Bavarian FIFA Works - Back in the Win Column & Transfer Special

When I started this Bayern Munich FIFA series, I thought the most painful thing would be losing out on a good player, close losses in Der Klassiker, or getting knocked out of various competitions.

I didn’t think it would be my Wi-Fi crapping out and shutting down the Twitch stream.

As a result, we have two videos here. The top one with the first 45’ and the bottom with the last 45’:

Bundesliga Match Day 3 - Bayern vs. Mainz 05

After a crushing away defeat to Schalke 04 in the last fixture, this Bayern team was ready to come out and find a dominant performance to catapult them forward. What we got was a first half defined by Bayern’s relentless attack and a second half defined by Bayern’s tired lagging defense that was saved at the last possible moment.

4’ GOAL from Leroy Sané (FCB 1:0 M05)

Our third goal of the season came in the same form as the first two: an attacking player (this time, Sané) rushes forward into empty space in the box to receive a pass from Robert Lewandowski and shoots it. Sané’s shot never seemed like it was going to miss, and Bayern had a great way to capitalize on an early lead.

The rest of Bayern’s first half was relentless shots, many of which were cleared by keeper Florian Müller. But, the save of the half had to be from Mainz’s Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel who was able to clear a Thomas Müller half-bicycle kick off the line just before the half ended.

63’ Triple Substitution: Philippe Coutinho for Leroy Sané / Alphonso Davies for David Alaba / Timo Werner for Kingsley Coman

All of these substitutions were made because people were exhausted, especially on the left wing. Coutinho comes on and had a decent passing performance during the game. Alphonso Davies was a non-factor in his time on the pitch. Werner came close to breaking down the wing a few times, but they were all in vain. In short, three substitutes who did not do as well as they could have.

77’ GOAL from Danny Latza (FCB 1:1 M05)

This was tough to watch. A counter-attacking Mainz was able to completely expose our center backs; especially Niklas Süle, who looked helpless trying to cover his position. A through ball to Latza was easily sent past Manuel Neuer to tie the game in the end stages. A relentless Bayern attacking performance is what was needed.

90+1’ GOAL from Robert Lewandowski (FCB 2:1 M05)

Just when we thought things were at the end, the main man himself was able to step up and bury a shot home. All he needed was a little time to dribble around the top of the box, make some space for himself, and fire it past the keeper into the right corner.

Jersey Swap: Danny Latza and Florian Müller

Consider this a half and half jersey swap. Müller made a number of wonderful saves throughout his day in between the posts for Mainz, unfortunately for him, he just couldn’t save the two that counted the most. Meanwhile, Latza was a center defensive midfielder acting as a pivot between a strong Mainz backline and a lack luster attack. But Latza’s goal ramped up the pressure and made this game closer than it arguably should have.

Tip of the Cap: Thomas Müller

He was the third highest rated player on the team behind the two goal scorers, but he lands further down here. Despite his best attempts, Müller’s impact on the game was seen, but never truly felt. He put some really good shots on target, but nothing positive ever materialized. His passing was good as always, but never led to an assist. It was a really good performance from him, but after his last two games, maybe we’ve become spoiled.

Golf Clap: Manuel Neuer

The Wall had a good performance in goal today, despite the one he conceded. But, then again, his defense was mostly to blame for that one. At the end of it, Neuer made five saves, with many of them coming in the final 30 minutes, to keep Bayern in this game and giving them the chance to go out and win it.

Standing Ovation: Leroy Sané

It took him only four games (including the Supercup) to make his first contribution to the Bayern scoresheet. Outside of his goal, the 23-year old winger really shone out there, distributing well, making incisive passes, and breaking for great runs on the wings. His crossing ability still needs work, but it was a great feeling to see Sané have his coming out party for Die Roten.

Meister of the Match: Robert Lewandowski

With one goal and one assist, could it really have been anyone else? I’m shocked it took him this long to be able to open his scoring account in the Bundesliga, but he’s now the leader in the league in terms of assists. He must really want Timo Werner to stay on the bench because after performances like these, there’s little incentive to putting him on the sidelines.

Transfer Deadline Day Special!!!

We took a look across the league and the world on Transfer Deadline Day and were shocked to find a number of major moves including some former Bayern players and big names.

Instead of listing them off, why not watch them here:

Tomorrow’s livestream will be at the same time of 1:00 pm ET (10:00am PT / 7:00 CET), so be sure to tune in and tell your friends about it! Hopefully my wi-fi works this time.