Carlo Ancelotti started his UCL campaign with FC Bayern in incredible fashion as his side reigned victorious 5:0 against Russian outfit and tournament newcomers FC Rostov at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
Youngster Joshua Kimmich was the star of the show. The 21-year old furthered his impressive scoring tally. After a brilliant counter-attacking goal against Schalke, Kimmich netted a brace against Rostov to put Ancelotti’s men in the driver’s seat in Champions League Group D. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring and goals from Thomas Muller and Bernat helped as Bayern register their 13th consecutive victory at the competition.
Five-time UCL Champions Bayern started the game in confident mood against a sturdy Rostov side. Bayern had intentions to sweep up the newly minted Russian team. Javi Martinez started to begin Bayern’s potential onslaught as he tested Rostov goalkeeper Soslan Dzhanaev with a 15th header. Then six minutes later Bayern hitman Robert Lewandowski fired in a shot which was also parried by the29-year-oldd.
Rostov didn’t look to be in any danger until English referee Anthony Taylor made an important decision and awarded a penalty for the hosts. A cross from Joshua Kimmich came across the box while defender Aleksandr Gatskan and Robert Lewandowski were engaged in a physical battle which saw the Polish striker go to ground and the official, pointed to the penalty spot. Lewandowski pounced at the opportunity to put the hosts 1:0 up.
Rostov held firm somehow but the Bayern attack was relentless. Ancelotti’s men increased their lead at first time injury time when Thomas Muller latched onto a David Alaba cross.
The home side began to cruise on into the second half. Just eight minutes after the restart, young Joshua Kimmich further increased their lead, converting a ceasing cross down the left flank from Brazilian Douglas Costa. Few minutes later, Kimmich continued his impressive scoring tally with a glancing header from a Bernat cross.
Bernat himself then completed the rout after running through the Rostov defense before combining with Franck Ribery before furnishing a cool finish to sweep the ball past Dzhanaev.
In the other Group D encounter, UCL finalists Atletico Madrid edged past a grudged PSV side 1:0.
Bayern will next face FC Ingolstadt in the Bundesliga as they look to keep their impressive early season form intact under new boss Carlo Ancelotti. Bayern will also face Atletico Madrid in their next Champions League clash in which will be a rematch of last year’s semifinal.
