Bayern Munich have control of their UEFA Champions’ League group, but only just barely. They needed a 90th minute miracle goal from a defender to down Manchester City, but they all count the same, and the Bavarians have three points after a 1-0 victory.
The Bavarians should have had the lead just 30 seconds into the game, but Thomas Müller failed to make the most of a golden opportunity. After Mario Götze shrugged off a challenge from Yaya Toure and found Robert Lewandowski, who played a perfect first-time flick into the box, Müller rounded Joe Hart and looked to have a tap-in. But the German star lost his footing, and his shot went into the side netting. He claimed a trip by Hart, but the referee wasn’t listening.
Bayern continued to have the better chances through the first half-hour of the match. Hart came up with a couple of big saves, first on a header by Müller in the 19th minute, then on a low shot by Götze two minutes later. His best stop of the night might have been the one he made in the 32nd minute, off a bullet of a shot by David Alaba from 15 yards out.
City were mildly threatening in the first half, but couldn’t take their chances. Edin Dzeko had one opportunity in the middle of the half that he blasted just wide, and Bacary Sagna forced a save by Manuel Neuer off a header from a corner in the 41st minute. But despite those chances, City probably considered themselves quite lucky to head into halftime level.
The second half was similar, if a bit less open. Bayern had most of the possession and chances, though they looked a bit vulnerable at the back, and were lucky that City weren’t at their best on the counter. Hart had to make further solid saves on Götze in the 55th minute and Jerome Boateng in the 88th minute, but Boateng was finally able to break the deadlock shortly afterwards.
Boateng’s winning goal came off a very poorly defended corner, which City had numerous chances to clear away. It took a dozen flicked headers, attempted shots and attempted clearances before the ball fell to Boateng 15 yards from goal, and he surprised everyone by unleashing a perfect half-volley towards the far post that Hart had almost no chance to save.
The way that Bayern got to the result was a bit roundabout, but no one can say it wasn’t deserved. They had more chances, and eventually, got one to go in.