BAYERN HAVE WON AGAINST GLADBACH!
Initial reactions and observations
- BAYERN MUNICH ACTUALLY WON AT THE BORUSSIA PARK. This is a momentous occasion. Thomas Tuchel gets a beer for this.
- For all the hype of Thomas Muller and Harry Kane starting together for the first time, neither got any chances to influence the game in this setup. There’s something fundamentally wrong with the attacking setup which is hard to pin down but makes every game feel like a slog.
- Kingsley Coman really had one of those games. His substitution for Serge Gnabry rejuvenated the left hand side and made it possible for Bayern to threaten much more consistently.
- Konrad Laimer on for Noussair Mazraoui was an inspired substitution, he instantly brought a great deal of attacking impetus down his flank. It’s interesting to see how Laimer could develop as a RB this season, given Bayern’s lack of alternatives.
- Mathys Tel shows that you don’t need to cost 100 million euros to have an impact on the game. This kid is destined for great things, hopefully he keeps getting chances.
- Aside from one or two nervy moments, Kim Min-Jae and Dayot Upamecano had Gladbach under their thumbs. Great game from the two of them.
Full time: Gladbach 1-2 Bayern Munich.
86’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Mathys Tel makes it 2-1!
58’ — GOOOOOOOOOAL! Leroy Sane makes it 1-1!
45’ — Sub: Laimer comes on for Mazraoui, who is on a yellow. The second half is live.
Halftime observations and analysis
- Well this is just a typical game between Bayern Munich and Gladbach. BMG go up 1-0 on a corner and then park the bus to keep it that way.
- Even with Thomas Muller on the pitch, Harry Kane remains completely bereft of chances. In fact the only offensive linkups we’ve seen on the pitch today were Muller passing to Leroy Sane, who had the team’s only chances to score. Thomas Tuchel’s attack is not good enough.
- Kinglsey Coman is having one of those games — if you want to criticize anyone then he’s your guy.
Halftime: Gladbach lead Bayern Munich 1-0.
38’ — Incredible save by the keeper to deny Leroy Sane, who hits the crossbar.
29’ — Goal. Ko Itakura makes it 1-0 from a corner.
Kickoff: We’re underway!
One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! In a shocking turn of events, Bayern Munich start with BOTH Thomas Muller and Harry Kane up top. Is Thomas Tuchel turning a corner, or does he see Gladbach as a legitimately huge threat? Either way, the rest of the lineup is as expected, with Serge Gnabry dropping to the bench. Let’s see what happens.
If anyone ever says that the Bundesliga is too easy for Bayern Munich, force them to watch this game.
It’s been years since Bayern last beat Borussia Monchengladbach in a competitive fixture. Under Julian Nagelsmann, the Bavarians were a free three points for the Foals — oddly for no discernable reason, as Gladbach weren’t playing particularly great football otherwise. Thomas Tuchel says it’s a mentality thing, but can he be the one to turn it around?
He’ll have to do it without any deadline day signings — Joao Palhinha, Armel Bella-Kotchap, and Trevoh Chalobah all fell through at the last minute. This puts the coach in the dreadful position of only having the likes of Harry Kane, Thomas Muller, Alphonso Davies, Leroy Sane, Kim Min-Jae … okay, let’s just say that talent isn’t an issue here. The question is whether the bogey team narrative is real and whether the team can overcome it.
It’s Bayern time.
While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.
Match Info
Location: Borussia Park, Gladbach, Germany
Time: 6:30 pm local time, 12:30 pm EST
TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country
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