UCL & Carabao Cup wrap: Bayern Munich, Man United win in style

By Okezie Omorogie

Legendary German forward and midfielder, Thomas Müller has reached a significant milestone in his career by making his 710th appearance for Bayern Munich on September 17th, 2024, in champions league clash against Dinamo Zagreb.

This achievement further cements his place as one of the club’s all-time greats, with only a few players in Bayern’s rich history boasting such longevity, sustenance and loyalty.

Müller, who made his debut for the Bavarian giants in 2008, has been a key figure in the club’s dominance in both the Bundesliga and European football competitions. Over the years, he has been instrumental in winning numerous domestic titles, including multiple Bundesliga championships and DFB-Pokals, as well as being a crucial part of Bayern’s two UEFA Champions League triumphs during his tenure, with the first coming in 2013 and the last one in 2020.

Moreover, Müller who is known for his versatility, intelligence, and ability to score in critical moments, Müller has evolved from a promising youth product to a club icon. His 710th appearance highlights not just his consistency but also his leadership within the squad. As Bayern continues to chase both domestic and European success, Müller’s experience remains invaluable to the team.

This appearance milestone brings him closer to surpassing Sepp Maier (700 appearances) and moves him within striking distance of some of Bayern Munich’s most-capped players, including the likes of legendary goalie Oliver Kahn and the all-time leader, Sepp Maier.

Bayern Munich shows class

Bayern Munich kicked off their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Allianz Arena on September 17, 2024.

Harry Kane was the star of the night, scoring four goals, including two from the penalty spot, to lead Bayern’s offensive charge. The German side dominated from the start, with Raphaël Guerreiro volley in the 33rd minute and Michael Olise header in the 38th minute also finding the back of the net to give Bayern a comfortable 3-0 lead before halftime break.

However, Dinamo Zagreb responded early in the second half with two quick goals from Bruno Petković and Takuya Ogiwara, briefly narrowing the deficit to 3-2. However, Bayern quickly regained control, with Kane completing his hat-trick and adding a fourth goal to restore their commanding lead in the 57th and 6. Olise added his second of the match, and Leroy Sané and Leon Goretzka each contributed late goals to round off a clinical display by the hosts.

This emphatic victory highlighted Bayern’s attacking prowess and their potential as one of the top contenders in this season’s Champions League. Kane’s performance was particularly impressive, as he continues to thrive following his high-profile summer transfer from Tottenham Hotspur, with his quadtrick tonight, he now has 53 goals in 50 matches since joining the Bavarian club.

The win puts Bayern in a strong position in their group as they look to advance to the knockout stages with confidence. Although more goals could have been added if not for the intervention of the VAR, cancelling Serge Gnabry and Kane goals.

For Dinamo Zagreb, the heavy defeat was a stark reminder of the challenges they face at this level of competition. Despite their brief fightback in the second half, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Bayern’s quality and depth. Zagreb will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next group-stage match, while Bayern’s commanding win sends a message to the rest of Europe.

Garnacho, Rashford, Eriksen Brilliance Fires United to Carabao Cup 4th Round

Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen brace put on a stunning performance, to help Manchester United defeat Barnsley 7-0 in a one-sided affair on September 17th, 2024, at Old Trafford to push United into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup competition.

Erik ten Hag’s side showcased their attacking prowess, dominating from start to finish in what turned out to be one of their biggest victories of the season, the scoring began early, with Marcus Rashford opening the tally in the 16th minute with an assist from Garnacho.

United continued their relentless assault, with Antony slotting the ball past the Barnsley goalie into the back of the net from the penalty spot in the 35th minute and Garnacho’s strike in extra time of the 1st half and adding two more goals before halftime, sending the Red Devils into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

In the second half, United didn’t take their foot off the gas. Another goal from Garnacho in the 49th minute which was assisted by Rashford and a brace from Eriksen with both goals been assisted by substitute captain Bruno Fernandes in the 81st and 85th minute completed the rout, sealing Barnsley’s fate. The visitors struggled to contain United’s flawless attack, and their defense was consistently breached by the pace and creativity of the home side.

The result lifts Manchester United’s morale and strengthens the club’s spirit after a series of inconsistent performances, and the emphatic nature of the win will give them confidence as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions this season. Barnsley, meanwhile, will look to regroup after this heavy defeat.