Bayern Munich 1-0 Arminia Bielefeld: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Awful finishing probably makes the scoreline flatter Bielefeld, but Bayern Munich really had to huff and puff to get this result. Worrying signs for the team’s attack.
• Jamal Musiala is such a great player, his throughball to find Muller in the buildup to Sane’s goal was a thing of beauty. Given how much Nagelsmann seems to sub him on when we need a goal, it’s wonder how he doesn’t start more often.
• Corentin Tolisso has shown a good account of himself in these games where both Kimmich and Sabitzer have been unavailable. If the Frenchman can stay fit, he could become a key depth piece in the second half of the season.

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Full time: Bayern Munich win 1-0.

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70’ — GOAL! Leroy Sane finally manages to make it 1-0! Aaaand he’s immediately subbed for Gnabry.

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55’ — Subs: Interesting move! Musiala comes on for Goretzka, can he create something?

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• Another 2nd gear performance in the first half by Bayern Munich. Julian Nagelsmann’s back three is bad and it fails to impress.
• Leroy Sane doesn’t seem to look as dangerous as previous weeks — is he back in his slump?
• Alphonso Davies and Thomas Muller have been the most dangerous players so far. Too bad Ortega has stopped everything that has come his way.
• Bayern’s passing is sooooo bad this season.
• People complained about Kimmich’s set pieces, but it’s quickly becoming clear that he was the best set piece taker on this team.

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Halftime: Bayern Munich 0-0 Arminia Bielefeld.

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30’ — We’re half an hour in and there haven’t been any goals yet, only chances.

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Munich! Bayern need a win to stay top spot, can they do it?

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Nagelsmann has gone for pretty much the exact XI that we predicted.

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After a disappointingly average performance against Dynamo Kyiv in midweek, Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action with a mandate to improve drastically Julian Nagelsmann still has a depleted squad, but it’s far less depleted than it was a week ago — a fact that should make all the difference against the likes of Arminia Bielefeld.

Joshua Kimmich is still out due to quarantine, which gives Corentin Tolisso another chance to start in midfield. Leon Goretzka and Lucas Hernandez, who have both been nursing injuries these past few days, are also fit to start. In addition, Nagelsmann is boosted by the return of both Niklas Sule and Josip Stanisic, who may not be fit to start but should be strong options from the bench. Combined with the usual available starters like Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Leroy Sane, Julian Nagelsmann has no excuse for not getting all three points today.

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 6:30 pm local time, 12:30 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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