Bayern Munich made a winning start to their Champions League campaign thanks to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.
Predictably, it was the hosts who dominated possession for long periods of the match, but they found it difficult to break down a stubborn City defence.
However, the visitors could not hold on for the point as Jerome Boateng's 90th-minute strike took a slight deflection off Mario Gotze on its way to handing the win to Bayern.
Read below to find out how the match unfolded.
Good evening everyone. What a match we have ahead of us tonight. It's just the second night of the Champions League group stages and Bayern Munich are hosting Manchester City at the Allianz Arena. It promises to be a very exciting evening.
Manuel Pellegrini, Vincent Kompany and a number of others have spoken about it. This has to be the year Manchester City make a strong challenge to win the Champions League. There's tough tests ahead, and they don't come much more difficult than meeting Bayern. These two are expected to progress from Group E, but who will strike the first blow?
BAYERN: Neuer, Benatia, Lahm, Rafinha, Boateng, Bernat, Alonso, Götze, Müller, Alaba, Lewandowski
SUBSTITUTES: Reina, Dante, Robben, Shaqiri, Pizarro, Rode, Hojbjerg
We knew before tonight that Franck Ribery would not be available for Bayern, despite returning to the squad on the weekend. There were doubts about Arjen Robben, too, and he is forced to settle for a place on the bench. As expected, Robert Lewandowski leads the line, with support arriving from Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller.
MAN CITY: Hart, Sagna, Demichelis, Kompany, Clichy, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Navas, Silva, Nasri, Dzeko
SUBSTITUTES: Caballero, Kolarov, Boyata, Mangala, Milner, Lampard, Aguero
The big news for City fans is that Yaya Toure is back in the side after sitting out the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday afternoon. Sergio Aguero, who has been battling a few different injury problems in recent weeks, starts the match on the bench, with Edin Dzeko expected to operate as the lone striker. Bacary Sagna is at right-back, while Gael Clichy is preferred to Aleksandar Kolarov on the other side of defence.
Interesting selections from Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola tonight. Is it a risk to leave Aguero on the bench? The little Argentine will provide a great option later in the match, but it piles a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Dzeko. Pellegrini knows that his side must win the battle in midfield.
You may remember that this is the third time in four seasons that these two sides have been drawn against each other. We were treated to a couple of excellent games last year, with City recovering from a 3-1 home defeat to claim a 3-2 triumph in Munich. They still managed to miss out on top spot in the group, and Pellegrini is well aware how important it could be to avoid a repeat of that result.
Pellegrini will not be on the touchline this evening. The Chilean is serving the second of his two-game ban after criticising the officials for their displays in the defeat to Barcelona in the knockout stages last season. His assistant, Ruben Cousillas, will be directing traffic.
Kompany has no doubt just how important winning the group will be after last season's disappointment. He told reporters this week: "We know how much damage it can cause your hopes if you don't win the group. We always face difficult teams if we are not seeded but we were very close last year."
Is there ever a good time to play Bayern? Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez are all out of action at the moment, but it's quite astonishing who replaces the injured players. Guardiola trusts this squad, and he could spring a tactical surprise or two with the likes of David Alaba and Bernat in the squad.
Shots being fired at @Manuel_Neuer's goal, thankfully it's only the warm up. 35 minutes to kick-off! #FCBMCFC pic.twitter.com/ULuEKxMZQo
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) September 17, 2014
Roma and CSKA Moscow are the two sides fighting to qualify from Group E. Not many people have given them a chance of denying the two favourites a place in the next round, but both have the ability to trouble any side. You can follow live text coverage of that match, and every other Champions League game by clicking the fixture in the box on the right of the page.
Bayern are considered favourites tonight, and you can't really argue with that tag from the bookmakers. However, Philipp Lahm is well aware that the hosts are in for a tough night at the office. Germany's former skipper told reporters: "If we let them breathe, then they can hurt us. They have dynamic players and they can hurt us."
PREDICTION: Here we go then, it's time I attempt to avoid looking like a fool. I'm certain we're in for an exciting night, so let's go for some goals. 3-2 to Bayern.
Bayern have hosted an English side on 20 occasions in the Champions League. As you could have probably guessed, they boast a pretty impressive record. W11 D6 L3
Both sets of players are back inside after completing their warm-ups. Kickoff is just over 10 minutes away. Spain's Alberto Undiano Mallenco is the man in the middle tonight.
