Die Folgen: Bayern’s 3-2 win over SC Freiburg (Bavarian Football Works)
Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany did not want to look past SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga as the team attempted to fend off the urge to glance toward the next tilt — a Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
Dealing with so many injuries and players who have had a jam-packed schedule, the manager needed to find balance within his lineup. He did just that…only it took a while as the Bavarians had to fight back to earn a crazy 3-2 victory. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- Kompany chose to start a mix of regular starters and backups to try and get the team healthy and fresh for Real Madrid. With Harry Kane banged up and Nicolas Jackson suspended, Serge Gnabry led the offense as a No. 9, while being grouped with Luis Díaz, Lennart Karl, and Raphaël Guerreiro in the attack. Oddly, Dayot Upamecano, who was sent home from France due to a red card, did not start (or even play) as Jonathan Tah and Kim Min-jae got the nod. Otherwise, the outside-backs and central midfielders offered no surprises, aside of Bischof (more on him later) getting the token start at left-back.
- While there are not formal injury designations on a few players like Konrad Laimer, you have to think Kompany did not want to take any risks.
- SC Freiburg came out flying and really looked as if they had a purpose. It was very reminiscent of the first match played between these two clubs in the early going. Of course, SC Freiburg coughed up a 2-0 lead in that match, so maybe expending all of that energy early was not a good strategy.
- In the 14th minute, Philipp Treu missed a gold opportunity to put SC Freiburg up 1-0 after a nice run of play from the home side. However, his wide open attempt rolled wide of the net.
- Kimmich had a chance to make it 1-0 in the 20th minute, but fired his attempt right at Noah Atubolu.
- The juice for this game was not where anyone wanted it to be early on — a Bundesliga game vs. a (relatively) boring opponent, right before Real Madrid on Easter weekend, after an international break. It was a dead zone game for sure.
- SC Freiburg was consistent with its effort, but it just felt like it was a matter of time before it wore down.
- Tah took a pretty horrendous yellow card in the 25th minute when he was caught flat-footed. The defender did not exactly look fully motivated for the match.
- On a very positive note, Neuer was tested a few times in the first half and stood tall. His 34th minute save on Philipp Lienhart was insane (even if Lienhart was offside).
- The start to the second half was not so kind to Bayern Munich as some sloppy and careless play in the back led to Lennart Karl being dispossessed. The ball would land on the foot of Johan Manzambi, who did some dribbling and then ripped off a screamer for a 1-0 lead. There was a distinct lack of effort from Karl after he lost the ball and from Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, and (especially) Leon Goretzka. That was a total “bad vibes” play.
- There was some vitriol hurled toward Neuer, but Manzambi’s shot was perfect.
- Lucas Holer then just started shredding the Bayern Munich defense, but he could not finish. The striker easily could have had a second half brace.
- Michael Olise almost scored right after he was subbed on.
- SC Freiburg manager Julian Schuster’s hat was…off. Something was weird with it. The bill was too small…maybe? I don’t know, but it was odd looking.
- Aside of Neuer, there really was not a standout effort on the squad through 70 minutes.
- Holer would finally get that elusive goal, though. In the 71st minute, Holer kept his composure in a scrum off of a corner. After Neuer extended himself to push the ball away, Holder found the ball on his foot and placed a perfect shot into a wide open net.
- There were gaps in the SC Freiburg defense, but Bayern Munich had trouble exposing them.
- In the 77th minute SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, made an outstanding save on a shot from Olise. Minutes later Atubolu would thwart an incredible shot by Díaz. What a few minutes for the young netminder.
- Those two saves might have just made Atubolu a lot of money. He would yet another big save a little later on Kimmich as well.
- Atubolu, however, could not stop a pinpoint strike from Bischof in the 81st minute to cut the lead to 2-1. Karl had the assist, but that had to feel good for Bischof.
- At this point, Bayern Munich finally looked like it wanted to attempt to get point from this game.
- Bischof was not done with his initial goal, though, as he would majorly bail Bayern Munich out with a goal in stoppage time — another one of the incredible variety to knot the game at 2-2!
- Incredibly, Bayern Munich came all the way back against SC Freiburg…again! As time was expiring, Kimmich sent a beautiful pass to a cutting Davies, who crossed it to a sprinting Karl for an amazing goal and a 3-2 victory!
- What a comeback! If there was doubts about Bayern Munich’s heart or ability to turn it up when needed, you can erase them.
- Overall, this was not an inspiring effort for close to 80 minutes. A reason to panic? No. A reason to be concerned about the health and focus of the group? Maybe, but you cannot doubt the resilience and mentality of this group. It feels like some of the knocks and minor injuries being felt in the squad might be a little more of an issue than the club is letting on. However, this game was always a risk and somehow, some way, Bayern Munich pulled out the unthinkable. With Real Madrid looming, focus was always going to be key. There were lapses on the finer details, some sloppy play in their own end, and maybe a lack of urgency as well…but it did not matter by the final whistle. It is time to move on, though, as there is no rest for the weary…a massive match against Real Madrid lies ahead.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Leverkusen, Leipzig brawling for De Cat (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are reportedly vying for RSC Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat:
🚨🆕 Leverkusen and Leipzig are also in the race for Nathan De Cat. FC Bayern still have him on their shortlist as well.
However, the current priority for all three Bundesliga clubs is Kennet Eichhorn.
The valuation for a summer move of the 17 y/o top talent from RSC Anderlecht is €20-25 million. His contract runs until 2027 and does not include a release clause.
@SkySportDE
Bayern Munich exited the race for De Cat per recent reports.
Real might want Konaté (AS via ESPN)
Real Madrid could be positioning itself to take a run at Liverpool FC defender Ibrahima Konaté:
Real Madrid are continuing to monitor Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
Chelsea ousted Bayern for midfielder? (Journalist Augusto Cesar)
Journalist Augusto Cesar is reporting that Chelsea FC beat Bayern Munich out for a move on Argentine midfielder Valentín Barco:
EXCLUSIVE UPDATE
Valentín Barco will be Chelsea’s reinforcement. The English side is buying the Argentine midfielder from Racing de Estrasburgo (they’re part of the same group). After the FIFA international break, Chelsea pushed hard and everything is agreed for him to join in June. The ex-Boca player was courted by Bayern Munich, but Chelsea gets the player. A giant step for one of the best Argentine players today, who has shown he has everything it takes to go to the 2026 World Cup: hierarchy and personality.
Vušković making his mark (Who Scored)
Entering the weekend, Hamburger SV defender Luka Vušković was the highest rated center-back in Europe:
United wants Cardozo (TEAMtalk)
Manchester United has reportedly taken a liking to Bayern Munich youngster Maycon Cardozo:
Manchester United scouts have identified highly-rated Maycon Cardozo as a talent they are keen to pursue, TEAMtalk understands.
Brazilian-born Cardozo, who spent much of his upbringing in Thailand, was snapped up by Bayern Munich after being spotted by their international academy network in 2024.
We understand that Manchester United have been tracking Cardozo closely, with club scouts increasingly impressed by his technical ability, versatility and rapid progression.
As things stand, any move would be difficult given Bayern’s faith in the teenager and his recent contract renewal, but United’s continued monitoring suggests this is a situation that could develop further as his profile continues to rise.
Cherki’s faux pas (Football Tweet)
Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki probably should have known better;
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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