Decisive double strike: The key to success behind the victory at Bremen

Bayern scored two goals within three minutes in Wednesday night’s cup match against Leipzig, and in Saturday’s Bundesliga match at Bremen, two goals within three minutes set Bayern on their way once again: Harry Kane converted a penalty (22’) and scored a sumptuous goal (25’) to hand Bayern a comfortable lead against a Werder side that was far from weak. Leon Goretzka rounded off the final 3-0 scoreline as the German record champions won their 16^th straight match at the Weserstadion. FC Bayern have now gone unbeaten in 20 Bundesliga matches on the road – Munich only boasted longer streaks from 1985 to 1987 (26 matches) and from 2012 to 2014 (33). 

Fighting spirit and commitment in frosty temperatures

Until the final whistle – closest pursuers Borussia Dortmund had reduced the gap to three points with their 4-0 victory over Mainz – the relegation-threatened home side started both halves with bold attacks and almost caught the visitors by surprise. There was little sign of 16^th place in the Bundesliga, a run of ten matches without victory, a change of coach and the Bundesliga’s third-weakest attack. Bremen tried to take the wind out of the favourites’ sails with fighting spirit and commitment, repeatedly creating danger in frosty temperatures in the north. “Football is about taking points, a good performance doesn’t help you,” commented Bremen captain and former FCB man Marco Friedl. Bremen failed to score and didn’t take a single shot in the first half.

Bayern increasingly asserted their authority and enjoyed almost 70 percent of the ball, but they struggled to pick up the pace after Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory over Leipzig as Bremen remained aggressive and disciplined at the back. It was only when Lennart Karl sidestepped two opponents before being upended by a third one that Harry Kane handed Bayern the lead from 12 yards, scoring his ninth goal from the penalty spot this Bundesliga campaign. Only Bayern legend Paul Breitner converted more penalties in 1980/81.

Lewandowski’s record equalled

Werder still showed no signs of falling apart when Kane made it two with an “exceptional” (Goretzka) shot from distance after Goretzka had intercepted the ball. It was the Englishman’s 26^th goal, the same number he had scored last season. The home side showed morale and put up a fight, whereas Munich’s goal-getter made history again. 26 goals after Matchday 22 mean he has equalled a Bundesliga record. Only Robert Lewandowski had scored as many goals after 22 matches in 2020/21 and 2021/22. “Our passing wasn’t so precise and we made a few slight mistakes,” analysed FCB sporting director Christoph Freund: “The penalty and Harry’s superb goal put us on the right track.” Kane scored his 500^th career goal when he made it two: what a milestone!

Bayern’s half-time lead was deserved, but they had only taken four shots – Munich had only taken fewer first-half shots in the Champions League match at Arsenal at the end of November (three) this season.

Bremen still didn’t ease off in the face of Munich’s dominance. Krüll’s header crashed off Jonas Urbig’s goal frame – Manuel Neuer had been replaced with a calf problem. “It was a precautionary measure, we didn’t want to take any risks, he has a slight muscle strain in his calf,” said Freund: “Jonas Urbig did a very good job again, his body language, the way he plays – he’s there for us whenever we need him.”

And his saves were vital – Krüll’s header marked the start of Bremen’s strongest phase on Saturday. Bayern struggled with stray passing and positional play, with the home side pouring forward. Bremen took three shots without reply until the hour mark, with Urbig making a crucial save when Schmid was through on goal.

Two creative players make the difference

Vincent Kompany brought on fresh legs – and two players with huge creative potential in Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies. In their first attacking move, they showed they alone can make the difference: Musiala teed up Davies, whose perceptive pass found Goretzka, who scored his first away goal in almost a year. Bayern’s third was the final blow and Bremen’s hopes were gone. Kimmich and Kane were subbed off so that four Munich men wore the armband on Saturday: Neuer, Kimmich, Kane and Jonathan Tah.

Luis Díaz made his tenth assist in his 21^st match when he set up Kane’s second goal – only Michael Olise, who served a one-match ban, has provided more (12). Díaz made as many assists in his 73 Premier League matches for Liverpool.

‘The feeling that a lot is possible this season’

But they all want to celebrate special successes: “We feel a lot is possible this season,” said scorer Leon Goretzka: “I’m lucky I was here when we won six titles in a year. I know what an awesome time that was. Back then we said we wanted to achieve it again with the fans, it wasn’t possible because of Covid back then. We’ll give it our all so that we can celebrate the really big titles with the fans at the end of the season.” Head coach Vincent Kompany agreed: “If the team is in the same form as now, we can win a lot. That’s what’s important in the end.”