Bayern's number 42 was ready for a dance. The way Jamal Musiala went past his opponents after 64 minutes during Bayern's 5-2 win away at Darmstadt was yet another one of those magical Musiala moments. Gliding into the centre from the half-right position, Musiala went past five opposition defenders before he scored to make it 3-1 with a left-footed shot. However, this highlight moment wasn't even close to being the only spectacular scene involving the 21-year-old on Saturday afternoon.
Musiala scores Bayern's first
After Darmstadt’s surprise lead, Bayern's nominal left winger, who was actually to be found all over the pitch, had brought the defending champions level following a moment of true willpower by Aleksandar Pavlović.
Dream pass to Gnabry
In the second half, Musiala produced a spectacular solo run before providing yet another standout moment on 74 minutes. The Germany international elegantly danced through Darmstadt's defence in typical style: snake-like movements combined with magnetic ball-handling skills, all the while with his head up and his eyes wide open on the look-out for teammates in better positions, despite his formidable finishing qualities. The result was a dream of a pass to Serge Gnabry who made no mistake to make it 4-1.
“Jamal makes the difference”
The man of the match even came close to scoring a hat-trick when he chipped the ball against the crossbar following a great pass by his friend Alphonso Davies. “Jamal is a player who makes the difference. He is so difficult to stop on the pitch,” said Manuel Neuer in praise of Musiala, while head coach Thomas Tuchel added: “Jamal has been deciding games in recent weeks. We were always happy with him. Now, he feels comfortable in his position and is fit. The automatic moves are coming easier to him, and that's why he is deciding games in our favour.”
„He's in great form right now. It's really fun to watch him play. He loves playing, is scoring and providing assists. He does incredible things on the pitch and is an extraordinary player.”
Christoph Freund, sporting director
Ending bad away streak
Following four competitive games without a win on opposition grounds, Bayern were able to celebrate three points in Darmstadt and their third win in succession. The statistics show that Musiala is simply outstanding at the moment, even in a very successful Bayern team. The youngster was involved in a goal for the fifth game in succession and has now contributed to at least three goals in two games running (two goals, one assist against Darmstadt).
Musiala's 10th Bundesliga goal of the season
“He's in great form right now. It's really fun to watch him play. He loves playing, is scoring and providing assists. He does incredible things on the pitch and is an extraordinary player,” said sporting director Christoph Freund, heaping praise on Musiala, who has now scored 10 goals in the Bundesliga this season. The outstanding technician has now already scored more goals in 11 games in 2024 (seven) than in his 29 Bundesliga games last year (six).
Kane's next records
Only one player in Bayern's squad exceeds Musiala’s goal contributions (11 – seven goals, four assists) in 2024. Of course, it's Harry Kane, who has chipped in with 12. The Englishman’s header to make it 2-1 against Darmstadt was his 31st goal in the league in 2023/24 and brought him two more records. Never before had a player scored so many goals in his first Bundesliga season, while it’s also a new personal best in a league campaign for him.
Praise from Darmstadt coach
And the 30-year-old is capable of more than simply scoring, as he demonstrated once more on Saturday afternoon. Kane contributed his seventh assist of the season to bring Bayern level. This time, it was his offensive partner Musiala who benefited from Kane's setup. Following the international break, everyone is expecting the youngster to keep dancing through the Bundesliga's penalty boxes, or as Darmstadt's coach Torsten Lieberknecht put it: “If you're not involved as an opponent, it's a real joy to watch the boy play. Germany can consider itself fortunate to have such a player.”
Kane had to go off injured after 82 minutes in Darmstadt:
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