Bayern Munich allow Hertha Berlin a 2-2 draw in a tale of two halves

A tale of two halves with a disappointing ending, Bayern Munich stoop to a 2-2 draw at Hertha Berlin.

This match was forever going to be played in lieu of recent happenings at the club. With Ancelotti sacked, Bayern Munich entered the matchday 7 fixture with a new — albeit interim — manager in former right-back Willy Sagnol.

With the onus of having to play the big names, specifically the five alleged rogue players who were against Ancelotti, Willy Sagnol lined the team up in a formation that had Bayern fans massively excited for what was about to come.

Ulreich in goal, Kimmich at right-back, Hummels and Boateng in the center of the defense and Alaba at left-back. In front of them, though, is where nostalgia kicked in. A double-pivot of Corentin Tolisso and… Javi Martinez. The forward line comprised of Ribéry, Müller and Robben supporting the ever-present Robert Lewandowski. This had all the makings of the Bayern Munich from ’12-13. And for 45 minutes that is exactly what they looked like.

Bayern Munich took the kick-off, and for the first 15 minutes it seemed as if they were untouchable.. There was not even a shadow of the current club crisis in their play. This culminated in the tenth minute when Hummels headed home expertly after a well-placed Jerome Boateng cross. A really promising start with a goal coming from open play.

Although Hummels collected the only “Kodak moment” of the half, there could have been several more goals scored. Bayern controlled the half from start to finish with everyone seeming to be on great form. Even David Alaba, who has struggled with consistent performances for a number of seasons, was able to put in a very good defensive shift as well as pairing regularly and — almost — successfully with Franck Ribéry.

The only thing stopping this half from ending 4 or 5-0 to Bayern was just pure bad luck, not a lack of tactical direction or instruction. For all intents and purposes Willy Sagnol looked to be getting the best out of this team.

A poor second half

At half time, no changes were made from either side. Yet this is where things began to go down hill for die Roten.

A few minutes after the whistle started the half, Corentin Tolisso sent the ball Berlin’s midfield and defense where Lewandowski beat Niklas Stark to the header and calmly put the ball in the back of the net. Lewy’s goal marked the perfect return from half-time for the Bavarians. What happened next, though, was a scene that is starting to become all too familiar for Bayern fans.

After a fantastic run through the Bayern defense by Genki Haraguchi, Ulreich was drawn out from his line leaving the goal mouth wide open for Ondrej Duda to knock the ball into the net. 51 minutes gone, but Bayern still looked promising.

Four minutes later and Hertha Berlin were awarded a free-kick. A poor delivery from Marvin Plattenhardt was met with a poor clearance from Coco Tolisso. A missed header allowed the ball to get through the defensive scramble and find both Karim Rekik and Salomon Kalou who simply had to beat Ulreich. And that is exactly what Kalou did.

It is unfair to blame Ulreich for this goal as it was a two-on-one opportunity. Even if Bayern had Manuel Neuer in goal, this still would have been a goal. A recurring theme from previous years, Bayern’s inability to safely deal with set-pieces cost them greatly.

A dull ending

After a very dominant performance, Bayern appeared to let Hertha back in to the match. Whether it was complacency or yet more bad luck is up for debate. But regardless of what it was, losing a 2 goal advantage is never a good thing.

Although they have been criticized for recent performances and behavioral outbursts, both Ribery and Robben looked very good today. Which makes the possible ACL injury that Ribery suffered all the worse.

Having stretched for the ball, his leg buckled when landing on the grass. He immediately went to the ground and was replaced by Kingsley Coman. Shortly before this injury, Arjen Robben was replaced by Thiago, the Dutch international given a rest.

While the goals were conceded as they were both still playing, the difference in momentum and direction between when both Robbery are playing and when they are not is monumental. After their substitutions, Bayern looked lost again.

Aimless passes, endless crossing and needless loss of possession are becoming regular features in Bayern matches from 70 minutes onward. To say that Robbery are the only ones who can bring creativity and intensity to a game is not accurate, but they bring something that not many other players in the squad appear to be able to do.

Next: Bayern Munich urgently need Manuel Neuer's leadership

This match is not one point gained, this is two points lost. But again, to reiterate, this team is in a liminal phase. To expect instant results after losing the manager would be naive. But seeing how Bayern played at the start compared to how they finished is disappointing to say the least.