Bayern Munich 2-0 Hertha Berlin: Initial reactions and observations
Bayern Munich took their lifeline in the league.
Initial reactions and observations
- Well that was uncomfortable. Bayern Munich did end up winning the game 2-0, but the scoreline hides the fact that, for almost 70 minutes, Hertha Berlin were giving the Bavarians a serious scare. The attack, normally rather toothless, managed to create chances today — it was a matter of finishing that held the team up.
- The Allianz Arena booing the team at halftime today … you can be sure the bosses took note of that.
- With Leon Goretzka suspended, will Thomas Tuchel give Gravenberch a chance next weekend? Doesn’t seem likely.
- Noussair Mazraoui had a great performance in his first start at RB since his illness. You could see the change on Bayern’s right flank with him present.
- Joshua Kimmich gave Bayern the defense splitting passes when the team was stuck playing in a boring U-shape. He’s so good at doing that, it’s just a matter of putting the team in positions where they can capitalize from it.
Full time: Bayern Munich 2-0 Hertha Berlin.
75′ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Coman makes it 2-0!
68′ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Gnabry makes it 1-0!
60’ — Sub: Tuchel finally brings on Thomas Muller. Ryan Gravenberch is also on. Musiala and Mane off.
45’ — Sub: Leroy Sane comes on at half time. Let’s see if he can do something. Goretzka goes off.
Halftime: Bayern Munich have failed to score. The Allianz Arena whistled the team as they went off. Not great, to be honest.
27’ — Gnabry makes a scrumptious pass to Coman who was through on goal and brought down in the box … and no penalty! What is the ref doing?
Kickoff: We’re underway!
One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Bayern Munich lines up in a 4-2-3-1 with Thomas Muller being benched for Jamal Musiala. Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman start on the wings while Serge Gnabry seems to be at striker. Noussair Mazraoui starts at right-back while Leon Goretzka starts next to Joshua Kimmich in midfield.
With the lead at the top sitting at just two points, Borussia Dortmund are at risk of being overtaken by Bayern Munich once again. Europe’s most exciting title race continues as both of the “best” teams in the Bundesliga look out outdo each other in bottling every week.
Thomas Tuchel has no striker. He has lost two of his main defenders. He’s got dissatisfied youngsters on the bench and angry fans in the stands. The only way this could get worse is if German authorities raided Bayern’s offices because of something to do with illicit Russian money (oh wait). Frankly, things are all going a bit loopy at the club right now. However, Hertha Berlin are an even bigger mess, and it’s up to Tuchel to bring home three points this week.
It’s Bayern time.
While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast! It leaves out a few injuries since it was recorded earlier in the week, but it’s still quite relevant. Listen to it below or on Spotify.
Match Info
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Time: 3:30 pm local time, 9:30 am EST
TV/streaming: beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!
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