Persevering together: Trophy hunger remains unbroken

FC Bayern currently have good reason to be concerned about their personnel situation. Jamal Musiala had to be substituted in the 3-1 away win against FC Augsburg on Friday evening. It remains to be seen whether and for how long the 22-year-old will be out – more detailed examinations are still pending.

But what could be seen on the faces of the players and coach Vincent Kompany after the final whistle was not lamentation, but defiance. And above all: determination.

The first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena is on Tuesday. The injury list is long, but the hunger for the title remains unbroken.

Team stands shoulder to shoulder

"I'm not moaning about the situation. We have confidence in each other and will solve this with the squad. We need all the players who are available," emphasised Kompany.

Against Augsburg, it was already clear how close-knit the team is. Josip Stanišić, for example, performed excellently on the left flank, an unfamiliar position for him – further proof of the flexibility in the squad. Fundamentally, everyone helped each other.

The mentality going into the difficult away game in Augsburg, who are after all the third best team in the Bundesliga in the second half of the season, was 100 percent right. Going behind through Dimitris Giannoulis (30’) did not rattle anyone in Bayern’s ranks. The visitors remained focussed, played to their strengths – and turned the game around.

Trailing was not a major setback

"We did a good job. After going 1-0 down, we controlled the game even better, were patient and luckily scored the equaliser before the break. We didn't really let anything get past us in the second half," analysed captain Joshua Kimmich.

Musiala equalised (42'), Harry Kane gave FCB the lead (60') and the 3-1 was scored in stoppage time with an own goal by Chrislain Matsima – following a shot from Leroy Sané (90’+3).

What was also apparent: Sané is in excellent form, Michael Olise continues to revitalise the attacking play, and Kane remains as accurate as ever. Set pieces such as corners and free-kicks are dangerous and chances are created almost by the minute. In the end, 19-6 shots on goal and 49-13 key touches in the opponent's penalty area against the defensively strong Augsburg team are figures that give courage for the tasks that lie ahead.

Every player is needed

There’s no point complaining. We have to accept the situation – just as the team did in Augsburg. With Kane, Thomas Müller and Kimmich, there are enough experienced leaders to carry the team against Inter. "Everyone realises now that they are needed. Everyone gets their chance and has to stay hungry and ready," emphasised Kimmich.

In the coming days, the forthcoming opponents will be analysed in detail and preparations are in full swing. The support from the stands will also play an important role. History has often shown how electrifying the atmosphere in the Allianz Arena can be during knockout matches in Europe’s elite club competition.

As a teaser, the travelling fans presented a poster with a clear message during the collective final cheer: the Champions League trophy – and next to it the date of the final, 31 May 2025.

“Our goal is still to win everything,” said Kompany – and looked resolutely to the future. The direction is clear. Now it’s crunch time.

Pack ma’s!

The reaction to the game away at FC Augsburg: