Bayern Munich Rally Past Sporting Lisbon as Gnabry and Karl Lead Dramatic Champions League Turnaround
Bayern Munich staged a powerful 3–1 comeback win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, overturning a second-half deficit through goals from Serge Gnabry and teenage forward Lennart Karl, before Jonathan Tah sealed the result. The victory lifts Bayern to second in the league-phase standings behind Arsenal.
Bayern were forced onto the defensive after an uneasy opening period and fell behind midway through the second half when Joshua Kimmich inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net. The hosts, still reeling from their previous European defeat, appeared momentarily overwhelmed as Sporting pressed for control.
The momentum shifted sharply when Gnabry, revitalised after a difficult spell, found space to level the score with a composed finish. Moments later, 18-year-old Karl capped a remarkable turnaround by striking past the Sporting defence to put Bayern ahead, injecting a surge of confidence into the Allianz Arena crowd. As Sporting searched for a response, Gnabry again proved influential, delivering a precise cross for defender Jonathan Tah, who headed in Bayern’s third to seal the victory.
The result provides Bayern with a crucial boost as they attempt to steady their Champions League campaign and regain consistency after recent struggles. It also marks a breakthrough evening for Karl, whose composure under pressure underscored his growing importance to the squad. For Sporting Lisbon, the defeat represents a missed opportunity after holding a narrow advantage deep into the second half.
With the group stage tightening, Bayern’s comeback not only restores confidence but intensifies the battle at the top of the standings, setting the stage for an increasingly competitive run-in.

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