Jamal Musiala's return to Champions League football could hardly have been more emotional.


After collapsing twice on the pitch during consecutive preseason games and being forced to step away from Bayern Munich's team, the German star returned to the starting XI and marked his comeback with a goal in a stunning 5-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt.


There was something deeply symbolic about Musiala's celebration.


After firing Bayern Munich ahead in the 47th minute, the 23-year-old wheeled away with Aleksandar Pavlovic before turning towards the stands and repeatedly pointing at the side of his head.


It was the first goal of his season, but it represented much more than simply getting his name on the scoresheet.


For a player who had collapsed on the pitch twice in successive preseason matches, the moment felt like a powerful return.




A Frightening Period Behind Musiala

Musiala's collapses were the first public sign of a neurological condition that he and Bayern had known about since at least last season.


He later revealed that he had been diagnosed with "absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction".


He however, made it clear that the condition was not considered a risk to his health and that he intended to continue playing.


However, the situation meant Musiala was left out of Bayern's squad for three games as he adjusted to what coach Vincent Kompany described as a change in his medication.


There was also the emotional impact of suddenly having his condition become public.


His return finally came when he stepped off the bench during Saturday's goalless Bundesliga draw with Schalke but Thursday's Champions League meeting with Bodo/Glimt was different.


This time, Musiala was back in the starting XI.


And he made the moment count.



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