Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane won a penalty in the 81st minute as Bayern lost 4-1 on aggregate to Manchester City, with Erling Haaland scoring his 48th goal of the season after missing a penalty earlier. With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, City withstood an early storm in Germany before Haaland’s calm finish in the 57th minute virtually guaranteed his side’s spot in the last four of the UEFA Champions League for the third year in a row.
Bayern took the game to their opponents early on, fueled by a raucous home crowd at the Allianz Arena. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has four goals in six Champions League games this season, returned from a knee injury to give a dangerous, physical presence, while Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane were in creative moods. Sane was fed by Jamal Musiala, whose chipped finish edged wide of the upright. At the opposite end of the pitch, Dayot Upamecano was relieved when VAR noticed an offside in the build-up to a move that earlier resulted in a red card for the France defender, who had hauled Erling Haaland back. As the second leg progressed, Sane drew a brilliant save from City’s Ederson, with the Bayern Munich star one-on-one on goal with the goalkeeper.
After the break, the lively Coman kept home hopes alive, the sprightly forward continued to seek openings while testing the City defence. City went in search of a goal, knowing that adding to their first-leg lead in Munich would effectively end Bayern’s challenge. Yann Sommer made a great save from Haaland as the Norwegian broke through to create a one-on-one with the Swiss keeper. However, there was little the former Borussia Mönchengladbach custodian could do when Haaland later slammed home to finish a City counter-thrust. Mathys Tel’s shot was then ruled out for offside as Bayern fought valiantly. They were rewarded when Kimmich stroked in from the penalty spot after Manuel Akanji was adjudged to have handled the ball when Bayern Munich star, Sadio Mane sent it into the City penalty box. Tuchel will now try to motivate his team ahead of their return to Bundesliga action and Saturday’s challenge against Mainz.
City’s chances of winning the Champions League for the first time remain very much alive, but they must first defeat current holders and 14-time winners Real Madrid, who defeated Chelsea 4-0 on aggregate in their quarter-final. They will know better than anybody what a hard task that is, having been eliminated by the Spanish champions in the semi-final stage last year after falling prey to one of Europe’s greatest comebacks.
Is Sadio Mane for Leroy Sane the Most Awkward Substitution Ever?
Days after their altercation, Leroy Sane and Sadio Mane switched positions during Bayern Munich’s Champions League match against Manchester City. The Bundesliga powers punished Mane for a game after he reportedly struck the former City player in the face after their first-leg defeat at the Etihad. With Thomas Tuchel insisting that all was forgiven despite Sane being snapped with a swollen lip, things were a little chilly as Sane offered out a low hand in response to Sadio Mane’s big 10.
Bayern Munich star, Mane was subsequently praised for his contribution, with the game ending 1-1 on aggregate and 4-1 to Pep Guardiola’s City, with Sane wasting a glorious chance earlier in the game.
Bayern Munich Star, Sadio Mane given Brutal Club-Record Fine for Dressing Room Bust-up With Sane
Bayern Munich star, Sadio Mane has been fined a club-record fee for his altercation with Leroy Sane in the dressing room after last week’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City. The Bundesliga giants punished the Senegal international with a €350,000 fine for his actions, which is by far the highest sanction the club has ever imposed on a player. When Franck Ribery had a similar spat with Arjen Robben in 2012, he was merely instructed to forego €50,000.
According to German newspaper, BILD, Bayern had the option of docking Mane an entire month’s pay, but opted against such a severe punishment. The sentence was verified by Club President Herbert Hainer, who stated, “The fine hurts him – even with his salary.”
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel stated that such incidents will not be permitted by his club, but that the problem has now been rectified. “It was a heavy incident – it was very important that it was cleared before the next training session,” he said.
On his relationship with the Bayern Munich star, Tuchel said “I’ve known Sadio for many years – he is a top professional. He’s never had a situation like that. He is focused on football, he has my full confidence. Everybody has the right to make a mistake.