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The final Bundesliga match of the season did not go according to plan
Nothing looked right for Bayern Munich from the beginning as they succumbed to a more motivated Stuttgart side in the 4-1 defeat. Maybe it was Jupp Heynckes wearing a track suit instead of his usual formal wear in anticipation of a post match beer soaking. In fact, in the immortal words of Alexi Lalas post-match, “The way they [Bayern Munich] played this game it looked like they started drinking early.” Regardless, Bayern could not get out of their own way in the loss, however, the display today should not put a damper on what has been a fantastic season with Bayern picking up their 6th straight Bundesliga title and 27th overall.
Bayern’s initial malaise cost them
The home side were sleepwalking through the start of the match and it cost them. The desire and hard work of Stuttgart midfielder Anastasios Donis went unmatched as he brilliantly sliced through the Bayern midfield and defense before placing a perfect cross on the ground to the onrushing Daniel Ginczek to pass into the back of the net.
Caught on the counterattack
Bayern looked more like themselves after the first 15 minutes or so and began to dominate possession. They had their opportunities but only Corentin Tolisso was able to finish as Stuttgart goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler had an excellent match with several quick reaction saves while often punching away dangerous crosses. But it was on the counter attack that Bayern was punished multiple times and in multiple ways. It was Donis again that flew past everyone to finish his one vs. one with keeper Sven Ulreich at the end of the first half. Then two quick fire counters in the first 10 minutes of the second half put Bayern away.
Previous to today Bayern had been excellent against the counter this season. According to the commentators on FS1 they had not given up a goal to the counterattack all season. That changed today and was the reason that they were defeated.
Robert Lewandowski wins goal award but doesn’t get number 30
The striker won his third Torjägerkanone as the top scorer in the Bundesliga finishing with 29 league goals. Lewandowski had his best chance of the match parried away by Zieler in the 33rd minute. He was clearly disappointed late in the second half when Thiago opted to shoot instead of play him in on goal. Still, 29 Bundesliga goals is an excellent return and should be celebrated.