Powerful solo run against Freiburg – Dayot Upamecano honoured

Play had only just resumed after it was halted because of flares at the Europa-Park Stadion when Dayot Upamecano laid down a marker. The French centre-back made a block near his own box in the 16^th minute, switched play immediately and drove the ball forward at great pace.

Via Konrad Laimer, the ball reached Michael Olise, whose through ball found Upamecano. The defensive leader was through on goal and coolly slotted keeper Mio Backhaus with his right foot: a goal that impressively combined his dynamism and confidence.

Opener in impressive away win

The Frenchman also won the FC Bayern Goal of the Month poll, claiming 59.89 percent of the votes, ahead of Luis Díaz’ goal to make it four against RB Leipzig in second place, Tim Binder, David Santos Daiber and Momoko Tanikawa.

Upamecano’s goal marked the start of an impressive display. Serge Gnabry doubled the lead shortly before half-time. Freiburg pulled one back when Tom Bischof put through his own goal in the closing stages, but Michael Olise sealed the final 3-1 scoreline in added time.

Upamecano’s goal against Freiburg was his second Bundesliga goal this season. He also scored against Dortmund a week later to equal his personal best for a Bundesliga campaign with FC Bayern. No Bundesliga centre-back has scored more goals so far this campaign. Upamecano found the net in two consecutive Bundesliga matches for the first time in his career.

His overall record at FC Bayern further highlights his attacking qualities. Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021, Upamecano has scored eight league goals – more than any other Bayern defender during that period. Four of his goals were headers.

But in Freiburg, the 28-year-old showed he’s not only dangerous from set pieces. Upamecano made a powerful run from his own half and coolly finished to score a goal that fits perfectly with his strong form this season – and one that thrilled the FC Bayern fans.