Bayern Munich are riding a wave of momentum after one of their most complete performances of the season, a 2-0 victory away at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League that moved them provisionally into the top eight. The win was all the more remarkable given the circumstances surrounding it. Interim head coach Aaron Danks was without Luis Diaz, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari, while captain Manuel Neuer played through significant pain after battling a foot injury that had kept him out for three matches. Goals from Lennart Karl and Konrad Laimer sealed the result, with the Spanish press describing Bayern as the best visiting side at the Metropolitano all year.

The win carried extra weight off the pitch. Karl, who had been at the centre of a public debate involving club patron Uli Hoeneß over his attitude and lifestyle, responded with the opening goal and a pointed celebration aimed at his critics. Neuer backed him publicly afterwards, calling for the noise around the teenager to stop.

The bigger news arrived days later when Harry Kane signed a contract extension through 2029, reportedly making him the highest-paid player in Europe on basic salary. Kane has scored 156 goals in 161 appearances for the club and won the Ballon d'Or last month. Bayern now turn their attention to the Bundesliga, where they travel to Mainz on November 7, sitting top of the table on 18 points.