Thunderous applause resounded from the Bayern block. It was an atmospheric end to a successful cup evening at the Preußenstadion. The 4-0 win against the third-division team Preußen Münster in the first round of the DFB Cup on Tuesday was not only deserved by FC Bayern, but also quite remarkable.
Much had already been written and discussed about Bayern’s injury-stricken squad. Among others, Minjae Kim, Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt, three centre-backs, were missing. Harry Kane was kept on the bench for the whole game as well as Leroy Sané to a large extent. And then Serge Gnabry suffered a fractured forearm in the first few minutes of the game.
A number of new roles
But coach Thomas Tuchel's team rose to the occasion – and mastered it with flying colours. "Superior was the keyword of the game," emphasised Leon Goretzka.
The midfielder had to slip into an unfamiliar role as a centre-back, alongside Noussair Mazraoui, otherwise a full-back by trade. Noussair Mazraoui. Between the sticks, debutant Daniel Peretz kept a clean sheet after a full 90 minutes and stoppage time. "I think a performance like today's helps us. We're on the right track and the focus is there, but there's still plenty of room for improvement," Goretzka added.
The Bavarians played decisively and with great concentration, especially in front of goal. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (9’), Konrad Laimer (40’), Frans Krätzig (45+5’) with his first professional goal and Mathys Tel (86’) ensured a decisive outcome with their goals, making sure that the opponent never stood a chance.
Clever passing overwhelms Münster
FC Bayern dominated the game by playing seriously and with great commitment – passing quickly and accurately and with pace on the wings. With clever balls penetrating the opposition’s defence, FCB repeatedly put Münster in a predicament, so much so that their morale had already dropped considerably by the time the second half came around.
Despite their "extraordinary personnel situation", Tuchel was fundamentally pleased with his team's performance: "We were strong in the tackle and didn't allow them to hit us on the counter. Leon Goretzka and Noussair Mazraoui in particular did really well in an unfamiliar position. It was a little more disjointed in the second half because of the substitutions, but I'm happy overall," he praised.
Team mentality and individual quality – these two qualities have distinguished FC Bayern so far this season and motivate them for the near future.
Important weeks ahead
A quick glance at the match schedule is enough to see that important weeks are now ahead of the squad. Already on Saturday, a real cracker awaits us with the away game at RB Leipzig.
One thing is clear after Tuesday evening. It doesn't matter what obstacles stand in the way of our FCB. Coach and players are certainly ready to give their best when faced with any situation.
The Bayern fans who travelled to Münster – as well as the many thousands watching on TV from home – have certainly recognised that.
The reaction to the away win against Münster:
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