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Freiburg 1-1 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Not a dominant display from the Bavarians. This isn’t a good lead up to Der Klassiker.

By Ineednoname Updated

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Bayern Muenchen v SC Freiburg - Bundesliga Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images for MAN

Initial reactions and observations:

  • Once again, Bayern’s finishing hurts us. Lewandowski especially needed to convert his last two chances. This is the kind of thing the loses the league.
  • Dortmund scored twice, so they’re now top of the league. Bayern can go one point clear if they win the Klassiker, but it doesn’t look good.
  • Niko Kovac’s subs were terrible. Gnabry coming on was good, but subbing Muller robbed Bayern of the x-factor that he brings. Bayern went the second half with long periods of useless possession, having Muller would have helped there.
  • Franck Ribery was poor after coming on, he didn’t offer anything on the left. it’s a shame Davies was injured, he could have made an impact today.
  • James Rodriguez is the only person that can hold his head up high after this mess. He did all he could, and he should have had an assist for his beautiful pass to Lewandowski that the Polish international headed wide.

90+3’ — LEwandowski hits the post. It’s all over now.

90’ — James sent a beautiful delivery to Lewandowski, but Lewandowski headed it wide. It’s been that kind of day.

85’ — Bayern are all over Freiburg, but there seems to be no way to break down this defense.

80’ — Gnabry has been bright so far, it’s a shame he’s not been on the ball more.

77’ — Bayern are desperate for a goal, while Freiburg look tired. A great shot by Lewandowski is saved by the Freiburg keeper.

74’ — Double substitution for Bayern, Franck Ribery and Niklas Sule are on for Kingsley Coman and Jerome Boateng.

70’ — Excellent run by Gnabry, but the shot is blocked.

68’ — Fatigue is becoming really apparent in the Freiburg camp, they’re looking gassed.

65’ — Bayern are finally dominating the possession. Hopefully they can convert it into shots.

63’ — Very little penetration form Bayern thus far, while Freiburg still look dangerous. Lewandowski gets a free kick in the Freiburg half.

58’ — Bayern are still under pressure, despite the substitution.

54’ — Substitution for Bayern. Serge Gnabry comes on for Thomas Muller.

50’ — Bayern look so much sharper right now, Kingsley Coman looks involved on the left now. He just had a great pass to Lewy that the striker failed to tap in.

47’ — Good start from Bayern, Freiburg seem to be content so sit back for a bit.

45’ — We’re back! Let’s hope that Bayern Munich show a better performance in this half, especially the midfield.

HT — Freiburg 1-1 Bayern Munich. Bayern looked much better near the end there, hopefully something good happens in the second half. Freiburg’s attacks still look dangerous. Here are some observations:

  • James Rodriguez has turned on the style today. His skill have been a delight to watch.
  • Thomas Muller could’ve had a pair of goals, his movement has been great but he’s been unlucky with his finishing.
  • Bayern’s midfield has been a disaster, Freiburg are slicing through it like butter. The defense looks exposed.
  • Bayern’s defense without Niklas Sule isn’t great. No wonder we bought Lucas Hernandez.
  • The loss of David Alaba really shows. Kingsley Coman is nowhere near as effective without his support.

43’ — Bayern have been trying to get forward more near the end of this half, but nothing’s getting through at the moment.

40’ — Bayern are desperate for a breakthrough. Rafinha has been decent by the absence of Alaba is definitely being felt.

37’ — Bayern lose the ball near the box, and the resulting counter leads to a dangerous shot that had to be saved by Ulreich.

35’ — Freiburg seem more physical than Bayern, and it’s helping them win the midfield battle.

30’ — Bayern slowly growing into the game, though it may be because Freiburg are slowing down somewhat. Their counters still look dangerous.

25’ — Even though it’s now 1-1, not much has changed. Freiburg still look like they want a result.

21’ — GOAL Bayern! Lewandowski scores to make it 1-1!

19’ — Thomas Muller puts it just wide off a great James cross.

17’ — Freiburg almost makes it 2-0 from an excellent counter, but Boateng blocks it.

15’ — Bayern are trying to make headway, but Freiburg hold strong. The team doesn’t look as confident as previous games.

10’ — Freiburg have Bayern on the ropes. The team looks in disarray.

3’ — Goal! Freiburg! Bayern shocked as Holer slots in a header that wasn’t marked by Hummels.

Kickoff! — The ball is rolling after a brief delay in Freiburg!

One hour until kickoff: Lineups are out! Manuel Neuer misses out with a calf problem, so Thomas Muller dons the armband.

The Bundesliga is BACK!!! With Der Klassiker looming, Bayern Munich travel west to take on Freiburg at the Schwarzwald Stadium. They’re the kind of team that always put up a fight, and Niko Kovac and his have to be on their toes to prevent an upset.

Arjen Robben and Alphonso Davies were confirmed to be out in the pregame press conference, and in recent hours we’ve heard from Bild that David Alaba and Corentin Tolisso will not be on the squad either. Their participation in the Klassiker should not be in doubt, but it puts Niko Kovac in a tough situation for the day.

Leading the line, we’ll likely see Robert Lewandowski, flanked by a pairing of Franck Ribery and Serge Gnabry. Thomas Muller will likely start behind the striker, with James Rodriguez being rested on account of his international break travels. Thiago Alcantara is one yellow card away from suspension, so Kovac may opt for a midfield consisting of Leon Goretzka and Javi Maertinez. In defense, it will probably be a backline of Rafinha, Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule, and Joshua Kimmich.

It’s Bayern time.

Match Info

Location: Schwarzwald-Stadion,Freiburg, Germany

Time: 3:30 pm local time, 10:30 am EST

TV/streaming: Fubo.tv, Find Your Country

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