Match Reflection: Manchester City 1 - 3 Bayern Munich

Brilliant Bayern down City with ease

By Rebecca Halliwell

Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City were given a cruel lesson in European football after current Champions League holders Bayern Munich annihilated the Blues in their own back yard.

Goals from Franck Ribéry, Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben gave Munich an initial 3-0 advantage before Álvaro Negredo came off the bench to grab City a consolation goal on 79 minutes.

Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

In truth, City had a good first five minutes. They kept possession despite the pressure and Micah Richards tested Manuel Neuer with a decent header from a corner. But one defensive lapse led to Bayern’s first goal on seven minutes. Joe Hart’s attempted save was poor and Ribéry's strike from outside the box deflected in off his arm.

In the Spotlight: FC Bayern Munich

No. 7: Previous meetings, Pep Guardiola and Franck Ribéry

By Aaron Leggott

Our first Champions League game at the Etihad Stadium this season sees the Blues pit their wits against the current holders, Bayern Munich. We caught up with Enis Köylü (@eniskoylu) - a German and Turkish football expert who works as a sub editor and site manager for Goal. 

Photo: Official Bayern München Facebook

Match Reflection: City 1 - 2 Bayern Munich

Encouraging display from City despite defeat to European Champions

By Adam Bailey

There was spirit, there was creativity and there was a goal from a new signing - but Manuel Pellegrini will have to wait for his second trophy at Manchester City after seeing his side lose 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup Final.

The Blues approached the tie with all the energy of an aging Nissan Micra. The European Champions boasted an impressive 72% possession rate at the end of the first half and City were struggling to piece together any meaningful pieces of play.

Stevan Jovetić and Álvaro Negredo did have chances to put their new club ahead at the break but honestly, a furocious defensive display from Vincent Kompany at the heart of the defence ensured City went into the break on level terms.

Negredo celebrating after grabbing the opener for City
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook