Bayern Munich secured their passage into the next round after beating Boca Juniors 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup group game on Saturday in Miami.
Vincent Kompany’s side took an early lead through Harry Kane in the first half. Miguel Merentiel scored a spectacular goal to level the tie after the break.
Just when it felt like Bayern were running out of ideas, Michael Olise produced a moment of sublime quality to secure a famous win.
Match Report
The Boca goalkeeper, Marchesin, felt that Sergy Gnabry had impeded him, and the goal was disallowed.
They didn’t have to wait long, as in the 17th minute, Harry Kane, Bayern’s top scorer from the previous season, scored the opening goal in his trademark style, toe-poking it with his left foot inside the box.
Kingsley Coman nearly added another moment later, but he couldn’t finish from close range, after a fantastic work from Serge Gnabry on the right.
Coman nearly turned into a provider when he released his pass onto Michael Olise, setting him one-v-one with the Boca goalie, but he couldn’t finish.
It took over 30 minutes for Boca to register a proper attack, and Manuel Neuer made two saves in close succession. Kevin Zonan tried to beat the German goalie with a thunderous left-footed strike, but Neuer saved it comfortably.
In the second half, Guerreiro made a brilliant dummy, but Olise could only hit straight at the keeper.
Two minutes later, Kane reacted sharply inside the box and tried an audacious effort with his left foot. It flew over the bar after a fine block from the Boca defender.
The complexion of the game changed completely in the 66th minute when Miguel Merentiel breezed past two defenders before slotting home with great aplomb.
As Boca started to control the game more, Bayern ran out of ideas. The problem was further exacerbated by Jamal Musiala’s injury.
However, Michael Olise produced a moment of sheer brilliance as he scored with his left foot to settle the tie in Bayern’s favour. Kane played a significant role by providing the assist.
Here at CF Bayern Insider, we have rated the players out of 10.
The first XI
Manuel Neuer (7) – The German goalkeeper made some fine saves and was not at fault for Boca’s goal. His positioning was excellent, as ever.
Jonathan Tah (5) – The Bayern new signing was tidy at the back and made four clearances. But could he have done better to prevent Merentiel? He was beaten by pace way too easily.
Josip Stanisic (5) – Boca didn’t create enough chances, and therefore, Stanisic and Tah were not forced into enough defensive duties. He won a few duels and made clearances but was completely flummoxed by Merentiel.
Raphael Guerreiro (5) – Another tidy display at left-back, but should have done more going forward. He made one interception and two clearances.
Konrad Laimer (7) – Started in place of Sacha Boey and made quite an impact. He made good overlapping runs, but could he have done better with his final deliveries?
Joshua Kimmich (7) – There is a reason why Kimmich is the midfield dynamite for Bayern. We will let the stats speak for themselves. He took 117 touches, made 104 passes with 93% accuracy. Played out 13 accurate long balls. Made two clearances and provided one key pass.
Leon Goretzka (6) – Picked up an unnecessary yellow card. Tidy with his passing (93% passing accuracy) and allowed Kimmich to move further forward.
Michael Olise (9) – Simply brilliant. He is such a joy to watch. Played out some delicate passes from the right and allowed Laimer to overlap. And scored the winner to seal the victory for Bayern. He showed precision over power. Sensational.
Serge Gnabry (5) – Apart from one good pass in the first half to Coman, he was largely ineffective and taken off before the hour mark.
Kingsley Coman (7) – He looked lively throughout the game and was a menace down the wings. Produced a fabulous pass to Olise but should have had a goal to his name.
Harry Kane (9) – The England striker looked sharp throughout the game. Played out some beautiful passes, linked up well with other forwards, and got a deserved goal.
Substitutions
Aleksandar Pavlovic (6)
Jamal Musiala – NA
Dayot Upamecano – NA
Leroy Sane – (6)
Thomas Muller – NA
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