Die Folgen: Bayern’s 2-1 win over BVB (Bavarian Football Works)
The first win is in the books as Bayern Munich ousted a feisty Borussia Dortmund side in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup by a score of 2-1.
The Bavarians looked good, but this is still very early in the season (obviously), so those looking perfection would have been let down. Regardless, Bayern Munich took care of business in a convincing way and even withstood a late charge from the Black and Yellows.
Let’s dive into the details, here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:
- In what will surely be the most talked about aspect of this match, Nathaniel Brown started at the No. 10 position, while Konrad Laimer played right-back and Josip Stanišić at left-back. Admittedly, this was one of the least expected combinations for a starting lineup that there could have been. Otherwise, Kim Min-jae started over Dayot Upamecano and everyone else was pretty standard.
- Still, the move of Brown to the attacking midfield spot was a wild decision for Kompany. While this writer was a little skeptical of the decision, he has learned to not question Kompany’s decisions too often (and definitely not in the season’s first game!).
- The teams traded some chances early, but nothing came of them. It was a very choppy contest with each squad looking to find some level of comfort. In a sick way, this was kind of fun — both squad made the other a little uncomfortable while trying to find their own bearings.
- Borussia Dortmund newcomer Konstantinos Karetsas definitely has some skill, eh? He will be an interesting player to watch this season.
- Harry Kane is just good, but his finishing just was not where it usually is at this point. On a different day, he might have walked out with a hat trick.
- Early on, it was a spirited effort from BVB as Niko Kovač seems like he is getting the team play his style. As we know, Kovač would add to the fire later in the game.
- In the 28th minute, Brown would make Kompany look smart as he put Bayern Munich on the scoreboard. A lofted ball into the box found Olise, who was cutting in. The next part is debatable — did Olise mean to get the ball to Brown or was it knocked away? It was actually too tight to tell, but Sofascore credited the Frenchman with an assist, so we will go with that. Regardless, Brown found the ball on his foot and deftly took care of business for a 1-0 lead.
- Aside of the goal, Brown had struggled to find his place in the game to that point. The interesting thing to learn will be if this is something that might happen more often, or if this was a one-off.
- Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy is just not active enough. It feels like he has so much more to offer….and then he just doesn’t. Good player, but man, it feels like he could do more.
- Luis Díaz, who is just always a threat, was denied by Gregor Kobel in the 36th minute. That attempt would have been a goal on many other days.
- Kim almost had a huge gaffe in the 38th minute over a little miscommunication with Neuer, but the goalkeeper laughed it off. That was fun to see as no one unraveled.
- Ramy Bensebaini was a smidge offside on what would have been an incredible goal for BVB in the 42nd minute. Bensebaini would also eventually get a red card in the 90th minute…so, a couple of bad moments in an otherwise strong game for the defender.
- In the 45th minute, Olise almost made it 2-0, but just couldn’t get on the end of a nice delivery from Stanišić.
- A minute later, Olise willed his way to a goal with a tremendous individual effort after a poor turnover from Jobe Bellingham.
- Kovač went heavy to his bench in the 63rd minute with three subs and that did seem to give his squad a nice jolt.
- In the 75th minute, Daniel Svensson found Fábio Silva to make it 2-1 and, at that point, Borussia Dortmund had a mountain of momentum on its side in front of its home fans.
- This was a weird game in many ways, but not one where Bayern Munich ever really looked like it felt threatened.
- Brown capped off his day in the 81st minute when he was replaced by fellow newcomer Ismael Saibari.
- Neuer almost made a brutal error in the 89th minute, but was able to recover.
- In added time, Olise was sprung free after a great pass from Díaz, but did not have enough gas left in the tank to finish the play as Kobel charged out to make a play on Olise.
- A few seconds later, Maximilian Beier should have knotted the game from point-blank range, but he skied his attempt. What a wild finish…
- Overall, it was a solid way to start the season. It was never going to look perfect, but it was good enough for game one of what will be a long (and hopefully fruitful) journey.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast:
Gruda could get moved around for Leipzig (Sky Germany’s Philipp Hinze)
RB Leipzig seems to really like Brajan Gruda and, in particular, his versatility:
🔴 Regardless of Leipzig’s search for wingers, RB is also planning to use Brajan Gruda as a right winger. In addition to his role in the half-space, he should continue to play on the wing, where he delivered his best performances in the second half of the season. On top of that, Bakayoko, Nusa & Gomis, who starts as the No. 9 today. The search continues, but they still feel well-positioned. If Nkunku works out, they would plan with him as a hybrid player.
In turn, Gruda had a big game for RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal as he was awarded Man of the Match:
Barca taking a look at Martinez? (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)
FC Barcelona still wants to add a striker per reports and could be looking at Argentina international Lautaro Martinez:
🚨👀 Lautaro Martinez is one of the candidates for FC Barcelona. 28 y/o striker is on their shortlist and has been discussed and analysed internally.
One to watch until deadline day, with 1-2 more strikers also on the list.
@SkySportDE
Philly really broke Messi — not financially — but spiritually (ESPN FC)
Imaging being the GOAT and having this happen…in Chester, PA…on a random Wednesday night in August. Messi might never return to Delaware County:
If you were wondering what exactly Messi did, well, here is his slap on Union youngster Quinn Sullivan:
Stepping to the GOAT had to be a coming of age moment for Quinn Sullivan. However, Quinn was not the only Sullivan involved in a fracas with Inter Miami. His younger brother Cavan took a close range shot to the face:
Leipzig eyeing Tresoldi (Sky Germany Philipp Hinze)
German striker Nicolo Tresoldi is reportedly on the radar of RB Leipzig:
🔴 In addition to the recall operation for Christopher Nkunku, Nicolo Tresoldi also remains of interest to RB Leipzig. He’s on the list. Price tag exceeds the €30m mark. They’re still pursuing Nkunku as well. Wing, ST, and CM profiles will be tracked until the deadline. 6-7 players are expected to leave.
For El Mala, in the end there was neither a written offer to Effzeh nor a complete agreement with the player’s side. Köln has closed the door, and at RB they weren’t ultimately 100% convinced by the overall financial package. @SkySportDE
Hinze would later check in with additional information as well:
🔴 Alongside Arthur Vermeeren and several other Leipzig players, Conrad Harder is also a candidate to leave the club.
Leipzig are open to offers. So far, there have only been loan enquiries. For now, Leipzig still prefer a permanent sale. Most recently, there has also been an enquiry from Galatasaray (loan with an option to buy).
It remains open what will happen with the Dane before Deadline Day. A transfer is possible. Leipzig want a new striker. Top candidate: Christopher Nkunku. Nicolo Tresoldi also on the radar. @SkySportDE
Bayern Alumni: Gunners taking a look at Yildiz (ESPN)
Arsenal could be looking at former Bayern Munich prospect Kene Yildiz:
Arsenal are looking into the possibility of signing Kenan Yildiz from Juventus, according to The Independent. The 21-year-old is reported to be high up on a list of targets for the Gunners to reinforce the left flank, after missing out on a deal for Vinicius Junior, who extended his contract at Real Madrid. Juventus have set a valuation of over €70 million on any exit for the Türkiye international, who scored 11 goals across all competitions last season. Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal have added Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli to the club’s short list of options, reports Fabrizio Romano, having been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea’s Pedro Neto.
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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