Bayern Munich began their Champions League campaign with a 5-0 win over Bodø/Glimt, but the decisive moment carried a significance beyond the scoreline. Jamal Musiala, back in the starting XI after a worrying summer affected by a neurological condition, broke the Norwegian side’s resistance early in the second half and set Bayern on their way to an emphatic opening-night result.
Musiala ends a difficult spell with vital opener
The Bayern midfielder had suffered two fainting episodes during pre-season, linked to a neurological dysfunction that kept him out of the opening fixtures of the season. He returned last weekend in the 0-0 draw against Schalke, then took his place from the start on Thursday as Bayern entered the Champions League.
For much of the first half, Bodø/Glimt made the German champions look short of answers. The visitors were highly disciplined without the ball, restricting space around the penalty area and leaving Bayern with possession but few clear openings.
- Bayern had 73 per cent of the ball by half-time.
- Joshua Kimmich came closest before the interval when his long-range effort struck the post.
- Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was forced off through injury and replaced by Lund.
The match changed three minutes after the restart. Musiala reacted to a loose ball in the area and directed the rebound into the net, ending Bayern’s frustration and marking his return from a troubled period with a crucial goal.
Five-goal Bayern turn control into a Champions League statement
Once Musiala had opened the scoring, Bayern found the attacking sharpness that had been missing before the break. Harry Kane added another, Alphonso Davies also scored, and Michael Olise struck twice as the home side turned a tense contest into a five-goal victory.
Olise’s double provided the finishing flourish, while Musiala’s goal remained the pivotal strike: it came precisely when Bayern’s long spells of possession had begun to look unproductive against a well-organised Norwegian defence.
A return that changes Bayern’s European week
Musiala’s reappearance gives Bayern a major attacking option again after the concerns of pre-season. His substitute return against Schalke had ended a spell away from the side; his first Champions League start of the campaign brought both a goal and a reminder of the difference he can make when a European tie needs opening up.
- Musiala returned to action in Bayern’s 0-0 match with Schalke last weekend.
- He was restored to the starting line-up for the Champions League opener against Bodø/Glimt.
- His goal early in the second half broke the deadlock.
- Bayern went on to win 5-0 through Musiala, Kane, Davies and two goals from Olise.
SEO title: Musiala marks Bayern return as Bodø/Glimt are swept aside 5-0
Meta description: Jamal Musiala scored on his Bayern Munich starting return as the Bundesliga champions beat Bodø/Glimt 5-0 in their Champions League opener.
