Five observations from Bayern’s thumping 5-2 victory against FC Augsburg

In what was a fitting farewell to the several players and staff leaving Bayern Munich, the record champions ended their season with a fantastic 5-2 victory against Augsburg. The Bavarians set a new record by winning their 9th consecutive Bundesliga title, with goal-machine Robert Lewandowski’s record breaking goal being the highlight of the game. Here are five observations from the game:

Flicki-Flacka goes out with a bang

It was business as usual for Flick and co. as Bayern came out with guns blazing to score the opening goal within the first ten minutes. Three more goals followed before the half time whistle. It was another display of intelligent movement combined with incisive passing that opened channels to create chances — the style of football Bayern’s become accustomed to under Flick.

The Bavarians dominated possession with 71 percent, while having an 87 percent pass success rate and creating 20 chances. The backline has seen worse days this season and the two goals given away could have been avoided like the several goals conceded this season. Highline or Die for the win!

Goalkeeping wizardry

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Despite the game being a goal fest of 7 goals, both the keepers were fantastic today, especially Augsburg’s Rafal Gikiewicz. Bayern could have had goals in the double digits if not for him.

It was one Pole going up against another as Robert Lewandowski repeatedly knocked at Gikiewicz’s goal to score the coveted record breaking 41st goal. Rafal was incredible in his positioning as he his clever anticipation often placed him right at the end of shots. Gikiewicz made a total of 10 saves while facing 14 shots on target and almost stopped Lewandowski’s record breaking 41st goal.

Capitan Manuel Neuer himself was having a superb game after making two brilliant saves, one of which was from the penalty spot. Ever aware of the dangers of the highline, Neuer left his goal post to ‘sweep’ up loose balls and bail his defense out.

Linchpin Lucas

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Another day, another solid performance from the Frenchman. He looks the best candidate to become the centre of Bayern’s defense next season, now that senior players Jerome Boateng and David Alaba are leaving the club. He has managed to sharpen Bayern’s shaky defense with his tenacity, pace, no nonsense tackles and fine technical ability.

Although Lucas did give away a penalty that was saved by Manuel Neuer, he otherwise had an excellent game with 7 duels won, a 94 percent pass success rate, and made 12 ball recoveries in total. Love him or hate him, the Frenchman always has an element of danger to his playstyle and it’ll be interesting to see how Julian Nagelsmann utilizes that part of Lucas’ game.

LEGENDOWSKI

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The beast Robert Lewandowski has finally done it! Breaking Gerd Muller’s fifty year old record for most goals in a single Bundesliga season. Lewy managed to score 41 goals in just 29 games! The fact that Gerd Muller’s record was left untouched for so long proves how crazy the record was. It took Hansi Flick’s free scoring Bayern to just edge the legend by one goal.

Already a club and Bundesliga legend, Lewandowski with this feat will cement his status as a legend of German and European football. With his 41st goal, Lewy secured another Torjägerkanone for being the league’s highest goal scorer as well as the European golden boot!

Several Goodbyes

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A lot of emotions, but few words. Club legends! And two loanees. Thank you for everything. You will be missed.