Bayern happy after a big win: 'We sent a message'

Red Bull Salzburg has the youngest squad in the knockout phase of the Champions League. Salzburg plays in a weak Austrian league and were one of the ‘easiest’ opponents left in the competition. Salzburg also wanted to play football against Bayern, and didn’t come to defend or ‘close up shop’ when they were trailing 4-0 after 30 minutes. Their bravery was not rewarded as they were thrashed 7-1 by the mighty Bavarians, but even thou they were really not a match for Bayern, Nagelsmann’s men were really happy.

Bayern grinds poor Salzburg as Lewa scores a hat-trick for the new Champions League record

It has been a tough few weeks for Bayern, who didn’t play well, who lost surprisingly to Bochum (4-2), who drew with Bayer 1-1 after Muller scored an own goal, they nearly won against Frankfurt (1-0) and they had a number of injuries to their first team stars. Neuer, Alphonso Davis, and Leon Goretzka were missing in recent matches and suddenly, there were question marks over this team and coach Julian Nagelsmann. And that is why this victory was such important for Bayern players. 

“We sent a message, with an exclamation mark. We entered the match well. We are really happy with our performance today, and obviously that gives us hope that it will continue" said captain Manuel Neuer, who came back after an injury and started right away.

Apart from a hat-trick from Lewandowski, Thomas Muller scored a brace, and he claims that the first leg was really helpful before the return match.

"It just worked out for us today. We had the luck that we didn't have at all in Salzburg today. Of course there was tension before the game. Every single one of us was aware of the importance of the game. The 1-1 in the first leg wasn't a top result, but it wasn't a disaster either. Sometimes it's easier when you've already played against an opponent. Then you have material to work with, it's almost a bit like the NBA playoffs. We nearly conceded after five minutes, but overall we were better today"

The new Champions League record holder for the earliest hat trick scored was also happy with a big win, especially in this stage of the competition.

"Everyone knew that we had to put our foot on the gas from the first minute and show our quality. Especially the first 45 minutes showed that we are extremely dangerous when we play a bit quicker and get the ball into the penalty area. We showed that today. It's the Champions League and that's always special. It's important that our form continues to improve at this important stage of the season" said Lewandowski.