Greuther Furth 1-3 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Pavard getting sent off didn’t really change much for Bayern Munich, which tells you how passive the Frenchman was. Still, the man-advantage allowed Furth a lifeline back into the game, and they used it to rob Neuer of his clean sheet.
• No goal for Robert Lewandowski today, ending his streak that has been going since Bayern faced Tigres back in February. What a shame.
• Leroy Sane had another monstrous performance, attacking and defending impeccably with equal measure. What a renaissance he’s had.
• Dayot Upamecano had several nervy moments with his passing, although he was good overall. He just needs to sharpen up a little.
• Nagelsmann’s back-three experiment was overall very mediocre. Stick to the 4-2-3-1 please.

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Full time: Bayern Munich win 3-1.

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87’ — Goal. Furth make it 3-1, no clean sheet for Neuer today.

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68’ — GOAL! We thought Lewandowski had scored, but it’s actually an own goal. 3-0 to Bayern.

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48’ — It’s been only 3 minutes and Pavard has received a red card early in the second half. Oh dear.

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• They haven’t been amazing but Greuther Furth have come at Bayern Munich with heart and a high press. They may be 2-0 down but they’re doing better than Barcelona.
• Alphonso Davies has been a joy to watch on that left flank. He’s been the catalyst for all of Bayern’s attacks today.
• Robert Lewandowski has been incredibly isolated — something needs to change if he wants a goal.

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Halftime: Bayern lead 2-0.

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30’ — GOAL! Kimmich makes it 2-0! Assist by Sane.

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10’ — GOAL! Thomas Muller opens the scoring for Bayern. Brilliant assist by Alphonso Davies.

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Furth!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Bild’s reporting was accurate, Alphonso Davies does indeed start on the wing for Bayern. This will be the first time he’s done so since he was in MLS. Let’s see how it goes.

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Whoever came up with this schedule is a troll of the highest order. Just six days after smashing VfL Bochum 7-0, a well-rested Bayern Munich travel to take on another relegation candidate in Greuther Furth.

Julian Nagelsmann is missing Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso for this game, while Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry may have to sit out. This presents a unique opportunity to experiment with his players on the wings — he could debut a youngster like Armino Sieb or Malik Tillman, or move Alphonso Davies up to the winger position. Also, there’s the much-anticipated starting XI debut of Marcel Sabitzer, whom we’ve seen glimpses of so far. How much will the coach show us?

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: Trolli-Arena, Furth, Germany

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

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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