Bayern Munich: Three takeaways from 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv

Bayern Munich held off a late rally by Dynamo Kyiv to remain undefeated in the UEFA Champions League group stage. After Bayern was leading 2-0 at halftime, the hosts made things interesting in the second half as they pulled back a goal in the 70th minute and nearly equalized just minutes later in the 74th minute.

The first-half goals from Robert Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman proved to be enough to record another three points and secure the top spot in Group E. Here are three takeaways from the 2-1 victory.

Lewandowski keeps his scoring streak alive in the UCL

With his spectacular goal in the 14th minute, Robert Lewandowski increased his scoring streak in this season’s Champions League campaign to five matches. He has scored in every single group stage match thus far which has resulted in nine goals being scored by the striker.

The nine goals he’s scored equals his third-best goal record in the Champions League which was in the 2014/15 season when he scored nine goals in 12 appearances. His best Champions League season to date was in the 2019/20 campaign when he recorded 15 goals in just ten appearances. If Bayern can make a deep run in the knockout phase, Lewandowski could set a career-best goal total in the competition.

Clean sheets remain elusive in recent weeks

Bayern has not recorded a clean sheet in their last six fixtures in all competitions. Their last shutout performance was against Hoffenheim on October 23rd when they won 4-0 at the Allianz Arena. Since that clean sheet result, they have conceded 13 goals in six matches.

In the Champions League alone they recorded shutouts in their first three group stage fixtures but they have conceded three goals in their last two matches which has resulted in Chelsea overtaking Bayern as having the best defensive record in the group stage with just one goal allowed in five matches.

Avoiding back-to-back defeats

After a narrow 2-1 defeat to Augsburg last Friday, Bayern had to deal with snowy conditions and a reduced squad on Tuesday night, which was not ideal for a club looking to bounce back from a loss with a win away from home. Following a strong start by Die Roten in the first half, Dynamo Kyiv made things difficult for Bayern in the second half as they outshot the visitors eight to four and had chances to level the scoreline.

This could have been a match where Bayern collapsed in the final minutes and dropped points but they remained resolute and got the job done to ensure they remained undefeated in the group stage. Although it may have not been a showstopping performance, the result was needed after Friday’s defeat. Bayern still has yet to register consecutive losses or draws this season which remains an impressive record.