It was a golden autumn week for Bayern, with three games played, three games won, 12 goals scored, none conceded. After their resounding 5-0 Bundesliga victory at Bochum and their extremely confident progression to the last 16 of the DFB Cup at Mainz (4-0), the Munich side left no stone unturned against Union Berlin on Saturday. The 3-0 home win saw Bayern consolidate their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table and also keep a third straight clean sheet.
Bayern impress against Union
The record champions once again impressed both in terms of play and commitment. Stats like 78 percent possession, an outstanding passing rate of 92 percent and 56 percent of tackles won underlined Munich's superiority. However, it was ultimately hard work for FCB in the 3-0 victory. “It wasn't an easy game for us. We knew that they were well organised and compact and that they counter-attack well. There were a few moments in the first half where we had to be careful,” explained Harry Kane after the final whistle. In particular, the visitors showed their qualities in the 33rd minute, but Manuel Neuer demonstrated his own skills to deny Jordan Siebatcheu and prevent Berlin from equalising.
Bayern had previously taken the lead through a Kane penalty. Kingsley Coman's wonderfully taken goal two minutes before the break gave FCB even more confidence in their play. Six minutes after the break, Kane finally sealed the deal with his second goal of the day. “In the second half, we did it like a top team, scored another goal and didn't let anything get in the way,” summarised board member for sport Max Eberl. Head coach Vincent Kompany had a similar view: “I'm happy with the performance in the second half because we didn't lose our momentum”.
Aznou makes senior debut
In addition to the home win, there was another cause for celebration for Bayern in the 80th minute as youngster Adam Aznou made his professional debut, with the 18-year-old full-back coming on for birthday boy Alphonso Davies. “I'm very happy and proud. Bayern are one of the best teams in the world. I have to be patient, keep working and keep pushing,” said the debutant. “We are very happy and hold Adam in very high regard. He's an extremely talented player and has incredible potential. We're delighted that he's arrived at professional level and has now played his first game. Hopefully there will be many more to come,” said Eberl about Aznou.
After the seventh league win of the current season, the board member for sport also drew a satisfactory interim conclusion: “Domestically, we've done our job very well, and that's our main focus, that we get back the title we lost. We've made a statement in the first nine games.”
Going into the next important week with momentum
The aim now is to take the momentum of the extremely convincing performances of late into yet another busy week. On Wednesday, Bayern host Benfica on Champions League Matchday 4. After two recent defeats in Europe at Aston Villa (1-0) and Barcelona (4-1), three points against the Portuguese side are essential if they are to move up the table again.
“We're under pressure against Benfica in the Champions League after the two defeats away from home. On the other hand, we have our fans at the Allianz Arena behind us. We've already shown here that we can develop even more strength and energy. We want to win the game,” said Eberl, setting the tone. “Benfica have developed very strongly again since the change of coach. We will fight, want to play our football and win,” said Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha, looking ahead to the clash with his compatriots.
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