Paulo Sergio gives Bayern 1-0 win at Nantes
Bayern Munich, who won the World Club Cup last week, proved too consistent defensively for Nantes as a Paulo Sergio goal gave them a 1-0 away win in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Bayern Munich, who won the World Club Cup last week, proved too consistent defensively for Nantes as a Paulo Sergio goal gave them a 1-0 away win in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Brazilian striker headed home a corner by English midfielder Owen Hargreaves in the 65th minute to give the European champions a highly deserved win in the Group A match.
Bayern, who drew 1-1 at home with Manchester United two weeks ago, moved up to second in the group, level on points with the English champions who crushed Boavista 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Nantes, who lost away to the Portuguese champions by the same score a fortnight ago, dominated for most of the match but never looked like breaking the Bavarian side's stranglehold.
"In this match, it was crucial to be well organised from the start to prevent Nantes from playing their game," said Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
"We were patient and we waited for the opportunity to score. Nantes had a good chance in the first half but they missed it. At least it makes thing much more clear in this group with Manchester's victory," he said.
Nantes squandered their best chance when striker Hassan Ahamada volleyed wide at close range from a cross by Nicolas Laspalles in the 22nd minute.
Goalkeeper Stefan Wessels, who replaced the injured Oliver Khan, did not have to make a save for more than 75 minutes.
Nantes, who are also struggling in the French league, are now bottom of the group standings without a point and have virtually lost all chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Bayern, who are not at their best in the German league but were crowned world club champions last week by taming Boca Juniors, confirmed they must be taken seriously for another trophy.
Nantes were the first to spring into action, but Bayern created the best scoring opportunity when Croatian midfielder Niko Kovac volleyed from 20 metres to force Mickael Landreau to a dramatic save in the 33rd minute.
In the second half, the hosts looked tired and less focused on the game while Bayern moved up into a higher gear.
Nantes coach Raynald Denoueix then banked on his substitute strikers Viorel Moldovan and Pierre-Yves Andre but the European champions were too strong in defence.
In the injury time, the visitors came very close to scoring a second goal through substitute Alexander Zickler but Landreau saved.
"We deserved the win as much as Bayern but the difference is they are a great side," Landreau said.
"We did pretty well in the first half but you can't afford to miss an opportunity in this kind of match. Qualification is now out of reach for us."