Bayern Munich 2-1 Wolfsburg: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations:

• Kingsley Coman continues to save Bayern’s season. He was arguably the best attacker on the pitch (okay, if you don’t count Lewandowski) and has been the best winger on the team this season. His assist for the equalizer came at a crucial time.
• Leroy Sane was terrible. That is all.
• Manuel Neuer — what a player. If he doesn’t win FIFA’s The Best Goalkeeper award, then you know that it’s illegitimate.
• What is going on with Marc Roca? He came on as a sub, but no start. Is Hansi sending a message?
• Bayern’s defending was a bit better, but things were still hectic at the back. the Alaba-Boa pairing needs to go, we want Sule and Hernandez there.

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Full time: 2-1 to Bayern.

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83’ — Bayern just want to see this game through. Musiala has been doing well.

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68’ — Substitutions: Musiala and Roca on for Gnabry and Tolisso.

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49’ — GOAL! Lewandowski scores his second, what a goal!

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45’ — We’re back! Let’s hope the second half is a bit better.

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45’ + 1 — GOAL! Lewandowski makes it level! Coman with another assist.

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Halftime: 1-1.

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5’ — Goal for Wolfsburg. What is this defense?

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Munich!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Is Marc Roca allergic to minutes? Where is he?

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It’s only been a few days since the last game, but we’re back in action! Bayern Munich host VfL Wolfsburg in a game that could have serious implications for the title race. With Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig putting immense pressure on the Bavarians this season, Hansi Flick desperately needs to stop the bleeding and find three points from the penultimate game of 2020.

Unfortunately for the coach, his squad options are limited. While lineup mainstays like Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller will be able to play, Bayern will be without its starting midfield — both Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are ruled out for this one. Given the absence of Javi Martinez as well, this might force Flick to play Marc Roca at DM, something he has been hesitant to do in the league. At the very least, French international Corentin Tolisso is back on the squad — he is probably a good candidate to start in midfield today.

Bayern have only won one league game since the last international break, picking up only 6 points in 4 games. That’s a terrible return for a team of this stature, and the number of goals conceded has been staggering. With Hansi Flick set to close out his first full calendar year as head coach, let’s hope he has something up his sleeve for these remaining games.

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 8:30 pm local time, 2:30 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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