Bayern Munich 6-1 Werder Bremen: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• WHAT. A. PERFORMANCE. Bayern Munich did not go at 100% from minute 1-90, but instead killed Werder Bremen through short bursts of incredible attacking intensity. The change in tempo was abrupt and happened without warning, which the opponents simply weren’t prepared for. Monster team.
• Mathys Tel has an incredible shot for someone his age. It’s quick, powerful, and accurate. He's long overdue a start, it’s time Nagelsmann gives him a game vs Schalke.
• Serge Gnabry got his hat trick, which might convince Hansi Flick to give him a shot at the starting XI for Germany. The more in-form scorers who go to Qatar, the better odds Flick will have.
• Speaking of form, Jamal Musiala remains unstoppable. Who ever expected him to be the team’s top scorer at this stage of the season?
• How will Bayern react to the loss of Sadio Mane? Will Nagelsmann try to be more conservative in the Schalke game? Or are these injuries unavoidable? Tough questions before the last game of the year.

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Interested in more analysis of the game? Why not check out our postgame podcast? We talk about Serge Gnabry’s amazing day, the makeshift defense, penalty takers, take a brief look ahead to Schalke 04, and more! Listen to it below or on Spotify.

As always, we appreciate all the support!

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Full time: Bayern Munich 6-1 Werder Bremen.

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84’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Mathys Tel makes it 6-1! WOW.

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82’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Serge Gnabry gets his hat trick! 5-1 to Bayern Munich.

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70’ — Subs: Gravenberch and Mathys Tel on for Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala.

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57’ — Subs: Lucas Hernandez and Choupo-Moting come off for Kingsley Coman and Marcel Sabitzer.

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54’ — Leroy Sane hits the post! Giveaway by Niklas Stark.

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• Bayern Munich had a few shaky moments in the very beginning, but otherwise that was a clinical half from the team. These performances are just great to watch as a fan.
• Gnabry is back to wearing the afro, but if he keeps scoring like that then he can wear what he wants.
• No heroics from Choupo so far.
• Let’s hope that Sadio Mane isn’t too badly hurt. Senegal fans especially will be concerned about his substitution.
• Dayot Upamecano’s last minute mistake almost let Bremen get one back. Dude is an amazing defender but he does have an error or two in him.

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Halftime: Bayern lead 4-1.

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28’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Serge Gnabry makes it 4-1!

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26’ — GOOOOOOOOAL! Goretzka scores a striker’s goal, making it 3-1!

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22’ — GOOOOOOOAL! Gnabry makes it 2-1! Phew.

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19’ — Sub: Sadio Mane goes off for Leroy Sane.

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16’ — Penalty! VAR gives a penalty to Bayern for a foul on Serge Gnabry inside the box. Choupo-Moting steps up aaaaaaaand ... it’s saved??? EXCUSE ME?

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14’ — NOOO Sadio Mane has pulled up injured. WHY.

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9’ — Goal. Bremen draw level via a goal from Jung.

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5’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Jamal Musiala makes it 1-0!

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Munich!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Julian Nagelsmann opts for zero changes as he fields Bayern Munich in a 4-2-3-1 with pretty much exactly the lineup we expected before the game. Sadio Mane and Serge Gnabry start on either side of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting while Jamal Musiala plays in the middle. Meanwhile, Lucas Hernandez returns to the lineup after a long absence.

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Yeah, we have a game today. Remember that?

Bayern Munich face SV Werder Bremen in what will be their last home game of 2022. After Union Berlin unexpected faltered against Bayer Leverkusen on matchday 13, Bayern have a chance to go into the winter break as the league leaders. The team just needs a perfect record from here on out. Easy, right?

Maybe not. Some key players will be missing for this one, chief among them Thomas Muller, Alphonso Davies, and Matthijs de Ligt. Muller absolutely loves playing against Bremen, they’re like the Bundesliga version of FC Barcelona in that regard. He can’t help but score/assist against them, but he’ll be out. Alphonso Davies is a key part of Nagelsmann’s system, so losing him is a blow to the whole team. And of course, without De Ligt, Bayern are stretched for options at the back.

So, is that an excuse to lose this game? Hell no!

It’s Bayern time.

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While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out the newest episode of our podcast? We talked about the prospect of facing PSG in-depth, the Bundesliga’s chances in Europe, and included a preview of our upcoming game against Werder Bremen. Listen to it below or on Spotify.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

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

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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