Bayern Munich returned to winning ways with a 2–0 victory over Atlético Madrid, leaving the Spanish capital with three valuable points despite the continued absence of head coach Vincent Kompany.
The Matchday 4 Champions League encounter at the Metropolitano brought an end to the hosts’ historic unbeaten home run against German opposition.
Bayern broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Lennart Karl capitalised on a mistake by Robin Le Normand inside the penalty area, winning possession before finishing past Jan Oblak. Konrad Laimer doubled the lead in the 74th minute, collecting Harry Kane’s pass and firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
The Bavarians ended Atlético’s 16-match unbeaten run at home against German clubs in European competition, comprising 12 wins and four draws since their defeat to Borussia Dortmund in 1996. Diego Simeone’s side also conceded for the 13th consecutive match against German opposition.
The victory followed Bayern’s 2–2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s Klassiker. Assistant coach Aaron Danks remained in charge as Kompany continued his recovery from the illness that has kept him away from the team.
It was also a landmark evening for Manuel Neuer, who made his 164th Champions League appearance. He moved ahead of Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller, both on 163, to take outright third place on the competition’s all-time appearance list.
Bayern climbed provisionally to eighth place with eight points, having recorded two wins and two draws. Atlético remained on four points in 22nd, increasing their need to recover ground in the second half of the league phase.
Both teams return to European action on Wednesday, 25 November. Bayern travel to France to face Lille, while Atlético host Norway’s Viking, with both sides seeking to strengthen their qualification prospects.
Before the international break, Bayern visit Mainz in the Bundesliga on Saturday, 7 November, while Atlético face another home test against Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday, 8 November.
