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Bayern's Kovac hails 'special' Sanches after Champions League goal

Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovac heaped praise on goalscorer Renato Sanches, describing his performance as "special" in the club's successful Champions League opener against Benfica.

Ex-Benfica midfielder Sanches returned to haunt his former club, the 21-year-old Portugal international on target as Bayern claimed a 2-0 victory away from home on Wednesday.

Sanches endured a forgettable loan spell at Swansea City last season but he was handed his first Bayern start since May 2017 and repaid the faith, converting James Rodriguez's cross nine minutes into the second half, having played a role in Robert Lewandowski's opener.

Benfica also applauded Sanches – who left the Portuguese giants in 2016 after emerging through the youth ranks – following his display in the Group E clash at Estadio da Luz.