Champions League: Decoding Bayern Munich's unbeaten run this season
What's the story
Bayern Munich have reached the last eight of the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 season after hammering Red Bull Salzburg 7-1 in the round of 16 second leg tie. The Bavarians won the two-legged tie 8-2 on aggregate. It's safe to say that Bayern are the favorites to win this year's competition. They had recently won in 2019-20. We decode their run.
Win
Bayern thrash RB Salzburg 7-1
Bayern hammered RB Lalzburg 7-1 at home in what was a dominating show. Lewandowski gave Bayern an unassailable 3-0 lead, including two penalties before Serge Gnabry added another in the 31st minute. In the second half, Thomas Muller scored a brace as Leroy Sane added the seventh. Salzburg, who showed a lot of promise in the first leg, were nowhere near that level.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Bayern are a force to reckon with this season. They will be aiming to add to their six Champions League titles and equal AC Milan's record. In Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, they have two champion performers. Bayern's domination against Salzburg highlighted their prowess in the big stage. They thwarted the visitors after playing out a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Group stage
Bayern sailed through the group stage
Bayern maintained a 100% record in the group stage. They won all of their six matches in Group E (18 points). Notably, they forwarded 22 goals in the group stage and conceded just three. They scored the most goals in the group stage this season with Ajax being only the other side with 20-plus goals (20). They conceded the joint-fewest goals alongside Real Madrid.
Performers
Key performers for the Bavarians
Robert Lewandowski has netted the most goals in the 2021-22 season. The veteran Polish striker has scored 12 goals this season. He has also provided three assists. Former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has six goals and six assists, taking his involvement to 12. Thomas Muller has chipped in as well with four goals and three assists.
Results
Bayern's results in the 2021-22 season
Matchday 1: Barcelona 0-3 Bayern Matchday 2: Bayern 5-0 Dynamo Kyiv Matchday 3: Benfica 0-4 Bayern Matchday 4: Bayern 5-2 Benfica Matchday 5: Dynamo Kyiv 1-2 Bayern Matchday 6: Bayern 3-0 Barcelona Round of 16 first leg: RB Salzburg 1-1 Bayern Round of 16 second leg: Bayern 7-1 RB Salzburg
Information
Bayern have the most goals this season
After netting 22 in the group stage, the Bavarians managed another eight in the round of 16. They have scored 30 goals from eight matches so far. This is the best returns this season with Manchester City being second (23).