Union Berlin 1-5 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Seems like the win over Arsenal has done wonders for the team’s confidence. Bayern Munich ran a second-string XI with no recognized wingers, and still managed to tear Union Berlin apart in a show of force. While the sloppy goal conceded at the end mars an otherwise impeccable performance, it also demonstrates how player mentality shapes this team’s results. The Leon Goretzka redemption arc seems to be reaching its climax. Even his die-hard haters have to agree that he put on an excellent show on the night, and has been one of Bayern’s best players since the Lazio game. All he needs to do is keep this momentum going until he closes out the season. Thomas Müller seems to be making a strong case for himself to start in the upcoming Champions League games vs Real Madrid. A goal vs Köln and now a brace here, plus he was instrumental in Goretzka’s goal that broke the deadlock (despite not being credited with an assist). Will Thomas Tuchel recognize and reward these performances, or will he go a different route in the CL?

Full time: Union Berlin 5-1 Bayern Munich.

90’ — Goal. Union Berlin get one back, in a tribute to Arsenal.

66’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Thomas Müller makes it 5-0!

61’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Mathys Tel makes it 4-0!

53’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Thomas Müller makes it 3-0!

45’ — The second half kicks off!

Halftime: Bayern Munich lead 1-0.

45’ + 1’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Harry Kane curls it in! What an incredible free kick!

28’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Leon Goretzka scores a belter!

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Thomas Tuchel has opted for a rotated Bayern Munich XI today. Thomas Müller starts with Harry Kane, Choupo-Moting, and Mathys Tel forming a front four of three natural strikers and an attacking midfielder. Aleksandar Pavlović also returns to the XI!

Bayern Munich will not win the Bundesliga this year, but that doesn’t mean that German football run out of stories to tell. While the Bavarians set their gaze on (potential) Champions League redemption, teams like Union Berlin are still fighting for their very survival.

Thomas Tuchel will need to be wary of the post UCL hangover that can sometimes strike after a big win. With Stuttgart breathing down their necks, the Bavarians cannot afford to become complacent. This would be a good game to give players like Thomas Müller, Mathys Tel, Kim Min-jae and other squad players a run out, while resting those who started against Arsenal. Can the squad players get it done vs Berlin?

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 6:30 pm local time, 12:30 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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