Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl stole the show with a stunning finish as the German champions thrashed 10-man Borussia Monchengladbach 3-0 to extend their winning streak in the Bundesliga to eight matches. Former Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson failed to make an impact despite starting, while Harry Kane's incredible scoring run finally came to an end.
Karl shines in Bayern's triumph
The first half witnessed a gripping contest between the two sides as Bayern failed to break down Monchengladbach's compact defence. Both teams had their fair share of half-chances throughout the first 45 minutes but they failed to capitalise. The hosts suffered a major setback in the 19th minute of the match as Jens Castrop was shown a direct red card following an ugly challenge on Luis Diaz.
Vincent Kompany made a few changes at the start of the second half as he subbed off Nicolas Jackson. The former Chelsea forward failed to capitalise on the opportunity that was provided to him as he remained ineffective. Serge Gnabry was introduced alongside Raphael Guerreiro, who proved to be a 'super sub' for the Bavarian side.
In the 64th minute, Kimmich picked up a pass from Gnabry inside the box before attempting a shot on goal but it was blocked by an opposition defender. However, from the rebound, the experienced midfielder found the back of the net to break the deadlock.
Five minutes later, Guerreiro doubled the lead after receiving a through ball from Michael Olise inside the box as the Portugal international found the back of the net with a clinical finish. Guerreiro then set up a perfect pass for late substitute and wonderkid Lennart Karl, as the youngster scored his second consecutive goal for Bayern with a world-class finish from the edge of the box.
In between, Monchengladbach had an opportunity to pull one back when they earned a penalty after Tom Bischof's poor challenge. Unfortunately for the hosts, Kevin Stoger hit the upright with a powerful shot and squandered a golden chance to stage a comeback.
With the crucial three points, the German champions increased their winning streak in the Bundesliga to eight matches as they are now five points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table.
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Karl stole the show after coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute. The teenager took just seven minutes to put his name on the scoresheet as he scored a wonder goal after receiving a pass from Guerreiro. Credit to Guerreiro as well for scoring one goal and setting up for Karl's strike.
The big loser
Stoger turned out to be the villain for Monchengladbach as he failed to convert a spot-kick in the second half. At the time of the penalty, Bayern were leading by two goals, but were looking vulnerable while tracking back to stop the counter-attacks. The goal could have provided the hosts an opportunity to stage a comeback but the midfielder missed a golden chance.
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