Technically Deutscher-Fußballmeister?
Bayern Munich shared the spoils with RB Leipzig after a cracking game, which saw Bayern go 2-0 down thanks to goals from Benjamin Šeško and Lukas Klostermann in the first half. The second half saw a rejuvenated Bayern draw level with two successive goals courtesy of Eric Dier and Michael Olise. Bayern seemed to have wrapped the title up after a comet of a shot from Leroy Sané put them ahead in the most incredible fashion, only for Leipzig’s Yussuf Pouslen to level the score and spoil the party. Here are some observations from that rollercoaster of a game.
The feeble first half
Regardless of the end result, the first half saw a disgraceful performance from Bayern, and it is only fair to discuss it. Tactically, Bayern seemed like they had no plan for the game. The first Leipzig goal was embarrassing to watch as fans, and put on full display a mortifying error from Jonas Urbig, worsened by a complete lack of communication amongst the defence. The goal set the tone for the half and made exceedingly clear Bayern’s inability to defend against quick counterattacks. Sacha Boey specifically seemed ridiculously out of place every time.
The midfield pivot was unable to defend at all, offered too much space to the Leipzig players, and allowed far too many through balls to seep past them. The attack was no better. It was ill-positioned, too slow, and failed to make anything of the very few chances it managed to create. The constant backpasses evidenced the lack of a desire to win the game. The first half showcased sheer complacency all around, and despite not being Bayern’s “A-team”, they still should be doing far better. Almost everyone had a detestable first half, except Konrad Laimer.
Resurgence, rebirth, and comeback
The second half brought with it a stark change in the pace of the game. Bayern seemed far more confident, direct, and promising. It certainly helped VK that some of the first half’s greatest underperformers were seemingly reborn in the second half, namely Michael Olise and Leroy Sané. Olise, despite the numerous goal contributions the past few weeks, has seen a shaky spell by his own standards, and the first half furthered that sentiment, while the second half put it completely to rest. Sané’s almost title-clinching goal had him reclaim his own story this game, continuing his hot run of form as an extension announcement lurks around the corner.
The second half was far more fun to watch, with a better quality of football from the Rekordmeister. Bayern’s direct approach and willingness to take chances again show that the fluff around the box is often pointless and needs to be eradicated from their game. It is also worth noting that Dier’s powerful header came from a non-Kimmich corner, but that’s a separate conversation to be had.
A more detailed note on the system and players
Kompany set Bayern in an interesting manner from the get-go, with a lineup nerfed by injuries and absences. Regardless, the system placed key focus on the flanks sustained by the fullbacks; however, the first half saw neither winger use width effectively or close down the box in the final third. The constant search for a golden chance saw Bayern forgo many silver chances, the very ones they scored from in the second half.
Yes, I know I said it already, but Olise had a diabolical performance, which thankfully he more than made up for with his assist to Dier and an equalizer right after. He becomes the first player to hit double digits for both goals and assists this season, establishing a standard of excellence that Bayern needs from all its wingers. Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman both had unremarkable games, which has become second nature for both. Coman, in particular, missed a big chance to put Bayern ahead, squandering it in remarkable fashion.
The midfield too picked up pace in the second half, was able to maintain possession more comfortably, and started vertical attacks. The newfound resistance to simple counters helped close the running tap of Leipzig opportunities. Joshua Kimmich had a quiet first half but did much better in the second, notably for his incredibly quick and well-executed flick to Sané for Bayern’s third.
(Un)fortunate for Harry Kane
Kane went through the entire roller coaster of emotions alongside fans, preparing to lift his first-ever trophy. He seemed ready to rush onto the pitch in celebration as the match was seconds away from its end, only to be denied in the cruelest of fashions (as he often has been throughout his career). No worries: he will be able to seal the deal while on the pitch himself at the Allianz Arena. Maybe it’s not so bad after all.
Alphonso Davies is all of us
Davies held another live watchalong on his Twitch channel, and his reactions truly encapsulated all the fans’ emotions over the 90 minutes. In the end, it was some truly entertaining football on display, despite everything. Davies was deeply entertained in all his passion: fans would love more watchalongs as long as Phonzy is out of action. That was a fun outing in Leipzig, but Bayern have a Meisterschale to etch their name into once again. Till next time!
What did you think of the observations? Do you agree? Disagree? What did you think of the game? Tell us everything in the comments below!
