A second-half goal from Jamal Musiala put Bayern Munich back on track in the Champions League with a 1-0 home win over Benfica on Wednesday.

Musiala, struggling in Europe after back-to-back defeats left them outside the elimination places, broke through Benfica’s tenacious defence, heading in an assist from Harry Kane.

Bayern dominated possession but had few clear-cut opportunities, lacking fluidity in front of a silent crowd that refused to sing out of respect for a hospitalized fan.

Despite the victory, Bayern still have work to do in Europe, with this season’s Champions League final at home.

The German giants are in 17th place, one behind Dinamo Zagreb, whom they beat 9-2 in their first match. Bayern will face French champions Paris Saint-Germain next in the competition.

“We had good moments. The opponent defended well. It was very important to get the three points today,” Musiala said after the match.

“We don’t have to win every game by four or five goals. Sometimes 1-0 is enough. We had to be patient. Now we have to move on and look towards the next game.”

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said: “Sometimes it’s good to win like that, although of course we prefer to win by three or four.

“I knew we had to stay patient and calm. We did well. It was a good game and a good victory.”

Undefeated at the top of the Bundesliga under Kompany, Bayern have struggled in the Champions League this season despite a spectacular opener against Zagreb.

A 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa and a 4-1 rout by a supercharged Barcelona side under former Bayern boss Hansi Flick saw the six-time European champions falter in the new single-league format of the UEFA Champions League. Champions.

With the match delayed 15 minutes due to public transportation issues and with their fans silent due to a medical emergency in the stands, Bayern struggled.

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer told reporters that the team “didn’t celebrate in the cabin like we normally would” because of the incident.

Musiala and Michael Olise dribbled down both sides, but could not break through a Benfica that was looking to sit deep and take advantage of Bayern’s risky high line on the counterattack.

The best chance of the first half fell to Serge Gnabry, who forced a strong save from Anatoliy Trubin with a half-volley in the 38th minute.

As the match progressed, Bayern grew nervous, although Benfica had few genuine chances as they sought their first victory in their 11th match against the hosts.

Leroy Sané added speed after his substitution and the former Manchester City winger would prove crucial, finding Kane, who in turn set up Musiala to break the deadlock with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Bayern’s last game before the international break will be on Saturday in Hamburg against St Pauli.