Bayern Munich 3-1 RB Salzburg: 5 talking points as Bavarians extend their UCL winning streak to 15 | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

Robert Lewandowski in action against RB Salbzurg
Robert Lewandowski in action against RB Salbzurg

Bayern Munich beat RB Salzburg by three goals to one as they secured a berth for themselves in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for the hosts as he slotted one from close range just before half-time.

Bayern Munich doubled their advantage early in the second half thanks to Kingsley Coman, whose shot took a huge deflection off Maximilian Wober.

Leroy Sane headed in Bayern Munich's third of the night to secure all three points for the Bavarians. Meanwhile, Mergim Berisha grabbed RB Salzburg's only goal of the night.

Here are the five major talking points from the match.


#1 Robert Lewandowski's red hot form for Bayern Munich continues

Lewandowski taps it in
Lewandowski taps it in

Robert Lewandowski was silent for the majority of the game but needed just one moment to turn the game in Bayern Munich's favor.

The Poland international opened the scoring for the night as he slotted the ball in after Cican Stankovic had parried Thomas Muller's shot away. Although he was contained well by the visitors, he turned up when his side needed him the most.

With this goal, he took his tally to 71 goals in the UEFA Champions League and moved level with Raul as the competition's third-highest scorer.


#2 Manuel Neuer put in a world-class performance

Manuel Neuer was magnificent between the sticks for Bayern Munich. The Germany international made 10 saves throughout the entirety of the match. Although he failed to register a clean sheet, there was nothing he could have done to save Berisha's effort.

In the opening half, Neuer stood tall to keep his side from going down when Salzburg were dominating the proceedings. In the second half, he ensured that the Bavarians held their advantage even after going a man down. His double save to deny Berisha and Enock Mwepu was just other-worldly.

#3 Bayern Munich is still the team to beat

FC Bayern Munich celebrate after scoring a goal
FC Bayern Munich celebrate after scoring a goal

Bayern Munich produced a positive result despite the fact that they were not up to their usual best.

RB Salzburg put on tremendous pressure on the hosts in the opening thirty minutes. However, the Bavarians successfully absorbed it and eventually turned the tide in their favor.

With a victory on Wednesday, they took their winning streak in the UEFA Champions League to 15 games in a row.

#4 RB Salzburg started the game on a strong note but waned off

Benjamin Pavard and Dominik Szoboszlai tussle it out for the ball
Benjamin Pavard and Dominik Szoboszlai tussle it out for the ball

RB Salzburg started the game on a stronger note compared to Bayern Munich. They pressed the ball with high intensity and looked sharper in the first quarter of the match. However, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities as they missed quite a few chances to grab the opening goal of the night.

They were later punished by Robert Lewandowski for not putting away their chances as the Poland international scored just before half-time to hand Bayern Munich the lead.

#5 Hansi Flick needs to work on Bayern Munich's rhythm

Hansi Flick addresses a press conference
Hansi Flick addresses a press conference

Bayern Munich is arguably the best club in the world right now. However, one issue that they need to resolve is their continuity.

The Bavarians have a tendency of switching off between games. They tend to lose concentration in certain phases of a match and have not been able to start games with the same intensity they would have liked.

As a result, opposition sides come roaring at them in the opening sequences. If Hansi Flick is able to resolve this persistent issue, Bayern Munich could become a truly unstoppable force.

Quick Links