Bayern Munich 2-2 VfB Stuttgart: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Third draw in a row for Bayern Munich. Most coaches would be under pressure after this, and Julian Nagelsmann is no exception. That Barcelona game in midweek is looking very dangerous right now.
• Matthijs de Ligt has a mistake in him and it surfaced today. The last minute conceded penalty was just begging to happen given his defending style.
• Serge Gnabry was ... oof. Let’s just say that he won’t be starting against Barca if everyone else is fit.
• Some positives: Mathys Tel and Noussair Mazraoui had great starts, they seem like they can do a job this season.
• Bayern’s lack of game management in the final minutes is really concerning. Finding a way to close out the game should be at the top of the list of priorities.

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Full time: Bayern draw 2-2.

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90’+1’ — Penalty to Stuttgart! AND it’s 2-2.

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87’ — Bayern are hanging on here, desperately trying to run down the clock.

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80’ — Subs: Musiala and Gnabry off for Mane and Gravenberch. Musiala took a serious knock just seconds before.

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59’ — GOAL! Musiala makes it 2-1! Amazing movement and goal.

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57’ — Goal. Stuttgart make it 1-1 thanks to a goal from Fuhrich.

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51’ — Stuttgart gets a goal but it’s ruled out due to a foul on Kimmich in the buildup.

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• Bayern Munich have not created enough this half. 0.6 xG in 45 minutes vs Stuttgart is very poor.
• Mathys Tel has quite a finish on him. He could’ve had a goal earlier in the half, but Florian Muller miraculously saved it. His second chance resulted in Bayern’s only goal of the game. The youngster is showing some serious quality in terms of his work and movement in the final third.
• Noussair Mazraoui is having his best game in a Bayern shirt so far.
• Matthijs de Ligt was solid apart from two missed headers late in the half.
• Jamal Musiala could use some support to keep him from getting crowded out by Stuttgart.

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Halftime: Bayern Munich lead 1-0.

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36’ — GOOOOOOAL! Mathys Tel makes it 1-0! Youngest ever goal scorer for Bayern.

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29’ — SO CLOSE! Mathys Tel almost scored from a cross by Mazraoui, and the follow up was saved as well.

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Kickoff: We’re underway at the Allianz Arena!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Julian Nagelsmann stayed true to his word and has opted to heavily rotate his Bayern Munich side. Thomas Muller still starts, though.

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So let’s get this straight. Stuttgart have drawn four out of their last five games, winning none. Bayern Munich have just beaten Inter Milan in the Champions League, without breaking a sweat. Julian Nagelsmann wants to rotate the squad so the team can be ready for Barcelona on Tuesday. Kingsley Coman is injured. Other players need rest. Put it all together and what do you get?

A classic banana peel game.

Drawing two matchdays in a row is generally the time when coaches at Bayern Munich start to get a little hot under the collar. This hasn’t happened this season, mostly because Julian Nagelsmann has done a fine job so far. However, he needs to get the club back to winning ways, or doubts will be raised about the direction of the team. And he has to do it while resting the likes of Leroy Sane, Sadio Mane, possibly Alphonso Davies, Matthijs de Ligt, and more. It’ll be a hard balance to keep. Let’s see how he does.

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: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

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

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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