Bayern keeps perfect record

Holder Bayern Munich eased past CSKA Moscow 3-1 on Wednesday to set a Champions League record with its 10th straight victory and underline its ambitions to become the first team to successfully defend the title.

The Bavarians, who had already qualified for the knockout stage, struck against the run of play in snowy Moscow with Arjen Robben's superb left-foot strike in the 17th minute.

Mario Goetze added another goal after a fine run before Keisuke Honda cut the deficit with a penalty just after the hour.

Thomas Mueller responded with a penalty of his own to restore Bayern's two-goal lead in the 65th and give the team its best ever start with five wins from five group games.

"Playing on this pitch today was adventurous," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola told reporters when asked about the snow.

"It was difficult because the players had no grip. But over 90 minutes we were better than our opponents. Getting 10 wins in a row is very hard and I am proud of my players, the club and everyone involved."

Barcelona set the previous record of nine wins in 2002-03.

The Germans, the only team in the competition with a perfect record this season, have not yet secured top spot in Group D and face fellow last-16 qualifier Manchester City at home in the final game on Dec 10.

City, beaten 3-1 in Manchester by Bayern in the second group game, has 12 points.

"It is a fantastic achievement to win 10 consecutive games in Europe, especially if you consider we also played Barcelona and then Borussia Dortmund on the way to the final (last season)," Robben said.

"We have said we don't play for records, we play to win titles. But we have a great team and I am proud to be part of it."

Bayern, which was missing several key players including Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Mandzukic, is atop the standings with 15 points from five games, with also-qualified City sitting at nine points from four matches. The Russians are third with three.

Bayern, which also set a club record with its sixth straight Champions League away win, stunned the home crowd with its first chance as Robben finished well after Toni Kroos' pinpoint through-ball and Mueller's cutback for the Dutchman.

(China Daily 11/29/2013 page23)