eighth in a row.

They have won all 10 Champions League matches this season, scoring 42 goals, including a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the 8-2 quarter-final demolition of Barcelona.

<h2>Bayern's 'small advantage'</h2>

Lewandowski has 55 goals this season. But he is more than ably supported.

Bayern take the risk of playing with a high defensive line. Yet it remains to be seen if they can afford to do that against PSG's attack of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.

"We've always played with a high line and ultimately we've got results doing that so we won't change too much," Flick insisted.

"Bayern's faith in their own strengths is unwavering," said Munich-based daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Sunday.

The French champions have themselves lost once since November 1, last year, and they overturned that 2-1 reverse in Dortmund in the last 16 by winning the return leg.

"It is a small advantage for Bayern that they are used as a club to playing these games. I accept that, but it is not a decisive advantage," said their German coach Thomas Tuchel.

He was optimistic playmaker Marco Verratti would start after a calf problem. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is tipped to return after a hamstring injury.

To the winners, along with the glory, will go huge sums in prize money.

At the start of the season UEFA set out a prize pot which ensured up to 80 million euros ($94m) would be destined for the winners.

To that sum can be added close to the same again from television and as a result of the clubs' respective UEFA ranking.

The Paris Saint-Germain of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe go after a first-ever Champions League crown in a final behind closed doors in Lisbon on Sunday, but standing in their way are a fearsome Bayern Munich led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski.

The Paris Saint-Germain of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe go after a first-ever Champions League crown in a final behind closed doors in Lisbon on Sunday, but standing in their way are a fearsome Bayern Munich led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski. It is a mouthwatering showdown between two of Europe's super clubs, with PSG eager to cap their rise in the last decade under Qatari ownership and Bayern hoping to lift the trophy for the sixth time. Such an occasion deserves to be played in front of a full stadium, but the cavernous, 65,000-seat Estadio da Luz will remain empty. No fans are allowed in, as has been the case throughout this unprecedented 'Final Eight' tournament in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. "It will be odd to play behind closed doors. We would have liked to have our supporters there but I know they are supporting us where they are. But this is still the Champions League," said Mbappe on Saturday. "You still feel all the tension. Everyone wants to win it, especially with this unusual format. Everyone will remember this for a long time because of the tragic events surrounding it." While the atmosphere in the ground will be surreal, the match promises to be fascinating, pitting together two teams whose domestic dominance is almost total and who were both comfortable winners in the semi-finals. 'Go down in history' PSG beat RB Leipzig 3-0 to become the first French representative in the final since Monaco in 2004 and can now become just the second French winner ever, after Marseille in 1993. "At the gates of paradise" roared a headline in France's leading sports daily, L'Equipe, on Sunday. "This is exactly why I came here. I always said that I wanted to go down in my country's history. (This) is another chance to do that," said Mbappe. If PSG represent, in the eyes of many, the nouveau riche, Bayern are one of the continent's traditional giants. This is their 11th final. The last of their five victories came in 2013. Four starters from that victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley -- goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller -- could play here. Boateng is expected to start after a hamstring injury. The game comes exactly 50 years after PSG's first official match. When, in 1974, Bayern won their first European Cup, PSG were just winning promotion to France's top flight. Leaving aside their storied past, Bayern appear the most formidable team in Europe just now. Their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon was their 20th consecutive victory. They are unbeaten in 29 matches since December last year under coach Hansi Flick. They have already pocketed a German league and cup double, with the Bundesliga title their eighth in a row. They have won all 10 Champions League matches this season, scoring 42 goals, including a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the 8-2 quarter-final demolition of Barcelona. Bayern's 'small advantage' Lewandowski has 55 goals this season. But he is more than ably supported. Bayern take the risk of playing with a high defensive line. Yet it remains to be seen if they can afford to do that against PSG's attack of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. "We've always played with a high line and ultimately we've got results doing that so we won't change too much," Flick insisted. "Bayern's faith in their own strengths is unwavering," said Munich-based daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Sunday. The French champions have themselves lost once since November 1, last year, and they overturned that 2-1 reverse in Dortmund in the last 16 by winning the return leg. "It is a small advantage for Bayern that they are used as a club to playing these games. I accept that, but it is not a decisive advantage," said their German coach Thomas Tuchel. He was optimistic playmaker Marco Verratti would start after a calf problem. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is tipped to return after a hamstring injury. To the winners, along with the glory, will go huge sums in prize money. At the start of the season UEFA set out a prize pot which ensured up to 80 million euros ($94m) would be destined for the winners. To that sum can be added close to the same again from television and as a result of the clubs' respective UEFA ranking.

Preview: Formidable Bayern Munich stand in way of PSG in surreal Champions League final

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