In a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday, Jamal Musiala delivered a powerful header to lift Bayern Munich to a 1-0 win over Benfica, reigniting their campaign after two straight losses in Europe. The German champions, who had dominated possession and missed numerous chances, finally broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when Musiala connected with a pinpoint cross from Harry Kane, sealing the three points in front of a roaring home crowd.
This much-needed victory propels Bayern to six points, tying them with Benfica. Coach Vincent Kompany praised Musiala’s instinctive positioning in the box, crediting his development to veteran teammates like Thomas Müller and Harry Kane, who set high standards in training.
With the Champions League shifting to a single-league format this season, Bayern’s win strengthens their push to secure a top-eight finish, which guarantees a direct ticket to the next round. The win also marks Bayern’s fourth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions, highlighting their defensive resilience.
The game’s 15-minute delay due to train issues only built anticipation among fans eager to see Bayern bounce back after consecutive losses to Aston Villa and Barcelona. Bayern initially struggled to penetrate Benfica’s compact defense, but star forward Harry Kane’s tenacity opened up key opportunities, with his shot in the 39th minute nearly breaking through. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin put up a solid defense, thwarting several attempts, including a fierce Leroy Sané shot just minutes before Musiala’s goal.
Despite Benfica’s attempts to slow the game, their limited offensive pressure led to only one attempt on target compared to Bayern’s 23. Benfica’s head coach, Bruno Lage, expressed disappointment with his team’s inability to control possession and manage Bayern’s relentless pace.
As Bayern Munich regains momentum in Europe, fans can look forward to more standout performances from rising star Jamal Musiala, whose skill and timing are proving instrumental for the Bavarians on their road to Champions League glory.