Dhe Bayern players presented themselves in World Cup form at FC Schalke 04 and consolidated their lead in the table. Led by the outstanding German national player Jamal Musiala, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team deservedly defeated the bottom of the league 2-0 (1-0) on Saturday. In front of 62,271 spectators in Gelsenkirchen, Munich’s attacking artists showed all their skills – even if there was no victory this time. Serge Gnabry in the 38th minute and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (52nd) scored for FC Bayern against Schalke, who fought bravely but were mostly harmless up front.
It was the tenth competitive win in a row for the front runner. At least until Sunday, the lead over second place is six points. Schalke, on the other hand, is already five points behind the relegation place. As expected, Bayern took command from the start. Coach Nagelsmann’s team let the ball run well through their own ranks, but initially couldn’t get through against the well-organized Schalke defense. The hosts compensated for footballing disadvantages with a lot of commitment and compactness in the game against the ball.
Nagelsmann had chosen an offensive line-up. Right-back Noussair Mazraoui, ruled out of the starting XI with a hamstring problem, was replaced in defense by midfielder Joshua Kimmich. Of the seven German World Cup participants, only the ailing Thomas Müller was absent, as announced.
Playful Musiala
Bayern showed the better game, but Schalke had the first really good chance. Marius Bülter rushed Kimmich on the flank, moved to the middle, but failed from an acute angle at national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (24th). On the other side, Tom Krauss cleared a Gnabry header just before the line. The pressure from Bayern now increased. Choupo-Moting was unlucky when he headed off the post. A co-production of two German World Cup drivers gave Bayern the lead: Musiala, who was again very enthusiastic about playing, put his heel down in the penalty area, and Gnabry shot in to make it 1-0.
And Bayern followed suit. There was nothing to be seen of a possible gentle pace before the World Cup. Choupo-Moting completed a textbook counterattack to make it 2-0 – again Musiala had prepared well.
Schalke didn’t give up. There was no denying the will and commitment of the team coached by Thomas Reis. But that wasn’t enough to seriously endanger the sovereign Bavaria again. Gnabry missed it clearly in front of Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow to make the victory even higher. A goal by Musiala was disallowed for offside.
For the players traveling to the World Cup, it’s now virtually non-stop. National coach Hansi Flick is already gathering his squad for Qatar in Frankfurt this Sunday. The FC Bayern players should appear in a good mood.