This archive report was first published on 21 October 2021.
Bayern Munich's perfect record in the Champions League group stage this season continued with a 4-0 win over Benfica on October 21, 2021, in Lisbon, Portugal.
Leroy Sane struck twice in the second half to inspire Bayern Munich to a convincing victory, with the German giants maintaining their five-point lead at the top of Group E.
"It's clear to see how hungry we are, that's one of our biggest strengths," Sane told broadcaster DAZN.
Bayern Munich's six-time European Cup winners were twice denied the lead by VAR in a hard-fought first hour, but Sane finally broke Benfica's defences with a fizzing direct free-kick 20 minutes from time.
The German international added another goal and an assist in the closing stages as the hosts collapsed and Bayern cruised to yet another comfortable Champions League win this season.
Bayern Munich's assistant coach Dino Toppmoeller praised Sane's performance, saying, "Leroy always trains free-kicks in the last session before a game, so it's good to see that pay off."
Bayern Munich's head coach Julian Nagelsmann was forced to pull out of the game just hours before kick-off after coming down with a flu-like infection.
Robert Lewandowski forced two early saves from Odysseas Vlachodimos, while Sane shaved the post with a low shot across the face of goal.
However, the Bundesliga champions' formidable front line became increasingly starved of space as Benfica found their rhythm.
Bayern Munich doubled the advantage 10 minutes later as Everton directed a Serge Gnabry cross into his own net, before Sane crowned a perfect evening with an assist and another goal, setting up Lewandowski for Bayern's third and smashing the ball in himself to complete the rout.
