UEFA Champions League 2024: Bavarians steal the show on day one with Zagreb rout

Bayern Munich kick off their Champions League campaign with a dominant 5-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb

German champions Bayern Munich opened their 2024 UEFA Champions League account in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, crushing Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb 5-0 at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern dominated the match from start to finish, with prolific goalscorer Robert Lewandowski leading the way with a brace. The Polish striker opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical finish from close range, before doubling their lead just before the half-hour mark with a powerful header.

France international Kingsley Coman made it 3-0 to the hosts shortly after the break with a fine solo effort, before substitute Sadio Mane added a fourth with a simple tap-in in the 65th minute.

Davies adds gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages

Canadian defender Alphonso Davies completed the rout in the 79th minute, heading home from a corner to seal a comfortable victory for the German champions.

The win puts Bayern top of Group E after the opening round of fixtures, with Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Viktoria Plzen also involved in the group.

Bavarians send early warning to their rivals

Bayern's impressive performance in their opening match was a clear statement of intent to their rivals in Group E and beyond.

With a wealth of experience in the competition and a squad packed with quality, Bayern will be one of the favorites to reach the latter stages of this season's Champions League.

Their victory over Dinamo Zagreb was a perfect start to their campaign and will undoubtedly send shivers down the spines of their upcoming opponents.