Bayern Munich have Joshua Kimmich to thank for sealing their 13th successive Champions League win with his stunning improvised winner.
The 25-year-old utility man has been hailed as the German giants’ new Philipp Lahm, following his brilliant transition from midfield to dependable right-back.
And, like Lahm, Kimmich also appears to have a penchant for scoring quality goals, as he showed during Bayern’s 2-1 win over Lokomotiv Moscow on Tuesday night.
Bayern lifted the European Cup last season with a 100 per cent record, winning every game they played, and they have continued their utter dominance with back-to-back wins to open their title defence.
They were made to work for that 13th straight European win, though, as a spirited Lokamotiv side pushed them to the limit.
Bayern crafted a fine opener as Leon Goretzka headed home after some lovely build-up play from Corentin Tolisso and Benjamin Pavard.
But the holders missed a series of chances to extend their lead and the Russians made them pay with a 70th minute equaliser from Aleksei Miranchuk.
It set up a rare nervous finish for Hansi Flick’s side, and who better than cool-as-a-cucumber Kimmich to fire in their winner – and in fine style too.
Kimmich won Bayern’s Goal of the Month award for September with his determined winning goal against Borussia Dortmund to win the German Supercup.
And he may well just win it again – although has some competition from Robert Lewandowski – after his stunning bit of skill and composure against Lokomotiv.
Controlling the ball on the outside of the box, the midfielder-cum-defender teed himself up, flicked the ball in the air and swivelled 180 degrees, before thumping in a volley from 20 yards out – like it was nothing.
When you know you’ve scored a worldie
pic.twitter.com/eOUCkh5UVv
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 27, 2020
Just look at that celebration, the celebration makes it.
What an exciting player this man is, and what a team this is.
They may not be flying high at home – Bayern are second in the Bundesliga table after five games – but it appears it would take some performance to beat them in Europe this season.