Feature: Musiala returns with goal, smile as Bayern pass key Champions League test

by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Jamal Musiala's cell phone passed a demanding stress test Wednesday night - and so did the Bayern Munich midfielder himself.

As if to prove his phone's resilience, the 22-year-old briefly held it up in the interview zone at PSV's stadium, flashing a broad smile.

"Mum already sent me thousands of messages on WhatsApp," Musiala said, laughing as he spoke about his mother, Carolin. Her excitement helped cap a memorable evening for the Germany international.

Two hundred and six days after suffering a serious ankle injury last summer, Musiala made his first start since returning - and marked it with his first goal, finishing off a pair of slick one-twos with rookie Lennart Karl.

While Harry Kane scored the decisive goal in Bayern's 2-1 victory, which secured second place in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase, Musiala was the player everyone was talking about.

Kane praised his teammate by saying he "took his hat off" to Musiala.

"Coming back from that ankle injury, we're fully aware how much we'll need his outstanding quality in the challenging games ahead," Kane said.

Calling Musiala a "wow" player, Bayern's top scorer added that the midfielder will be vital to the club's Champions League ambitions.

Board member Max Eberl credited coach Vincent Kompany for carefully managing Musiala's return.

"We've all seen his joy in training over the past few weeks, but patience and caution were important," Eberl said.

Kompany said the time until Bayern's first knockout-stage match in February will be used "to get him to the best level." Musiala, who also recorded an assist in recent matches against Union Saint-Gilloise, appeared visibly happy after the final whistle.

"I'm very happy about the goal, but I know it may take some time to reach my best level again," Musiala said.

Substituted after an hour as a precaution, the Bayern midfielder accepted a stream of congratulations, high-fiving teammates along the bench.

"There's still work ahead," Musiala said, adding that he is focused on bringing energy and intensity back to his game.

Eberl praised Musiala's "extremely humble manner," saying his happiness has lifted the entire squad.

"It strengthens our team spirit," Eberl said, reiterating the club's goal of competing for the Champions League title.

The celebration continued later in the evening, when Bayern's entourage gathered for a traditional team dinner. Chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen, who typically avoids singling out players, asked for a special round of applause.

"We are extremely happy for you, Jamal," Dreesen said. "It was a special pleasure to see you score like that." ■