Joshua Kimmich was in raptures after the final whistle. He and his team-mates had just taken a giant stride towards the title, beating Borussia Dortmund 1-0 in Tuesday evening's Bundesliga top match. The Bavarians extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points, with six matches to go.
"It was a relatively spontaneous decision. I didn't really see it, but it had been pointed out before the match that Bürki is a bit off his line from time to time," Kimmich said, commenting on the decisive moment at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park. The 25-year-old's sumptuous chip from 20 yards beat goalkeeper Roman Bürki shortly before half-time. "It was surely one of my best goals and, more importantly, a crucial one."
Flick: He always gives 100 percent
Thomas Müller commented on the wonder goal in his own way. During Kimmich's interview he shouted: "Joshua, man, that was quite a golazo! He showed today early on that he was full of energy!" Bayern coach Hansi Flick added to this; "He can use his qualities in defensive midfield. He can let his qualities speak on the pitch. He's developed really well, he always gives 100 percent. It's just wonderful." Even his opponents paid respect: "Sometimes brilliant moments decide these matches, like Kimmich's opener," said Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels.
Legwork, touches, passes: top numbers
But Kimmich did not only shine with his goal. He had 109 touches, more than any other FCB man, and he was the lynchpin in Bayern's build-up play. Besides, Kimmich set a new best this term when he racked up 13.7 kilometres on Tuesday.
Kimmich: A nice cushion
Bayern have taken a big step towards the eighth straight championship title, in no small part due to Kimmich's outstanding performance. "We now have a nice cushion over Dortmund. It was extremely important. But we must build on it in the next few matches," said Kimmich, turning his focus to the remaining six matches.
The match report:
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