Bayern Munich 1-0 Marseille: Initial reactions and observations

FT observations and analysis

• Bayern were in cruise control throughout. Marseille never really threatened Bayern. This was a very comfortable, deserved win. There were quite a few wasted chances, but we can expect Bayern to convert them when the stakes are higher.
• The defense was great throughout. Alaba and Boateng were on top form, and even the substitutions in the center of defense - Hernandez and Suele, looked very sharp. Suele in particular, after his long injury layoff, was solid. Nice to have so many defensive options with the UCL restart looming.
• Both Mueller and Coutinho didn’t bring their A game today, which could also be said of other players. It is possible that they didn’t take Marseille seriously enough, and the single goal was enough for Bayern to come out with the win. The attack will have to be better against UCL opponents, though.
• Kimmich was amazing at RB, and Thiago and Goretzka were a great double pivot. We have the solution to the Pavard injury, and won’t miss him as much as expected first.

90’ — FT.

63’ — A noteworthy mention - Bright Arrey-Mbi makes his first appearance in the Bayern first team! The talent has been touted as one of the Bayern youth campus’ brightest prospects.

60’ — Substitution time! Suele is back on the pitch for the first time since October 2019! Other players subbed in include Odriozola And Cuisance.

46’ — And the second half kicks off!

Halftime observations and analysis

• Bayern have been their usual dominant self, bossing possession and displaying their usual pressing style. They were able to silence Marseille well.
• Alaba was stellar. Superb passes to split the defense and great work at the back, always at the right place at the right time.
• The Thiago-Goretzka double pivot has been a resounding success so far. Assured in defense and great going forward. And you always find yourself saying ‘wow’ whenever Thiago does one of his stepovers.
• Perisic looked far from sharp, but Bayern’s attack was good enough to trouble Marseille. Perhaps chance conversion could improve a bit.

45’ — HT.

19’ — GOAL!!!! Alaba slices the defense with a great pass, and Gnabry takes the ball past two defenders with some great footwork and slots the ball beautifully at the bottom corner.

Kickoff — And we’re underway at the Allianz! Let’s see how sharp Flick’s men are on their first game in 3 weeks.

One hour until kickoff: Lineups are out! Coman’s not starting? What’s up with that?

With the return of the Champions League a little over a week away, Bayern Munich play a tuneup friendly against Ligue 1 side Marseille at the Allianz Arena. Given that the whole of Europe will be watching the game for information, Bayern have cleverly decided not to make it available on the club’s official YouTube channel for free. That’s inconvenient for Lampard, and anyone else who doesn’t have a Magenta Tv subscription. Such is life.

Anyway, at least we know who’s playing and what they’ll be doing. Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry, and all the other usual suspects will likely feature, while Niklas Sule is expected to play his first game since his ACL injury last year. The Bayern newcomers like Tanguy Nianzou, Alex Nubel, and Leroy Sane won’t get to play, but that still means Flick has plenty of players to make a competent XI. So how’s Bayern faring after three weeks of no football? Let’s find out.

Match Info

Location: Bayern Campus, Munich, Germany

Time: 4:00 pm local time, 10:00 am EST

TV/streaming: Find Your Country, Facebook Live

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