#1: The defensive woes continue

The defensive mistakes continue for Bayern Munich on Wednesday in their 2-0 loss to Inter Milan. The German champions looked lost on the two goals that Inter scored in the opening half. Inter struck early much like Bayern’s dominate performance against Chelsea just a few days ago. Bayern looked a step behind from the beginning, allowing Eder to escape markers to two headers in the early going.

For the first goal, Eder was able to weave behind defender Felix Gotze. The cross bounced right where it needed to and Eder was in the perfect position to head it past Sven Ulreich. The chaos continued for Bayern with Inter adding a second goal in the 30th minute. A lack of effective man-marking allowed Eder to run free in the box and head home a precise cross from Ivan Perišić.

Both goals-scoring efforts could have been made more difficult on Inter with better man-marking. For the first goal, Gotze wasn’t physical enough and Mats Hummels looked lethargic on the second goal. Eder might have turned difficult chances into something special, but he was given two easy goals by outworking Bayern defenders.

#2: Arturo Vidal’s presence was desperately missed

Throughout the entirety of the game, all I could think was what the game would have looked like if Arturo Vidal were in the midfield for Bayern. All facets of the game would have likely been different had Vidal’s presence been felt. The Chilean’s ability to conduct the Bayern midfield was desperately missed. The big takeaways were that Bayern lacked a cohesiveness in the final third and in man-marking Inter players yes, but with Vidal being the midfield maestro behind Bayern’s attack and defensive efforts, the game would have likely been more cohesive and controlled.

It isn’t incredibly Bayern-like to miss one singular part this much, but without Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso this year, the composure Vidal brings is even more vital to the success of the German champions. I left this game appreciating Vidal more then in games in which he dominates.

#3: Franck Ribery was Bayern’s bright spot

In the sixth minute, Ribery started the game off in Bayern’s favor looking incredible with a cut inside and shot on Inter goalie Samir Handanovic. He was the glimmer of hope offensively for Bayern in the first half. Cutting and weaving his way through and past defenders with great pace and technique.

Unfortunately, he came off injured near the end of the first half. Though the injury is reportedly nothing serious, just a cut on the ankle according to Carlo:

“Ribery has a small cut on his ankle. It was stitched up. He'll be out only three or four days.”

The injury being minor is fantastic news for Bayern. Ribery looked fantastic in the opening 30 minutes before coming off.

The game was an overall struggle for Bayern, who by no means rested all of their stars. Even when things were looking grim down 2-0 at halftime, Ancelotti still kept pressing. Bringing on Thomas Muller, Renato Sanches and Javi Martinez after the half. With the substitutes coming on board there were increased chances for Bayern, but still, nothing concrete in the final third. So, despite the great offensive form Bayern displayed against Chelsea, they were still unable to put a goal past either Milan team in 180 minutes. An odd ICC performance overall from Bayern.

However, its simply the preseason.

Highlights from the match.