Borussia Monchengladbach 3-2 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Terrible game for the Bayern defense. Hansi Flick has some hard questions to answer. Why doesn’t Lucas Hernandes start? Where are the youngsters?
• Leroy Sane was the best player on the night. He did everything right, but was unlucky to get a goal.
• Bayern shows that they only know how to make comebacks. This should’ve been an easy game after we went 2-0 up. Instead it became a disaster.
• No more Douglas Costa please — he’s useless. Let’s see more Musiala, Hansi.
• How is the defense this bad? Just ... how???

---

Full time: Bayern lose 3-2 after going 2-0 up.

---

48’ — Goal. Neuhaus scores to put Gladbach 3-2 up.

---

45’ — The second half is underway!

---

45’ — Goal. Gladbach draw level.

---

35’ — Goal. Oh crap, Gladbach slice through the defense and it leads to a goal.

---

26’ — GOAL! Goretzka fires home from outside the box. Great play by the offense.

---

20’ — GOAL! Lewandowski converts from the spot. Bayern go 1-0 up for the first time in ages.

---

17’ — VAR check for a handball in the box by Neuhaus.

---

Kickoff: We’re underway in Gladbach!

---

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups!

---

MATCHDAY! We’re back in action! Bayern Munich travel to Gladbach to take on the Foals, kicking off yet another gauntlet of games that won’t end until the season is over. Hansi Flick is already juggling a tired squad with a myriad of injuries — things will only get harder from here.

Conceding first is a big issue. Bayern have conceded the opening goal eight games in a row now, having to make comebacks every single time. The team’s attack, spearheaded by the ever-imperious Robert Lewandowski, has enabled Bayern to fight back for at least a point in every single game. However, no team can hope for continued success with such a shoddy defense. Against Gladbach, Hansi Flick will count on his boys to be switched on from minute one.

In terms of injuries, Serge Gnabry is out, while Kingsley Coman returns to the squad. Lucas Hernandez is available, and it’ll be interesting to see if Hansi chooses to start him over either Alphonso Davies or David Alaba. Joshua Kimmich is meanwhile confirmed to be playing in midfield, so the question of who’ll start at right-back is another big one. At least, Thomas Muller and Leon Goretzka will partner Josh in the center, hopefully giving Bayern some sense of stability in the wake of Gladbach’s fast transitional play.

It’s Bayern time.

---

Match Info

Location: Borussia Park, Gladbach, Germany

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

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

Tips for commenting:

1. If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself. We’re mostly very friendly! Also, we’re from all parts of the world so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.
2. SBN is a little slow to show new comments. Refresh the page regularly to keep up with the discussion, especially after goals.
3. The goal celebrations are for everyone to participate in! Even if you’re lagging behind the others, keep replying to the most recent call of the player’s name. Even if you missed the first call, just start from the second, and so on.
4. While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities. Racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language is not allowed whatsoever.

Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!

Looking for an unending well of Bayern Munich content? Sign up for an SBNation account and join the conversation on Bavarian Football Works. Whether it’s full match coverage and analysis, breaking news or something completely different, we have it all.