Bayern Munich 2-1 Mainz: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Mainz completely dropped their pressing in the second half, which was a blessing for Nagelsmann as it allowed Bayern Munich back into the game. Pressing seems to be this team’s kryptonite — the passing is bad and gets worse when under any kind of pressure.
• Jamal Musiala continues scoring when he gets a start. He should get more chances to play in his preferred position so he can improve his numbers.
• Robert Lewandowski was anonymous today. He did not have a single chance to get a proper shot at the goal. This system is wasting his talent.
• Kingsley Coman is showing how valuable he can be to this team. Shame his contract looks like it’s running out.
• Benjamin Pavard actually had a good game, AGAIN. Wow.

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Full time: Bayern Munich 2-1 Mainz.

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73’ — GOAL! Another start, another goal for Jamal Musiala. This kid is ice cold.

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54’ — GOAL! Kingsley Coman makes it 1-0 from a well timed run. Finally.

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45’ — We’re back for the second half. If Nageslmann could fix things that would be nice.

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Halftime observations and analysis

• THE BACK FOUR IS BACK! Aaaaand Bayern Munich are losing. Getting close to #NagelsmannOut at the moment.
• Tolisso has been so bad. Oof.
• Lewandowski may as well be a ghost for all the involvement he’s had. Nagelsmann sets up his team pretending like he still has Poulsen as his striker.
• The attack isn’t working, the defense is held together by the sheer willpower of Lucas Hernandez.
• I WANT FLICK BACK.

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Halftime: Bayern Munich are losing 1-0 to Mainz.

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21’ — Goal. Onisiwo makes it 1-0, poor defensive structure from Bayern.

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20’ — No goals so far, but Bayern got lucky as Mainz get denied a pen.

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Munich!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! No one gets any rest, we have the same XI that Nagelsmann started against Barca. Looks like Bayern aren’t holding back at all. Too bad Sule isn’t getting a little more game time, though.

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With the glitz of the Champions League now behind us, it’s time for Bayern Munich to focus on ending the year on a positive note. A final gauntlet of three games remain in the Bundesliga, with Mainz being the first (and hardest) of the lot.

Bo Svensson’s men won’t be a pushover, so Nagelsmann will need his best XI possible. Unfortunately, that best XI still doesn’t include Joshua Kimmich, who will be out until 2022, and the injured Leon Goretzka and Marcel Sabitzer. In their absence, Bayern’s 18-year-old wonderkid Jamal Musiala will likely line up next to Corentin Tolisso in a makeshift pivot, supporting an attack consisting of the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Leroy Sane. It may not be an ideal lineup, but it should be enough to get the job done.

It’s Bayern time.

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While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast?

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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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