For once, Joshua Kimmich didn't emit an emotional statement, a cry of joy or even raise a clenched fist on Sunday evening - at least not in his analysis of the game. After FC Bayern's impressive 5-1 (5-0) away win at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, he instead allowed a mischievous smile to cross his lips in the TV interviews.
Speedy, time and time again
"I wasn't surprised by the result, I thought we could do it," said the midfielder after the show of strength in the first Bundesliga game after the international break, before adding: "We always had a lot of players between the lines, especially behind the two sixes. That's how we kept injecting speed into the game."
With Robert Lewandowski's outstanding goal (4') putting the wind in Bayern's sails, FCB scored a flurry of first-half goals in an outstandingly ruthless frenzy. Lewy again scored (30'), before goals from Thomas Müller (34') and Serge Gnabry (35', 37'). Leverkusen, second in the table before the matchday, had been completely dismantled. The goal conceded in the second half, a Patrik Schick finish (55') - was merely an irritating consolation.
"It was really impressive in the first half. We had an incredible number of chances and excellent structure when we had the ball. We were always solid at the back when counter-attacking and definitely had chances to score a sixth, seventh or eighth. That was very, very strong," noted head coach Julian Nagelsmann. In the end, Bayern had 27 shots on goal to the home team's seven. Bayer changed tactics in the second half - but by then the game was already over.
Close to perfection
Excellent play in the 18-yard box in particular overwhelmed the opponents: with incredible speed and excellent spacial awareness, Bayern entered the final third time and time again. Counter-pressing was close to perfection and the result sent warning signals to title rivals, who should now have no doubt that Bayern mean business.
"When we have the chance, we want to make things straightforward. You don't plan for things like this, but we're glad it happened," said Nagelsmann, before Lewandowski added: "The result shows how we played football, we wanted to keep going forward." It was the desire for success that distinguishes this team from any other.
Focus now turns to the Champions League
With 19 points after eight games, FCB, with the best attack (29 scored) and best defence (8 conceded), remain top of the Bundesliga, with Borussia Dortmund just behind them on 18 points. First, however, the focus turns to Matchday 3 in the Champions League group phase. On Tuesday, Bayern leave for Lisbon, where they face Benfica on Wednesday (21:00 pm CEST). "We're looking forward to it," Nagelsmann said. All said with that mischievous grin of his.
Here's the reaction from the players and coaches:
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