FC Bayern Munich – Union Berlin: 1:0 (0:0)
After a slow start, FC Bayern managed an arduous victory in the catch-up game against Union Berlin. By winning 1-0 (0-0) against the relegation candidates, the Munich team reduced the gap to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen to four points.
However, coach Thomas Tuchel’s team was once again a long way from a football that would give Bayern fans hope of a masterful comeback. With his goal, Raphael Guerreiro (46th minute) at least ensured that Tuchel did not find himself in extreme need of explanation.
Unlike Werder in their 1-0 win in Munich three days earlier, the Iron Men didn’t make any progress for a long time. Jerome Roussillon almost scored the equalizer out of nowhere, but was denied by national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. In the guests’ only strong offensive scene, the Köpenick bench loudly complained about what they believed to be a penalty-worthy foul by Konrad Laimer on striker Kevin Behrens (72′). Coach Nenad Bjelica didn’t calm down after that and was shown red two minutes later after a scuffle with national player Leroy Sané. Sané got away with yellow.
Bayern briefly succeeded again after Guerreiro’s goal
Overall, Bayern’s performance remained sluggish in the first half and lacked a convincing attack. Things were different after the break, at least for a short time. Just 30 seconds after the restart, Harry Kane’s powerful shot hit the post. Guerreiro scored his second Bayern goal as he followed up.
After Guerreiro’s goal, Munich tried to make it 2-0. However, Harry Kane was denied the sole record as the best goalscorer in a Bundesliga first half of the season (55th). Leroy Sané was offside for Kane’s supposed 23rd goal of the season. After that, the Munich team only managed a little forward.
Union’s Kevin Volland has to be substituted in the first half
Overall, Bayern didn’t know what to do with their possession until the final whistle. The best chance for a long time came from a corner in the early stages, when Matthijs de Ligt’s header and Dayot Upamecano’s follow-up shot were denied by the brilliantly parrying Union keeper Frederik Rönnow (6′).
Bitter for the Berliners: After a collision with Upamecano, Kevin Volland had to leave after 26 minutes with dizziness. Upamecano, on the other hand, had to be substituted at halftime. He made a solid debut with FC Bayern winter signing Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur). He didn’t have much to do – like Neuer, who at times kept warm with gymnastics exercises far in front of his goal.
After a slow start, FC Bayern managed an arduous victory in the catch-up game against Union Berlin. By winning 1-0 (0-0) against the relegation candidates, the Munich team reduced the gap to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen to four points.
However, coach Thomas Tuchel’s team was once again a long way from a football that would give Bayern fans hope of a masterful comeback. With his goal, Raphael Guerreiro (46th minute) at least ensured that Tuchel did not find himself in extreme need of explanation.
