by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Challenges didn't end for Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl on a night he's unlikely to forget.

Flushed with praise after his UEFA Champions League debut and goal, the 17-year-old forward became both the youngest German and youngest Bayern player to score in the competition. But after the 4-0 win over Club Brugge, Karl's workday still wasn't done.

After receiving his Man of the Match trophy, the teenager was asked to snap a selfie for Bayern's social media channels and find a place to store his award. "It's going into the shirt-and-trophy corner in my flat," he said with a shy smile in the mixed zone.

Karl revealed that coach Vincent Kompany had predicted his goal. "He told me in the locker room before the game that I was going to score," Karl said.

While Karl's debut strike dominated headlines, Kompany found more satisfaction in the youngster's composure. "He proved that he can help us in important games like this," the Bayern coach said. "We'll celebrate him today, but there will be moments when he needs a break. He can always create danger in the final third with his technical ability."

At 17 years and 242 days, Karl is four months younger than Jamal Musiala was when he scored his first Bayern goal in 2021. His own effort - a sharp 20-meter strike after a weaving run - showcased both confidence and instinct. "Hearing the Champions League anthem and scoring motivates me to keep going, but I know I still have a lot to learn," Karl said.

Comparisons with Michael Olise, Arjen Robben, and Franck Ribery have already begun. His cutting runs from the right channel and calm finishing evoke memories of Bayern's former wing icons. "He wants to score in every training session, in every game. You can't teach that. You either have it or you don't," Kompany said, noting Karl has only trained with the senior squad for seven or eight months.

The Belgian praised the teen's progress, especially given he's still balancing schoolwork and plans to start driving lessons soon. "You don't have to tell him to find chances; he just sees spaces and goes for them," Kompany added.

Midfielder Alexander Pavlovic said Karl's breakthrough didn't surprise anyone inside the dressing room. "How do you say this in German?" he said with a grin. "He's got the guts to do it." ■