What a game…
Bayern Munich drew 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund in a game that saw moments of brilliance and embarrassment alike. Max Beier put Dortmund ahead at the start of the second half, only for Bayern to gain the advantage through two quick goals by Raphaël Guerreiro and an absolute beauty by Serge Gnabry, Unfortunately, Waldemar Anton soon levelled the score as the game ended all square and Bayern missed a golden opportunity to go 8 points clear of reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen atop the table. Here are some observations from the game.
Thomas Müller is still pulling the strings
In his last Der Klassiker, Thomas Müller stepped onto the pitch as captain in what was truly a full circle moment. This was the very fixture where his journey began, the team he scored his first league goal against. Naturally, the expectations were the same as they’ve been throughout his career. And naturally, he delivered.
The first half saw an energy-filled performance from Bayern with Müller as the conductor. He brought chaos to the attack and seemed completely undefendable at times while creating a flurry of remarkable chances with clinical awareness and rapid thinking: all traits that have become trademark Müller.
He created 5 chances, assisted the equalizer, and was a driving force behind the team’s attack throughout the game. Yes, his last few minutes weren’t his best. But there is no better way to leave the pitch after your last Klassiker. Flashes of prime Müller came through tonight, and he is making Bayern regret their decision every waking moment.
Joshua Kimmich is a right-back
Despite starting off slow, Kimmich slowly picked up pace during the game. But what was most notable about his performance today was where he played. He often overlapped with Konrad Laimer as he moved into the right-half spaces quite naturally. By moving into these spaces on the right and surging to the edge of the box going forward, Kimmich was able to enter those spaces that allowed him to effectively create the chances he creates best.
While he didn’t take full advantage of that tonight, it goes to show yet again that if Kimmich is to do what he does best without slowing down play or becoming a potential defensive liability, playing in the spaces he did today with Olise ahead and Laimer behind him is the way forward. This in turned caused that Dortmund’s major attacking outlet was on the left in the second half: an added body occupying spaces on the flank shut down a key attacking outlet.
Harry Kane continues to disappoint
Kane had another disastrous showing tonight, missing several scorable chances. There is not much to express except constant disappointment: it is deeply frustrating to watch the team’s supposed goalscorer fail to do his job time and time again. His only highlight came from the ball he played to Olise at the 40-minute mark, which Olise squandered instead of making an open pass. Onto Olise: it reflects a wider issue concerning his final product. Olise is extremely capable of chance creation, but his final decision-making has taken a hit recently. Bayern need better if they expect to advance against Inter Milan.
Some more thoughts on the attack and defense
Serge Gnabry was the game changer for Bayern, where he showed glimpses of an old version of himself that was thought to be long gone. His burst of speed, control, and devastating shot on the second goal was truly class. Josip Stanišić had what was arguably one of the best games of his career, and it is a shame that he didn’t score that header. He fit in perfectly at left-back and picked up a well-deserved assist.
Leon Goretzka had a fairly forgettable game, with a strong tackle outside the Bayern box being the highlight. Leroy Sané was active going forward but not very impactful. Kim min-jae had an embarrassing howler of a game, and Bayern Munich’s backline is cracking with every passing day. Jonas Urbig, too, could have done more to save the first goal — but it was a defensive disaster all around.
Bayern will need more than this as they travel away to San Siro midweek with hopes of staging a comeback against Inter to qualify for the Champions League semifinals. What did you think of the game? Do you agree with the observations? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
