Schalke 0-4 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Initial Reactions and Observations:

• Bayern overall is lucky it was a 4-0 win. Schalke challenged them on set pieces and counter-attacks which is becoming the norm. Barring a gaffe by Fährmann on Alaba’s goal and Lewandowski’s absurd solo effort, 2-0 would’ve been more likely.
• The team was often dangerous going forward but often lacked the lethality in the final third. They need to improve in that aspect.
• Bayern, thanks to collapses by RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have pulled 7 points ahead in the Bundesliga, which is almost a death sentence for the other clubs.
• Müller was clinical today and Kimmich showcased how essential he is to the club by putting on a show with 3 assists on the night.

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Full Time: Bayern eases past Schalke 4-0 thanks to 3 second-half goals, including two in the final 3 minutes by Müller and Alaba.

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90’: GOAL! Alaba has been gifted a goal after a horrific Ralf Fährmann gaffe leading to the 4th goal of the match.

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88’: GOAL! Thomas Müller with a beautiful header on Kimmich’s Third (!!) assist of the night off of a corner. Clinical.

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84’: Yellow card for Jeròme Boateng

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80’: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on, Lewandowski off.

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68’: Hernandez on, Davies off.

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63’: Sané and Gnabry subbed off, Kingsley Coman and Musiala come on.

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54’: GOAL! Robert Lewandowski with an absurd solo effort to make it 2:0. Kimmich with his 2nd assist of the match.

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45’: Second half kick-off!

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Halftime Observations:

• Battle of the goalkeepers. Neuer and Fährmann are the only reason this game is 1-0.
• Even though this is a “champagne XI”, Bayern have had issues breaking through Schalke 04’s defense.
• Bayern’s defense is still susceptible to set-pieces and counter-attacks. If not for Neuer’s two Incredible saves, Schalke would be in a position for points.
• Bayern needs to be more clinical in the final third. They should have at least 2 more goals but have whiffed when in scoring positions.

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Halftime: 1-0

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33’: GOAL! Müller’s header far post makes it 1-0 Bayern. Assist goes to Kimmich.

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30’: Neuer with another incredible save far post to keep it 0-0

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22’: Ralf Fährmann with an incredible double save from Lewandowski's freekick and Gnabry’s follow up in the 6-yard box to keep it 0-0.

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11’: Incredible save by Manuel Neuer to keep it 0-0

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Kickoff: Both teams are underway in Schalke!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups, and it’s practically a champagne XI. Very little rotation from Hansi.

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The first half of the season is over, and Bayern Munich made it through as the so-called winter champions. Now, it’s a matter of finishing the remaining half of the season without losing that lead. First up is Schalke, who lost 8-0 in the opening game of the Bundesliga last year.

Schalke are historically bad this year, so Hansi Flick might see an opportunity to rest some players today. Players like Douglas Costa, Jamal Musiala, and Buona Sarr might get a rare spot in the starting XI, while you could see Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller either rested or playing reduced minutes. With RB Leipzig losing to Mainz this weekend, this is also the perfect opportunity for Bayern to extend their lead in the table. Can the Bavarians make short work of a team in crisis? Or will this be another repeat of Holstein Kiel?

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Time: 3:30 pm local time, 9:30 am EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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