Bayern Munich made heavy work of dispatching CFR Cluj in Champions League Group E.
Two own goals help Bayern secure three points in Bavaria
Bayern Munich made heavy work of dispatching CFR Cluj in UEFA Champions League Group E as the German giants edged towards the knockout phase of the competition.
The Bundesliga champions continued their winning streak against Romanian teams with a seventh successive victory courtesy of two own goals and a late Mario Gomez effort in their 3-2 victory at the Allianz Arena.
Last season's losing finalists have begun this year's competition well, with three wins out of three and on course to progress as group winners.
Bayern were looking for a confidence-boosting victory going into their clash against the Romanians.
The Bavarian giants are currently sitting in 10th position in the Bundesliga with just three wins all season and 10 points off leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Ivica Olic, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery were just a few names in a long list of top stars out injured for Bayern.
However, Gomez, who came in and netted a hat-trick against Hannover - his first goals for the club in eight months - led the line.
Cluj were without injured midfielder Gabriel Muresan and defender Edimar and looked to the influence of Juan Culio to inspire them.
Frustrated
A depleted Bayern were given a huge first half fright at the Allainz Arena after Cluj took a shock lead.
The four-times European Champions were left frustrated by some last ditch tackling despite having much of the early possession.
Louis van Gaal, who is already feeling the pressure from the Bayern hierarchy saw his side fall a goal behind after 28 minutes.
The dangerous Roberto De Zerbi whipped over a right-wing free-kick and captain Cadu broke away from Anatolyi Tymoshchuk at the back post to head past Hans-Jorg Butt.
However, the hosts hit back in an unbelievable six minute spell in which the visitors from Transylvania contrived to score two own goals.
Fortune took a turn for the worse as joy turned to despair for Cadu 32 minutes in.
Toni Kroos' right-footed effort took a heavy deflection of the goalscorer and past the helpless Eduard Stancioiu in goal.
Moments later Bayern took the lead thanks to the second own goal of the night.
Holger Badstuber's inswinging corner was missed by a host of defenders at the near post and the ball struck the unexpected Cristian Panin under pressure from Bastian Schweinsteiger.
On the stroke of half-time Cluj once again gave the hosts a scare when Lacina Traore raced away from defenders before striking the base of the post.
Dominated
The hosts dominated the second half but it took until the 77th minute before they could add their third of the night.
Cadu was once again involved in the thick of the action.
Toni Kroos' long range effort was blocked by Stancioiu but the Cluj skipper hammered his attempted clearance off Gomez and into the net.
The visitors didn't give up without a fight and some slack marking allowed Culio to slot his effort in off the woodwork with four minutes remaining.
Despite a late charge from Sorin Cartu's side the Germans managed to hold on for the win and secure all three points.
| FC Bayern München |
Team Statistics |
CFR Cluj |
| 3 |
Goals |
2 |
| 2 |
1st Half Goals |
1 |
| 6 |
Shots on Target |
5 |
| 4 |
Shots off Target |
2 |
| 4 |
Blocked Shots |
1 |
| 7 |
Corners |
2 |
| 12 |
Fouls |
19 |
| 2 |
Offsides |
1 |
| 2 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 91.6 |
Passing Success |
76 |
| 21 |
Tackles |
20 |
| 81 |
Tackles Success |
75 |
| 73.3 |
Possession |
26.7 |
| 62.4 |
Territorial Advantage |
37.6 |
|
