Having regained their rampant form exhibited during their 2019/20 Champions League-winning campaign, Bayern Munich continued to outshine their opponents as they cruised to a 5-2 victory over Benfica on Tuesday.
Goals from Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane combined with a world-class hat-trick by Robert Lewandowski ensured the Bavarian giants secured qualification for the next round.
While Lewandowski’s hat-trick remained the highlight of the game, Manuel Neuer, too, showcased his undoubted abilities as he provided a world-class assist for Lewandowski’s third goal for the evening.
Although having made a few errors; failing to keep a clean sheet, the German seemingly redeemed himself by producing the assist.
With the team in a comfortable position and dominant in possession, Neuer ensured his long-time teammate took home the match-ball on his 100th Champions League appearance.
After receiving the ball from Marcel Sabitzer deep within his half, Neuer’s pinpoint aerial ball fell at the clinical feet of Lewandowski as the Polish international graciously controlled it at the edge of the opposition’s box.
With the Benfica keeper rushing forward in a bid to close down the angle, Lewandowski’s composure shone through as he tipped the ball over the keeper to bag his 81st Champions League exuberantly.
Standing six points clear at the top within their group, Bayern will be hoping to maintain their consistency and prepare for the knockout stages heading deeper into the competition.