It's the second part of the Premier League vs. Bundesliga contest in the Champions League. Borussia Dortmund were superb in a 2-0 victory over Arsenal last night. Can Man City and Chelsea fair any better against Bayern and Schalke?
We're almost ready for the action to get underway at the Allianz Arena. Just the Champions League anthem and the handshakes to get out of the way now.
Pellegrini is surrounded by plenty of people who look far more relaxed than he does just moments before kickoff. It's not going to be a comfortable night for him up in the stands. Guardiola, on the other hand, looks as calm as ever as he strolls towards the dugout.
KICKOFF: We're running a few seconds late at the Allianz Arena, but Bayern have finally got the game underway.
CHANCE! Worrying signs for City as Bayern come agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the first minute. There's far too much room for the hosts as Lewandowski's clever flick reaches Muller. The German forward appears to be touched by Hart, before going on to hit the ball just wide as he fought to keep his balance. Should that have been a penalty?
Man City enjoying an extended spell on the ball now following that frantic start to the match. They simply cannot afford to gift Bayern that much space in midfield again. Fernandinho and Toure were both guilty of failing to track their markers in the early stages of the move.
Lahm comes forward with the ball, and delivers an excellent cross into the box. However, Man City hold their line well to make sure that Lewandowski is caught offside.
Guardiola has opted to go with three centre backs tonight, and it's certainly allowing them to press the ball in midfield. Alonso is leading the charge, but he's penalised for a nasty tackle on Fernandinho. He was off the ground for a moment there. Lucky not to be booked.
City have found it very difficult to find space in the early stages of the match. Dzeko is attempting to drop deeper to link up with his midfielders, but it's leaving them with a lot of work to do just to get into an advanced area of the pitch. Lahm, in midfield tonight, has started superbly.
It's the visitors who are improving now. Toure storms forward for the first time tonight, but a cross from Clichy is cleared by Boateng. City seeing a lot of the ball in the past couple of minutes.
Excellent from Man City. The Premier League champions force Bayern to chase shadows during an extended spell of pressure. Unsurprisingly, it's Silva who slides through Dzeko, but the Bosnian doesn't trouble Neuer much with an effort from a tight angle.
Fine tackle from Sagna just as Lewandowski was threatening to unleash an effort on goal. Once again, that opportunity arrived after Toure had allowed Bayern's midfielders too much time on the ball.
Nasri and Clichy combine impressively to deny Lahm as the Bayern skipper attempted to break free of the City defence. The visitors are sticking to their task well, but Alonso is beginning to dictate the tempo from a deep position.
A quarter of a chance passes Man City by as Sagna gets his header all wrong at the near post from Silva's corner. Not many opportunities since Muller's miss, and it's been pretty even so far.
SAVE! Brilliant from England's number one. Bernat is allowed the room to cross to the back post for Muller, who is only denied by a fantastic one-handed save from Hart. Boateng fires over from the edge of the box just moments later.
Hart is in the action once again as he sprints off his line to collect a dangerous pass as Muller looked to make another contribution.
SAVE! Excellent cross from Rafinha on the right. The ball reaches Gotze, who looks set to hand Bayern the lead, but Hart makes another superb save. Very good once again from the Man City goalkeeper.
Man City break in numbers after an extended spell of Bayern pressure. Options look to be running out for Dzeko in the box, but he's inches away from scoring with a curled effort which just misses the far post.
Man City are working very hard in midfield, but could probably do with being slightly more positive further up the pitch. Replays show that Gotze's effort a few moments ago struck Kompany's elbow before Hart made the save. No chance of a penalty being given for that, though.
Lovely move from City as Toure drives the visitors forward before finding Navas on the right wing. His cross lacks pace, and it allows Boateng to slide in and deny Dzeko a tap-in. Neuer is fouled by Fernandinho from the corner which follows.
Pellegrini will be pretty happy with what he's seen so far. Bayern have threatened when Man City have lost focus in midfield, though, so the efforts of Toure and Fernandinho is going to be crucial.
Good work from Dzeko to earn himself some space after collecting a clever pass from Silva. The forward decides against picking out a teammate, and drags a tame effort wide of the post from just inside the box.
Another warning sign to Toure, who found himself caught out of position on the left. The ball finds Alaba in the centre of the pitch, 25 yards from goal, but his powerful strike drifts just wide.
