SC Freiburg 0-1 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

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1 February 2024, 23:15 yayınlandı

Initial reactions and observations

This game was a WAR. Bayern Munich gave it their all and honestly it could have finished 6-2 (with Freiburg getting the two — thank the post and Sommer). The finishing is a huge concern but at least the game management was decent.
You could see what this win meant to the players. The 1-0 instantly lifted Bayern’s play. Things got sharper when the team was given that lifeline to cling to. That tells you where the squad was mentally in this game, and how much it can affect things on the pitch.
Matthijs de Ligt is that guy. You know I mean. He’s him.
Sadio Mane has physically regressed to a point where he’s almost useless on the pitch sometimes. It hurts to watch.
Ryan Gravenberch looked sharp in his cameo. Hopefully he and Mazraoui get more minutes in the remainder of this season.

Looking for more thoughts on Bayern Munich’s 1-0 victory over SC Freiburg, including Thomas Tuchel’s troubles, the lack of precision in the attack, some praise for Matthijs de Ligt, and the near BRAWL? Check out our postgame podcast on Spotify or below:

Full time: Kimmich is involved in a fight with some Freiburg players and staff. The stream cut off before we could see more. Damn it.

70’ — HUGE save by Sommer keeps Bayern 1-0 up.

55’ — I’m sorry but what is that decision? Siebert denies a penalty even after VAR told him to go and check. Holer was on the ground and handled the ball. Since when is that not a handball?

51’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Matthijs de Ligt scored a SCREAMER! What a shot! Incredible. Catch a replay ASAP.

45’ — The second half is underway.

Halftime observations and analysis

This is looking like it’s going to be a draw at best from Bayern Munich. Freiburg’s goal seems shut down tight. There have been chances but they’ve either all been saved by Flekken or stopped by a defender.
What happened to the corners? Far too few of them from Bayern today.
Jamal Musiala has been getting the ball taken off his feet way too easily today.
Almost no impact from Thomas Muller today. It’s rough out there.
The best chances have come down the left. Maybe Coman should come on at HT?

Halftime: SC Freiburg 0-0 Bayern Munich.

18’ — Huge chance by Sadio Mane goes wide after a 1v1 with the keeper.

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Thomas Tuchel has unexpectedly revived the 4-2-2-2 from the Nagelsmann era, with Serge Gnabry and Sadio Mane starting as strikers for Bayern Munich. Joao Cancelo starts over Noussiar Mazraoui at right-back, while Alphonso Davies returns to the lineup.

After the bitter loss in midweek, Bayern Munich will need to pick themselves up quickly to keep from letting a hard-earned lead in the Bundesliga from slipping away.

Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against Thomas Tuchel and his men. Freiburg, bouyed by their first-ever win in Munich, will look to use the full force of their home turf advantage to win the double over the Bavarians. Meanwhile, Bayern will be without a striker — both Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Mathys Tel are out injured — and a key defender in Dayot Upamecano. This means Benjamin Pavard will have to slide into the center-back position, while Thomas Muller may have to pair up with either Serge Gnabry or Sadio Mane up top.

It’s an incredibly difficult situation for the club, and will be a true test of what this group of players can do when their backs are against the wall. Will it be another humiliation? Or will we see a response?

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our Weekend Warm-up podcast! In this episode, Chuck tackles the aftermath of the last Freiburg game, the bad optics of starting Joao Cancelo, and more! Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Europa Park Stadion, Freiburg, Germany

Time: 3:30 pm local time, 9:30 am EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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