SC Freiburg 1-4 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Bayern Munich may have won the game, but hard to say if the result will stand at the moment. If it turns out that the team did have 12 men on the pitch at some point, the DFL will have to take a look at it. An asterisk goes next to the 3 points for now.
• Serge Gnabry had an incredible impact this game. This is what we want to see from him.
• Thomas Muller maybe didn’t score, but he was instrumental in the offensive phase for Bayern. Really all he was missing was a goal contribution.
• Jamal Musiala is such an excellent midfielder he could push Kimmich back to right-back.
• Leon Goretzka coming off left a hole in midfield that Freiburg took advantage of for their goal. That better not happen in the Champions League.

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Full time: Bayern win 4-1.

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90’ + 6’ — GOAL! Sabitzer makes it 4-1.

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90’ — It’s continuing now. Maybe 10 minutes of added time now?

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87’ — Play has stopped, strange controversy. Did Bayern play with 12 men?

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81’ — GOAL! Kingsley Coman with a wonderful finish to slot it past Flekken. Great pass by Upamecano to unleash him.

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73’ — GOAL! Gnabry makes it 2-1! Immediately after coming on.

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62’ — Goal. Ugh, Nils Petersen makes it 1-1.

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57’ — GOAL! Goretzka scores from the free kick! Great header.

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45’ — Alright, the second half is underway! Can we have some goals please?

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Halftime observations and analysis

• It’s been an interesting game from Bayern Munich. Most of the action is going down the left through Kingsley Coman which seems to be leaving Leroy Sane a little isolated. Wouldn’t Musiala be a better option for width on that flank?
• Thomas Muller’s passing has been sharp so far, he’s unlucky to not have an assist.
• Bayern keep shooting the balls straight at Flekken. At least make him work for the saves!
• Leon Goretzka looks solid out there, and his presence has bolstered the midfield significantly. Bayern’s control looks much better.
• Lucas Hernandez remains a monstrous defender. So good.

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Hafltime: 0-0 so far, nothing much to report.

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Kickoff: We’re underway in Freiburg!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Leon Goretzka is finally back in the XI alongside Joshua Kimmich, while Robert Lewandowski (who was doubtful for the game) starts up top. Looks like Julian Nagelsmann is fielding Bayern Munich in a 4-2-3-1 standard setup. An indication of what we may see against Villarreal? Perhaps.

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The international break is OVER and we can finally focus on proper football again. Bayern Munich return to action slightly bruised but still alive and kicking. Julian Nagelsmann now has to take on one of the most consistent teams in the league this season, and also somehow keep an eye on the upcoming Champions League tie against Villarreal. Fans demand a win in every game, but no one said it’d be easy.

Thankfully, most of Bayern’s stars are set to be available for this one. The only major doubt is Robert Lewandowski, who is suffering from a bruised rib sustained on international duty with Poland. If the big man can’t make it, then Bayern will have to play a makeshift XI with Serge Gnabry potentially fielded at striker, given that Choupo-Moting is out due to Covid.

Otherwise, the rest of the team basically selects itself. Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, the newly returned Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman — they’re all available. Nagelsmann has no excuses, he needs to get all three points in Freiburg today.

It’s Bayern time.

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While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or at this link.

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Match Info

Location: Europa-Park Stadion, Freiburg, Germany

Time: 3:30 pm local time, 9:30 am EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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