SAVE! Hart is at his best tonight. Bernat whips in another great cross which causes problems for the visitors. The ball drops to Alaba on the edge of the box, and forces Hart into a good save with a powerful half-volley.
The atmosphere in the ground is electric tonight. The #FCBayern fans are on top form. #FCBMCFC #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/mMv3tDnmWK
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) September 17, 2014
CHANCE! Alaba seems to be everywhere since moving into midfield. He plays a lovely pass to slice open the City defence and find Lewandowski. Hart is off his line quickly, and it's that move which perhaps results in the Polish striker finding the side-netting from a tight angle.
As this first half progresses, it's becoming increasingly clear that Man City must improve on the counter-attack. They've slowed the pace of their moves down on too many occasions, which has restricted the influence of Nasri, Silva and Navas.
First save of the night for Neuer, and it's a pretty routine stop. A corner from Silva finds Sagna once again, but his header is easily beaten away by the Bayern goalkeeper.
YELLOW CARD! Not a great few moments for Dzeko. The striker appears to make a brilliant tackle to dispossess Gotze, but he's penalised for a foul. To make it worse, the referee decides to book him as he receives treatment on his leg.
Dzeko doesn't appear to be moving to freely since coming back on the pitch. I think we could be seeing Aguero soon, which should suit Man City to be honest. Bayern are looking very comfortable marking Dzeko.
YELLOW CARD! It's starting to get heated on the pitch now as Kompany picks up a yellow card for a late block on Muller. There will be one minute added on.
Man City break away at the end of the first half, but a cross from Navas is cleared away by Boateng, who has been very good in the first half.
HALF TIME: BAYERN MUNICH 0-0 MANCHESTER CITY
Gripping first half of football at the Allianz Arena. As expected, Guardiola has tinkered with his formation throughout the opening 45 minutes, but they've seen their route to goal blocked by the impressive Hart. Man City have been solid, and will be happy to be on level terms at the halfway stage.
It's Bayern who have looked the most likely to score, with Muller going twice on a couple of occasions, but they've not had it all their own way. For most of the first half, City have stuck to their tasks well, but they must be wary of the space on offer for the likes of Alaba, Lahm and Alonso. Fernandinho has bailed out Toure in midfield on more than one occasions.
Aguero appeared to be preparing to come just before the interval, but City delayed the substitution. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Argentine replace Dzeko at the start of the second half. In truth, it should help the visitors. They need to be quicker going forward, and it's become too easy for Bayern to keep tabs on Dzeko.
A quick mention of David Alaba, who has managed to be a centre back, full-back and a central midfielder in that first half. He's been superb all over the pitch, too, and was close to breaking the deadlock on more than one occasion. The Austrian rarely steals the headlines, but Guardiola must love having him in his side.
31 - All 31 of David Silva's passes in the first half vsBayern reached a team-mate. Precision. — OptaJoe(@OptaJoe) September 17, 2014
No changes for either side yet. Dzeko remains on the pitch, and he kicks off the second half with Silva.
Decent start from Bayern as they win a corner, which is well cleared by City. Clear signs that the hosts are looking to increase the tempo of their play in the second half.
Bayern are dominating possession in the early stages, but Man City are doing the right thing defensively. How they break when they do get the ball is going to be crucial from here. Pellegrini will be quietly confident that his side can create chances late on.
City have pushed slightly further up the pitch in the past few moments. It's putting more pressure on Bayern when the hosts are in possession. Can they stick to this game plan?
Decent move from Bayern as they work the ball to Lahm, who drags an effort wide of the post from the edge of the box. It looks like Toure might be struggling. I'm not sure if it's an injury, but he's been well short of his best tonight.
A couple of deep crosses just evade Nasri at the back post. The Frenchman looks frustrated, possibly because he's done most of his work facing his own goal tonight. Very few moments of excitement so far in the second half.
Crucial touch from Kompany to prevent a Lewandowski cross reaching Muller in the six-yard box. The danger doesn't go, but Hart calms things down by keeping hold of Gotze's weak volley.
SUBSTITUTION: Bayern attempt a clever set-piece, but it doesn't work well enough as Alaba eventually fires over from the edge of the box. Man City then make their first change as Nasri makes way for James Milner.
Interesting switch from the visitors. It looks like Toure, who could have easily been the player taken off, will now operate just behind Dzeko. Silva has been pushed out to the left, and Milner joins Fernandinho in a deep midfield role.
