It was the beginning of a new era as Barcelona continued life without Lionel Messi, starting their 2021/22 Champions League campaign without their former talisman who departed for Paris Saint Germain in the summer.
The Spanish giants welcomed German champions, Bayern Munich in the opening game fixture of the group E clash, their first meeting in the group stages of the competition since the 1998/1999 season, coming on the back of their last meeting in the 2019/2020 season which the Bavarians won 8-2.
The visitors wasted no time to demonstrate their intent as they fired warning shots early on in the game. Leroy Sane was the first to hit with a strike on the 19th minute, after a Benjamin Pavard cross was cleared unto his path, but his left-footed effort was stopped by a reactional save by Andre TerStergen.
Getting the nod ahead of Serge Gnabry on the night, Jamal Musiala caused problems for the Barcelona defence and almost got off to a perfect start in the 27th minute, only to see his effort block by Gerard Pique, before they hosts could scramble the danger away.
Bayern were not to be denied in the 34th minute when Thomas Muller struck from about 20 yards out. The German forward was allowed too much space on the edge of the Barcelona penalty area, receiving a pass from compatriot, Sane, before making a go from range. His effort took a wicked deflection off Eric Garcia and pass Ter Stergen as the visitors went into the break ahead.
Barcelona almost responded just after the interval with Sergio Busquet trying his luck from outside the box, but his effort was deflected wide by Thomas Muller on his defensive duty.
The visitors almost doubled their lead moments later, when Sane played a quick one-two with Robert Lewandoski. His shot was, however, blocked by the outstretched leg of Ter Stergen.
Lewandoski eventually increased Bayern's lead four minutes later on the 56th minute. A fine play through the middle by Bayern allowed Musiala free on goal. His effort hit the post and Lewandoski was first to react poking the ball into an empty net with his left foot.
Barcelona were lacking initiative and rarely threatened Manuel Beyer in goal. Their best chance yet came in the 68th minute from Phillipe Coutinho just two minutes after coming on for an ineffective Luke De Jong.
Coutinho tried his trademark cut in from the left unto his right foot to drive a shot home towards the top corner, but the shot lacked the needed control to bring it down on target.
Leon Goretzka should have made it three for the visitors, after being played through by substitute, Gnabry. Again, Ter Stergen rose to the occasion to deny the German.
Another opportunity to salvage the game came for Barcelona in the 74th minute from Alejandro Balde, just moments after coming on to replace Jordi Alba, who found himself up in a good position. He cuts back to setup Coutinho who was charged down by Neuer, before he could do anything.
The game was wrapped up by another Lewandoski goal with five minutes of the regular duration to play.
Gnabry saw his strike come off the post and the rebound fell to Lewandoski. The Poland captain was well composed to dummy Pique who tried to make a sliding tackle. With the Spanish defender well beaten, Lewandoski powered home with his left foot from close range.
Concluding Thoughts
Bayern Munich have shown that they have finally gotten into their strides after an unimpressive outing in the opening week of their league campaign this season.
They looked to have slowed down at times during the game, playing comfortably and with no signs of being under pressure. Typical of the Bavarians and once again, they show that they may be favorites for the title. It's early days though.
This was the first time Barcelona were losing the first game of a Champions League campaign since 1997 and they must realize the hard task that awaits them in Europe. Life without Messi is an entirely different game.
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