By Our Reporter
Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday night as the German champions maintained their unbeaten run in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Lookman featured for Atletico but could not prevent the Spanish side from falling to a disappointing defeat at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where Bayern produced a disciplined and clinical performance.
The encounter was goalless at half-time, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in an evenly contested opening period.
However, Bayern took the lead nine minutes into the second half through 18-year-old Lennart Karl, who recovered from a disappointing first-half display to break the deadlock.
Karl capitalised on a defensive lapse by Robin Le Normand, sneaking behind the Atletico defender to take possession before delicately chipping the ball over goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 74th minute through Konrad Laimer, who unleashed a powerful effort into the roof of the net after being set up by England captain Harry Kane.
Kane, who was making his first European appearance since winning the Ballon d’Or, could not find the net despite several opportunities.
The Bayern striker had the chance to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of scoring in 11 consecutive Champions League appearances but failed to convert his opportunities.
He had previously scored in 10 successive appearances in the competition.
Bayern could have extended their advantage further, but Oblak produced an excellent save to turn Dayot Upamecano’s deflected effort onto the crossbar.
At the other end, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer enjoyed a relatively quiet evening, facing just one shot on target from the home side.
The result ensured Bayern maintained their unbeaten record in the Champions League league phase and strengthened their position in the competition.
Bayern will continue their campaign against Lille on November 25, while Atletico Madrid face Norwegian champions Viking on the same date.
For Lookman and his Atletico teammates, the defeat represents a setback as they seek to improve their position in the Champions League standings.