Initial reactions and observations
- It was a solid performance from Bayern Munich to win this game versus Mainz. The team played with an intensity and sharpness that we’ve not seen yet since the turn of the year. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a big run.
- Joao Cancelo took zero time to settle in with Bayern. Can’t believe Brazzo got this guy from Manchester City for literally NO loan fee, only a salary. This could change the course of the season.
- Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller work so well together, and this game proves it. Just look at all their linkups! Keep them together and let the magic happen.
- Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is very good at converting chances with consistent service. He may not necessarily be elite, but if you supply him properly he WILL score, as Cancelo showed today.
- Second-half syndrome hit Bayern again today. Becoming a pattern now? One for Nagelsmann to think about.
86’ — Red card! Number two for Mainz, Alexander Hack sent off.
83’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Alphonso Davies makes it 4-0!
81’ — Red card! Bo Svensson is sent off!
72’ — Ryan Gravenberch limps off the pitch after going down holding his knee.
70’ — Subs: Joao Cancelo and Leroy Sane come off for Alphonso Davies and Leon Goretzka.
64’ — Subs: Thomas Muller and Dayot Upamecano come off for Daley Blind and Ryan Gravenberch.
45’ — Second half kicks off!
Halftime: Bayern Munich lead 3-0. But did we just see Jamal Musiala limp off at half time?
44’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Leroy Sane slots it home! Great play by Choupo-Moting.
30’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Jamal Musiala is back on the scoresheet! Muller assist!
17’ — GOOOOOOOOOOAL! Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting makes it 1-0, but the credit for the assist goes to Joao Cancelo for a scrumptious cross from the wing.
Kickoff: We’re underway!
One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! In a huge surprise, Joao Cancelo starts as Julian Nagelsmann seeks to end the string of draws that has plagued Bayern Munich recently. In fact, shockingly, he’s benched Alphonso Davies! Will the former Manchester City man slot seamlessly into his new role, or will it be a trial by fire in a must-win game? We’ll have to wait an find out. Meanwhile, here’s the rest of the XI.
The DFB Pokal 3rd round is merely a memory at this point, passed down in ancient tales told by Bayern Munich fans from an eon ago. Few remember the lofty heights of the semi-finals, once said to be the bare minimum for a club of this stature. Those were the good old days.
Julian Nagelsmann has been backed in the transfer window. Now, it’s time for him to win some trophies. Bayern have been in abysmal form since the start of 2023, but there is some hope over the horizon.
With the addition of Joao Cancelo, Bayern have some much needed additional firepower on the flanks. He might not be able to start today, but he can surely be an option from the bench if the match goes badly. Leroy Sane scored against Eintracht on the weekend and seems to be in good form, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Muller showed the makings of a solid partnership in the center. There are a lot of good pieces in this team, it’s just up to the coach to harness it.
It’s Bayern time.
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Match Info
Location: Mewa Arena, Mainz, Germany
Time: 9:45 pm local time, 2:45 pm EST
TV/streaming: DFB Play, Find Your Country
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