Bayern Munich cruise to 3-1 win against Slovan Bratislava | OneFootball

On Wednesday evening, for the conclusion of the inaugural 'league phase' system of the Champions League, Bayern Munich hosted Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava.

For the task at hand, Vincent Kompany opted for a very attack-minded starting XI; Neuer - Kimmich, Stanisic, Kim, Boey - Pavlovic - Sane, Olise, Muller, Tel, Kane. Despite plenty of speculation about Tel's future, he got a place in the starting XI. Three full-backs, one defensive midfielder, two attacking midfielders, and two strikers featured in the starting XI for Die Roten.

Bayern would need less than 10 minutes to take the lead. From the right hand side, Kimmich whipped in a superb delivery, being met by the veteran Müller, and emphatically headed into the back of the net.

Midway through the first half, Tel had a presentable opportunity, but his left-footed effort went wide. Not long before, Kane had gone close following a corner. Three minutes later, the visitors had a big opportunity on the break, but Neuer stood tall to make a huge save. Big let off for Die Roten.

Around the half-hour mark, Kim Min-jae had an opportunity from a corner, but his effort was blocked. Bayern were struggling to get that crucial second goal.

With ten minutes of the first half remaining, Kane had his first real opportunity of the game, glancing a header wide after a superb cross from Müller in that right half-space. That would be that for the opening period, Bayern had a very underwhelming one-goal lead.

Around ten minutes into the second half, Olise teed up Sané, but the 29-year old could not beat Dominik Takáč. Two minutes later, Müller headed off target when really well placed.

Seventeen minutes into the second half, Bayern made a triple change — Coman, Musiala, and Gnabry replaced Tel, Muller, and Boey. One minute later, they doubled their advantage, with Kane scoring a header from close range.

With six minutes of normal time remaining, a Gnabry shot was saved but parried into the path of Coman, who made it 3-0. However, results elsewhere have not gone the way of Kompany’s side. Straight after, Guerreiro replaced Stanisic. It was a shame to not see Adam Aznou get some game time on Wednesday when the game was effectively won.

With four minutes remaining, Sane missed another big chance, which would have made it 4-0. A couple of minutes later, the visitors got one back. Any tiny, minature hope of a top eight finish were diminished.

Bayern face difficult challenge in the play-offs

Courtesy of other results, Bayern have been forced to make do with a play-off position. They will play either Manchester City or Celtic in a two-legged tie, with the second leg at the Allianz Arena. The two games will take place on either side of the away game against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on the 15th of February.