The media in Germany have reacted to Bayern Munich’s defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League.
On Wednesday night, two of Europe’s biggest clubs went head-to-head at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys as Barcelona hosted Bayern in the Champions League.
The Catalan club, managed by former Bayern boss Hansi Flick, went ahead inside the first minute thanks to Raphinha.
Harry Kane equalised in the 18th minute before Robert Lewandowski restored Barcelona’s lead with 36 minutes on the clock.
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Raphinha scored again before half-time and then went on to complete his hat-trick in the second half to seal a 4-1 win for Barcelona.
It was a cruel reality check for Bayern boss Vincent Kompany after his decent start to life in Bavaria.
The German giants have now lost back-to-back games in the Champions League after their defeat by Aston Villa earlier in the month.
On the back of the result, the media in Germany have criticised a few of Bayern’s stars, including England captain Kane.
BILD reported that Kane, along with the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Joao Palhinha were nowhere to be seen.
The publication said: “A few weeks ago, BILD wondered how good Kompany's Bayern really are, pointing to the difficult upcoming games. The answer: not good enough yet!”
On new signing Michael Olise, BILD wrote: “He was the high-flyer at the start of the season, but is currently struggling.” Fellow winger Serg Gnabry was mocked: “(He) probably still dreams at night of Lamine Yamal, who repeatedly dribbled into his legs and even tunnelled him.
“Strong cross for 1-1, but otherwise almost nothing.”
Meanwhile, Get Football News Germany gave club legend Manuel Neuer a rating of 3 out of 10 after his disappointing performance in the Bayern goal.
It has also been suggested that maybe it is time for Kompany to be slightly more pragmatic in his approach.
GFNG said: “If Bayern want to walk out at the Allianz Arena in June for the Champions League final, Kompany will have to be more pragmatic, or they will be exposed once again.”
Speaking after the match, Kompany said: “We lost, it was a clear defeat. We will stand together and learn from this defeat. The first goal is bitter. In the first half, I had the feeling for half an hour that we could win.
“Then the game changed with the second and third goals. But the right analysis will come in peace so that we can learn from it.”
He added: “There are no excuses. What's important is that we learn from this game. This game won't decide our season. Why there was such a big difference between the first and second half is something we need to look at.”
Topics: Bayern Munich, Harry Kane, Vincent Kompany, Barcelona, Champions League, Football
Marcus Chan