Hart's had a brilliant night, but he almost makes a big mistake. A cross into the box evades the Man City goalkeeper, but he recovers well to punch Bernat's goal-bound effort over the crossbar. Bayern want a penalty moments later, but Fernandinho knows very little as the ball strikes his hand at the back post.
Bayern are beginning to turn the screw now. We've seen very little from Man City going forward for a while. Sagna takes a big risk by holding Benatia in the box, but the referee ignores the protests as the Bayern defender heads over.
CHANCE! Much better from the visitors. Navas uses his pace well to find space on the right wing before picking out Silva, who heads a difficult opportunity wide of the target.
Worrying moment for Bayern as Rafinha's pass to Neuer invites Dzeko to look for the interception, but the German sweeper-keeper is off his line quickly to clear the danger.
YELLOW CARD! Bayern threaten to launch a counter attack with a number of players sprinting forward, but their progress is stopped when Clichy trips Rafinha. Unsurprisingly, the French defender is booked.
It's just not clicking for City in the final third, despite a renewed attempt to push further up the pitch. They suddenly look more comfortable in possession, but they need to create more.
Great work from Demichelis! A rare lapse of concentration from Navas allows Bernat to get in behind the City defence. His cross looks destined for Lewandowski, but Demichelis makes a vital block.
Very worrying moment for Hart. Rafinha's effort is too hot to handle for the goalkeeper, and his fumble falls to Muller. The offside flag is raised as Hart makes a second save, which proves to be needless.
Plenty of crosses being sent into the Man City box in the second half, but Kompany and Demichelis are dealing with everything coming their way tonight. Excellent from the defensive duo.
SUBSTITUTION: Dzeko's night is over as he jogs off to make way for Aguero, who will be determined to make an impact late on.
Fernandinho has been superb tonight, and he makes another crucial tackle to block Muller's effort after the German forward found a yard of space inside the box.
SUBSTITUTION: It must be nice to send on the likes of Aguero and Robben. Guardiola decides it's time to turn to the Dutch winger, who replaces Muller.
YELLOW CARD! No arguments about this one. Gotze is far too quick for Demichelis, who chops down his rival with a late challenge.
Robben's first touch is to take the ball past Clichy, who does an excellent job to track back and dispossess the Bayern substitute. Bayern still doing most of the pressing.
It might not be a surprise, but it's never nice to see Robben go down easily. Barely a touch from Fernandinho, and the referee is right to ignore Robben's appeals.
There's been clear signs that Man City are beginning to tire, but they can't afford to lose focus in the closing stages. Pellegrini's are defending 10 yards deeper than they have been for long periods.
Silva wants a penalty now. Benatia makes a very risky tackle on the Spaniard, and after looking at the replay, you have to say it looks like a penalty. No touch on the ball from the defender.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Two changes for Bayern. Claudio Pizarro is off the bench, and it's Rafinha who makes way. Moments later, Dante replaces Benatia.
It's all Bayern now, but very little of their play is coming close to the Man City penalty area. The visitors are still working incredibly hard. You would guess there will be one more chance late on.
SUBSTITUTION: One final change for City as Kolarova comes on to replace Navas. He'll help out Clichy in his battle with Robben.
SAVE! Bayern almost take the win in stunning fashion. Boateng tries his luck from 25 yards, but Hart reacts well to tip his powerful strike past the post.
GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 1-0 MANCHESTER CITY (GOTZE)
Bayern strike in the final minute of normal time! Man City are unable to clear a dangerous Robben cross into the box. The ball eventually drops to Boateng, who strikes a superb half-volley past a helpless Hart. However, replays show it flicked Gotze's shoulder on the way in. That's heart-breaking for the visitors. Three minutes of stoppage time to play.
Pizarro battles his way into the box under pressure from a couple of defenders, but he can only fire into the side-netting from a tight angle.
CHANCE! Man City almost snatch a draw at the other end. Dante fails to deal with a simple pass, and invites pressure from Aguero. The Argentine beats the defender and Neuer to the ball, but pokes just wide.
FULL TIME: BAYERN MUNICH 1-0 MANCHESTER CITY
It's all over at the Allianz Arena. Bayern start their Champions League campaign with a victory thanks to a 90th minute winner. It was a great defensive display from Man City, but they just couldn't hold on to collect a point.
I expected more goals, but we were still treated to a gripping game of football. Thanks for joining me tonight. Make sure you stay on the site for reaction and analysis from all of the Champions League matches. Goodnight.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
