UCL: Neuer saves Bayern, female referee saves Copenhagen

Tonight's match at Allianz Arena in Group A of the Champions League was all about keeping up with the tradition of winning and dominance. Bayern Munich Bayern came to this match after being unbeaten in 38 Champions League group games, winning their last 17 in a row – both outright competition records. The six-time winners have won 27 of their previous 28 home group games and scored 11 goals so far (only one less than City and Atletico). The Bavarians have already progressed to the knockout stage, with two matches to spare, and it's the 16th successive year in which the record Bundesliga champions have progressed from the group. So, a winning tradition was on the cards against Copenhagen, who defeated United and troubled Bayern in Denmark, but it was not to be for Kane or Sane tonight: Bayern Munich – Copenhagen 0-0.

In a night when the Bavarians were unable to score for the first time at home in the Champions League since a goalless draw with Sevilla in April 2018, the guests 'parked the bus' in front of their goal in order to remain undefeated and earn a valuable point ahead of the crucial match with Galatasaray, which will determine who will join Bayern in the knockout stage. And they managed it, thanks to the female referee Stéphanie Frappart, who had the nerve and not to give Bayern a penalty in injury time. It was 92nd minute when Krätzig aparantly handballed. VAR called Frappart to check the situation herself and unlike Szymon Marciniak, who made a ridiculous decision last night in a PSG – Newcastle game, she did the opposite. Bayern's players and coach fiercly protested afterwards, but in reality, they didn't deserve to win after a poor display and only two shots on target. In fact, it was Manuel Neuer who became the man of the match with a stunning double save from close range in the 87th minute. Harry Kane is averaging a goal every 65 minutes in all competitions so far in 2023/24, but he didn't do anything tonight, just like Sané (nine goals and seven assists across his first 19 competitive games). On the other hand, Manuel Neuer has kept his 55th clean sheets in 133 Champions League appearances for Bayern and boyhood club Schalke.

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There was not much to report in the first half. Bayern were dominating in possesion and spent most of the time in Copenhagen's half, but only had one shot on target. The guests had the first big chance of the match, but Bardghji's shot was not precise and ended wide of Neuer's right-hand post. Bayern's biggest chance came in the 30th minute, when Tel assisted to Muller, but the experienced German was unlucky. His shot from close range was saved by Grabara. Second half was even better for the hosts, with over 70% of possession which resulted in zero shots on goal. First signs of life came after 20 minutes, when Achouri finally had a shot on target, but Neuer was there to divert it to corner. A little forgotten Kane made his shot minutes later, but Grabara was again there to tip it over. And then, when the game almost finished, we saw exitement in the space of five minutes – Neuer's double save and ungiven penalty.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Group stage - Matchday 5

Wednesday

Galatasaray - Man. Utd 3-3 (1-2)

/Ziyech 29, 62, Atkurkoglu 71 - Garnacho 11, Bruno 18, Mc Tominay 55/

Sevilla - PSV 2-3 (1-0)

/Ramos 24, En-Nesiry 47 - Saibari 68, Gudelj 82 og, Pepi 90+2/

Bayern - Copenhagen 0-0

Arsenal - Lens (5-0)

/Havertz 13, Jesus 21, Saka 23, Martineli 27, Odegaard 45+2/

Braga - Union Berlin 1-1 (0-1)

/Djalo 51 - Gosens 42/

Real Madrid - Napoli 2-2 (2-1)

/Rodrygo 11, Bellingham - Simeone 10, Zambo-Anguissa 47/

Benfica - Inter 3-3 (3-0)

/Joao Mario 5, 13, 34 - Arnautovic 51, Frattesi 58, Sanchez 72 pen/

Sociedad - Salzburg 0-0