Bayern Munich are laughing all the way to the bank after making 25 million euros ($27.35m) so far following the best Champions League group stage campaign in the club’s history.
With 15 points, from a possible 18, and 19 goals scored with just three conceded in five wins and a single defeat, Bayern had already won their group before Wednesday’s 2-0 victory at Dinamo Zagreb.
“We are top of the group and have achieved a great goal,” said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm after two Robert Lewandowski goals wrapped up the victory in Zagreb.
“We have so far put in a very, very good Champions League campaign.”
Of the 54 million euros total Bayern has made thus far this season, 25 million comes from the Champions League alone.
That figure includes a 5.5 million euros bonus for reaching the last 16, 1.5m for each group win and 12m from taking part.
Coach Pep Guardiola also achieved two personal milestones by taking charge of his 50th Champions League game in his 100th competitive victory for Bayern, in just 132 games.
The win in Zagreb came at a price, however.
Centre-back Medhi Benatia has a suspected torn muscle in his left thigh and is expected to miss the final 10 days before the Bundesliga breaks for winter with Bayern five points clear in the German league. – Agence France-Presse
