Bayern Munich 4-1 Hoffenheim: Initial reactions and observations

Initial observations and analysis:

• Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry - the standout performers of the game. Countless crosses, menacing dribbles, gritty defending; it was an industrious showing from Bayern Munich’s default wing duo.
• Record breaking attack - Bayern equal 1985/86 Bremen’s record of scoring 57 goals after 19 matchdays. Muller registers double figures after SIX years. This offense is something else and we are eternally grateful to coach Hansi Flick’s setup.
• Marc Roca has shown that he is more than capable of deputising for Leon Goretzka. Hopefully, the Spaniard recieves another start in the next match against Hertha Berlin.
• Douglas Costa showed glimpses of that speedy, agile and trickster winger from 2015/16. If he is integrated successfully, Bayern offense will have another lethal weapon to come off-the-bench in the closing stages of the game.
• There were a few nervy moments but it was still an improved performance on the defensive side. A solid and tiring performance from the boys helped them exact revenge on Hoeness’ Hoffenheim.

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Full time - Bayern Munich 4:1 TSG Hoffenheim.

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86’ - Substitution. Niklas Sule comes on for Jerome Boateng.

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74’ - Substitution. Muller and Coman are replaced by Choupo-Moting and Douglas Costa.

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70’ - Disallowed! Benjamin Pavard’s goal is ruled out after VAR check.

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69’ - Substitution time: Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane come in for Marc Roca and Serge Gnabry.

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62’ - GOAL! King Coman assists Gnabry. 4-1 for Bayern

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57’ - GOAL! Lewandowski scores his 24th goal of the season after some great work from Coman. 3-1 for Bayern

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53’ - Yellow card for Roca.

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46’ - The second-half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis:

• First things first, Marc Roca continues to impress. The Spaniard has assumed a more conservative role and has been in the thick of things for his team.
• It seems that Davies has been playing much more carefully and also, towards central positions. Kingsley Coman is providing the width on the left side.
• Unstoppable offense! Hoffenheim initially forced Bayern attackers out wide but Muller and co. gradually found their way around and put two past Baumann.

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Halftime - Bayern Munich 2:1 TSG Hoffenheim

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43’ - Goal for Hoffenheim. Bayern lead 2-1.

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42’ - GOAL! Thomas Muller scores from a stunning long range effort. His partner-in-crime Lewandowski with the assist after controlling the ball neatly in the box. 2-0 for Bayern!

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30’ - Goal! Boateng’s header from Kimmich’s corner kick gives Bayern the much-needed breakthrough. 1-0 for the hosts.

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15’ - Close! A cross from Coman finds Muller at far post. Raumdeuter takes a chipped shot, which is denied by the crossbar.

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7’ - Neuer makes a great save as Hoffenheim penetrate Bayern defense through the middle.

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Munich!

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One hour until kickoff: Remember this historic day! We have lineups, and Marc Roca actually starts a game. What an achievement.

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MATCHDAY! We’ve gotten so used to English weeks this season, going back to a normal schedule makes it feel like ages since the last game. Bayern Munich host Hoffenheim this round, hoping to get revenge for their shocking 4-1 defeat in the Hinrunde.

Unfortunately, Hansi Flick will be missing almost his entire midfield for this one. With leon Goretzka and Javi Martinez out with coronavius, and Corentin Tolisso injured — that only leaves Marc Roca and Joshua Kimmich as recognized midfielders on the squad. This is a big chance for Roca to show what he’s got, but it’s also a chance for Sebastian Hoeness to continue his winning run against his former employer.

On the other hand, Bayern’s attackers are coming into the game with a week of rest, which gives the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller more gas in their tanks to unleash upon the visitors. It should be a good game.

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

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

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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