‘Unusual’ nine-goal Bayern Munich haul just a good start, says coach Vincent Kompany

MUNICH – Bayern Munich’s 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb at the start of their Champions League campaign on Sept 17 was unusual, coach Vincent Kompany said, as he looked ahead to the next game.

Kompany, who took over at the German giants this season, enjoyed a winning Champions League debut as coach, with striker Harry Kane scoring four times in a game with the most goals by one team in the competition’s history and the second-biggest winning margin.

“It is about three points,” the former Manchester City defender said.

“Nine goals is a bit unusual, but it was a lot of fun. The energy was good, the team showed the right spirit. We have played just one game and not more than that. It is now about the next game, to keep going.”

It was not all praise from Kompany, who saw his team lead 3-0 at half-time, but concede two goals in two minutes shortly after the restart as the Croatian side tried to find a way back in Munich.

“We scored nine, but we conceded two goals. We conceded those goals because we were a step too late. Still, we stayed calmed and then had a good evening,” added the Belgian.

Kane’s four goals saw him set a record of 33 for an English player in the Champions League. The England captain’s hat-trick of penalties in a match was the first achieved in a Champions League game.

“He is motivated and, for me as a coach, it is easier because if you have a top player who is himself so motivated, it makes things so much easier,” Kompany said.

“He is a leader, captain of the national team. Players like him, they know they have to rise at these moments and that is what he is doing.”

The other goals came from Raphael Guerreiro, Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and a double from Michael Olise.

Elsewhere, reigning champions Real Madrid were made to work hard before beating VfB Stuttgart 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappe marked his first game in the competition with Real by scoring the opening goal just after half-time.

However, Deniz Undav equalised midway through the second half for a Stuttgart side appearing in the Champions League for the first time since 2010.

Real, nevertheless, emerged victorious as Antonio Rudiger headed them back in front against his old side seven minutes from time, and Brazilian youngster Endrick got the third goal in stoppage time.

“I know I can do more. Each game I feel better and now I’m scoring goals, and I’m happy here,” summer signing Mbappe told broadcaster Movistar.

“What we know is that the Champions League has changed and it’s important to win quickly to see if we can qualify quickly or not.”

Juventus beat PSV Eindhoven 3-1 in Turin, with Kenan Yildiz opening the scoring in some style and Weston McKennie and Nicolas Gonzalez also netting. REUTERS, AFP