Bayern Munich staged an impressive comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday, driven by a revitalised Serge Gnabry and rising teenage talent Lennart Karl.
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Trailing after a Joshua Kimmich own goal in the second half — and facing the prospect of consecutive European defeats — Bayern turned the match around with two quick strikes. Gnabry levelled the score before 17-year-old Karl fired in a sharp finish to put the hosts ahead.
Gnabry later provided the assist for Jonathan Tah’s late goal, sealing the win and lifting Bayern to second place in the league-phase standings, behind Arsenal on goal difference.
“The first 10 minutes of the second half weren’t very good, but we stayed calm,” head coach Vincent Kompany said. “We’ve done our job well so far and want to see it through.”
Karl made history by becoming the youngest player to score in three consecutive Champions League games, surpassing Kylian Mbappé. “To be in the Champions League at 17 is something very special,” he said. “I’m proud of myself — and the team.”
Despite the defeat, Sporting remain ninth in the 36-team standings with two matches left.
Kompany made seven changes to his lineup, recalling Harry Kane, Gnabry, Karl, Manuel Neuer and Jonathan Tah. Bayern dominated the first half, with Karl having an early goal disallowed and Kane striking the post. Sporting’s breakthrough came through a deflection by Kimmich early in the second period.
Bayern responded swiftly, with Gnabry converting from a Michael Olise corner and Karl finishing clinically after a pass from Konrad Laimer. Tah completed the turnaround with Bayern’s third after linking up with Kimmich and Gnabry.
The match also marked the return of Alphonso Davies, who appeared late in the game for his first outing since suffering an ACL injury in March.
