Initial reactions and observations
- Bayern Munich controlled this game beautifully from start to finish. Outside of an intense opening 15 minutes, Wolfsburg basically offered nothing of note and Niko Kovac leaves the Allianz Arena in defeat.
- Jamal Musiala is proving to be Bayern’s most important player this season. His basically unstoppable ability to turn and beat his man, coupled with ultra-precise shooting makes him a nightmare for defenders and turns any defense into a circus. He basically makes the whole offense click by himself. It’s no wonder that he’s Bayern’s top scorer so far this season.
- Thomas Muller scores his first goal of the campaign — may many more follow.
- Sadio Mane had his first taste of frustration in a Bayern Munich shirt. Lots of offsides and not many chances. He was still dangerous though, and the team performance was solid.
- First clean sheet of the campaign secured. Bayern played the second half conservatively to see it through. Good work by the boys.
Full time: Bayern Munich 2-0 Wolfsburg.
82’ — Sub: Ryan Gravenberch comes on for goalscorer Jamal Musiala.
79’ — Sub: Mathys Tel comes on for Sadio Mane, who is applauded by the stadium.
74’ — After a looooooong VAR review, Sadio Mane’s goal is ruled offside. What the hell.
57’ — Another offside goal, this time from Upamecano during a corner.
45’ — The second half is underway! Leroy Sane comes on for Serge Gnabry at HT.
Halftime observations and analysis
- Wolfsburg had Bayern Munich on the ropes for a good chunk of that half. Things only changed when Alphonso Davies started dribbling into midfield, disrupting Niko Kovac’s carefully choreographed defensive shape. This allowed the space for Musiala and Muller to wreak havoc.
- Early on, it seemed that the Wolves were targeting Benjamin Pavard down the flank. Maybe that’s why Nagelsmann chose to move Phonzie the way he did, because the Canadian wasn’t getting much action out wide.
- Sadio Mane could stand to be offside a bit less often. Still good from him so far though.
Halftime: Bayern lead 2-0.
43’ — GOAL! Thomas Muller makes it 2-0! 80% of the credit goes to Davies.
33’ — GOAL! Jamal Messiala makes it 1-0! WHAT. A. GOAL.
20’— Boo, Sadio Mane’s beautiful finish from an amazing team play is ruled offside.
Kickoff: We’re underway!
One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Julian Nagelsmann wasn’t lying when he said he wouldn’t change his XI, because Bayern Munich have lined up in the exact same way as last week for the opener. Sadio Mane makes his home debut in front of the Allianz Arena, with him and Serge Gnabry forming the strike pairing up top. Should be a good game.
Unsere für das erste Heimspiel der Saison!
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) August 14, 2022
#FCBWOB #packmas #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/5nYl309jPC
On the first day of the Bundesliga season, Bayern Munich faced a former Wolfsburg coach in charge of Eintracht Frankfurt, and beat them 6-1. Now on the second matchday, Bayern face a former Frankfurt coach in charge of Wolfsburg. Will the score be reversed too? It better not be, or we’ll be in for a bad time.
Julian Nagelsmann says he will make zero changes for this game. Why should he? His team has been playing some scintillating football. The offense has been a wrecking ball so far, with Jamal Musiala claiming most of the plaudits, but Thomas Muller, Sadio Mane, and Serge Gnabry all making their presence known. Marcel Sabitzer seems to have rediscovered some form, and is beginning to make a partnership with Joshua Kimmich. Even the defense looks somewhat rehabilitated, with Dayot Upamecano being the standout performer so far.
Of course, by effectively announcing the lineup early, Nagelsmann gives Niko Kovac time to make a plan. Will that plan work, or will the Wolves be rendered just another VW-branded speedbump for this Bayern juggernaut? We’ll have to wait and see.
It’s Bayern time.
While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or at this link.
Match Info
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Time: 5:30 pm local time, 11:30 am EST
TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country
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