Bayern Munich 2-2 Ajax: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Bayern Munich came out with a draw where they really should’ve gotten a win. Sven’s mistake on the opening goal and Zirkzee’s incredible miss robbed Nagesmann of his first taste of victory as Bayern coach. However, it was a good performance overall.
• Julian Nagelsmann showed his tactical prowess by organizing a complete Bayern resurgence in the second half, after Ajax dominated proceedings in the first. The passing became quicker and more vertical, and the midfield were clearly given instructions on how to get more involved. Rhein’s assist to Nianzou was a good example of that — he was nowhere near as involved in the attack in the first 45 mins.
• Buona Sarr showed that he can be a good attacking fullback, as long as his defensive duties are kept to a minimum. Hopefully, this helps Nagelsmann find a role for him this season.
• Omar Richards was a sensation, putting in an excellent performance that was only missing a goal or an assist. Let’s hope he can replicate this kind of form when the official games start.
• Aside from his mistake for the goal, Sven Ulreich was a rock at the back and made several saves to keep Ajax at bay. A good performance from the Bayern #2.

---

Full time: Bayern Munich 2-2 Ajax Amsterdam.

---

89’ — Huge save by Sven Ulreich! He’s singlehandedly kept it 2-2 today.

---

60’ — Ten changes from Nagelsmann! It’s an all new team out there. Ulreich gets the armband.

---

50’ — Goal, Ajax equalize immediately from a free kick.

---

47’ — GOAL! Tanguy Nianzou makes it 2-1!

---

45’ — The second half is underway. Can Bayern pull this one off?

---

Halftime observations and analysis

• Omar Richards has has a great game so far. Excellent going forward and has more or less kept Mazraoui under control. Good signs from the young Englishman.
• Bayern Munich should be ahead right now, if not for Zirkzee’s boneheaded miss. What was he thinking?
• Ajax have had the Bavarians under the hammer for most of the game. The midfield is nonexistent, and Michael Cuisance has been poor. Brazzo will find it very difficult to sell him.
• Nagelsmann’s tactics are ... weird. Using Zirkzee as a pseudo playmaker isn’t exactly a winning strategy. Maybe he’s just experimenting? Who knows.
• Buona Sarr got an assist. What.

---

Halftime: Bayern Munich 1-1 Ajax.

---

39’ — GOAL! Choupo equalizes! It’s 1-1 now.

---

9’ — Goal! Ajax go up 1-0 due to a poor pass by Sven Ulreich. Bayern had started strong though.

---

Kickoff: Nagelsmann begins his first ever game (as a Bayern coach) at the Allianz Arena!

---

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Michael Cuisance starts in place of the injured Taylor Booth. Nianzou, Upamecano, and Stanisic make it a back-three!

---

It’s been a week since Bayern Munich ignominiously lost to Koln in their preseason opener, and the Bavarians are looking forward to their second game of the preseason.

Ajax Amsterdam are no pushovers — even if they play their kids, it’ll be a tough game. The Bayern players who went to the Euros are still on vacation, which means no Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, etc. So this will mostly be another chance for Nageslmann to evaluate Bayern’s youth talent and get certain new signings (Upamecano, Omar Richards) up to speed for the new season. Hopefully, we see some good performances from the players, and maybe even a win. It would be nice for the B-team to pick up a result against the Dutch champions.

---

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 4:30 pm local time, 10:30 am EST

TV/streaming: Facebook (USA and Canada), Magenta TV (Germany), 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.