Bayern Munich 2-0 Inter Milan: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

Great performance from Bayern Munich tonight. Players were rested and the ones that did play hardly had to come out of 2nd gear to comfortably handle whatever Inter Milan could throw at them. Job done by the lads, onto the Round of 16.
Ryan Gravenberch struggled to show his abilities playing in an advanced midfield role. He needs to be more central if he’s to have an impact.
Nagelsmann’s funky subs normally would’ve destabilized the game, but tonight Bayern kept chugging along. Good sign for the team’s game management.

Interested in more analysis of the game? Why not check out our postgame podcast? We discuss how Inter stacks up against the big boys of the Champions League and how Julian Nagelsmann’s Bayern has shown some swagger recently. Listen to it below or at on Spotify.

As always, we appreciate all the support!

Full time: Bayern Munich 2-0 Inter Milan.

72’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Choupo-Moting scores an absolute screamer! And he comes off for Tel.

63’ — Choupo-Moting scores a stylish bicycle kick but it was offside. Oh well.

45’ — The second half kicks off. Alphonso Davies comes on for Dayot Upamecano. That’s weird.

Halftime observations and analysis

This referee has been incredibly kind to Bayern Munich. Where is this guy during our league games? I think I’m in love.
Benjamin Pavardowski strikes again.
Dayot Upamecano looks dominant.
Marcel Sabitzer will miss the 1st leg of the Round of 16 with a yellow card suspension.
Bayern have mostly controlled the game though Inter have had their chances.

Halftime: Bayern Munich lead 1-0.

31’ — GOOOOOOAL! Benjamin Pavard makes it 1-0 to Bayern Munich from a corner!

26’ — Lautaro Martinez with a huge chance missed!

10’ — The referee goes to the sidelines and watches a replay. Sadio Mane clearly handled the ball in the box but the referee rules that it’s not a penalty for Inter Milan. Bayern Munich got away with that.

Kickoff: We’re underway at the Allianz Arena!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Unfortunately, Mathys Tel didn’t make the cut today, but Julian Nagelsmann has opted to rest Alphonso Davies for Bayern Munich. Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane start on either side of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting with Joshua Kimmich and Marcel Sabitzer in midfield. Honestly it’s a little disappointing — the coach could have rotated more.

How much effort do you put in when there’s nothing to play for? That’s the question facing Julian Nagelsmann in this game against Inter Milan. Bayern Munich have already qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League with a perfect record, and the outcome of this game will change nothing about each team’s respective position in the group.

So, what do you do? Do you still try to win?

Ha, what kind of question is that? Of course Bayern will try to win this game. Even if certain players are rested, Nageslmann has young hungry guys like Mathys Tel and Ryan Gravenberch on the bench whom he can complement with seniors like Kingsley Coman and Marcel Sabitzer who haven’t played recently. Even in the absence of Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Leroy Sane to injuries, and even with players like Matthijs de Ligt rested as a precatuion, this team has all the tools at its disposal to beat Inter Milan.

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our podcast? We talked about the injury issues Nageslmann has been having and his potential rotations for the game. Listen to it below or at this link.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 9:00 pm local time, 3:00 pm EST

TV/streaming: Paramount+, Find Your Country

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