In what was one of the most stressful matches for Bayern Munich this season, the Bavarians barely edged RB Leipzig 5-4 on penalties in the DFB Cup.
At the end of the day, what truly matters is the win. But while Bayern Munich can be relieved for advancing the DFB Cup third round, Jupp Heynckes and co. should treat this match as a loss in order to instill some discipline. All credit to the home side, in all fairness. Leipzig pushed Bayern Munich to their limits, with the visitors fortunate the score-line wasn’t worse.
This match was a total far-cry from typical Bayern play, despite their advancing. RB Leipzig made it clear that they wouldn’t be timid from the very start. Undoubtedly, Bayern’s sluggishness in midfield and wasteful attack allowed the home side to be a constant thorn at their side.
Bayern sluggish from the beginning
The match opened up with the home side being motivated as expected. RB Leipzig were quick to pounce on and pressure the visitors whenever they were in possession. You would think Bayern Munich would have learned to deal with high pressure squads by now. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Bayern’s midfield in particular looked lackadaisical on the ball and easily succumbed to high pressing.
In large part, the most suspect part of the midfield was the Arturo Vidal/Corentin Tolisso defensive-midfield double-pivot. While Vidal was the biggest culprit, neither midfielders looked sharp on the day. Tolisso and Vidal both had problems being reliable shields to the back-line and cheaply gave away possession in key areas.
While the first half ended 0-0, it was certainly eventful. Some great chances from Leipzig put Bayern and Sven Ulreich on alert, with the keeper doing admirably well. After Vidal’s performance grew more skeptical, it peaked in what was for sure the biggest scare of the first 45′. Emil Forsberg made good work to skate by the Chilean, forcing desperation out of him. In shockingly horrid fashion, Vidal hopelessly went in with both feet (and from behind) to chop the Swede down.
After consulting his assistant, the referee decided not to give Vidal a red, but only a yellow. He also ruled that Vidal’s foul was just outside the penalty area. The Chilean narrowly escaped serious disaster.
Bayern’s problems persist in the second half
For what it’s worth, Bayern Munich did manage to improve somewhat in the second half. RB Leipzig, however, didn’t let up their assault. Bayern failed to make enough clear-cut chances, and the ones they did create were squandered. Robert Lewandowski received a great pass after putting himself into a promising position, only to slide the shot wide of the post.
The home side’s intensive pressing continued making problems for the Bavarian midfield. Passes were cut out, possession given away, and painfully slow reactions were the day’s ailments. With Vidal and Tolisso proving problematic in their partnership, Thiago was forced into defensive duties all too often. Because of this, the Spaniard wasn’t able to create and distribute as the number 10 role requires.
As a result, Sebastian Rudy replaced the Chilean in the second half to bring stability into central-midfield. With a yellow card given already after the ludicrous first-half challenge, a red for Vidal was inevitable.
Later on, Naby Keita actually received his second yellow and subsequent red card. The Guinean was given his walking orders after an unnecessary foul on Lewandowski at midfield.
Ironically enough, it was Jerome Boateng who caused the most damage. It seemed like karma had come full-circle for Bayern. Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen raced down the left-flank, only to crash into the big German. Despite Boateng not moving to make any contact — only Poulsen making a meal out of his own mistake — the referee instantly made the call. No VAR assistance.
Forsberg stepped up, and coolly placed the penalty. While the call was unfortunate, Boateng himself hadn’t been doing any favors to his own performance. It seemed like Mats Hummels had to put the defense on his back again.
Thiago and Sven Ulreich the match saviors
Despite being in an unsavory position, the German champions responded quickly. Rudy’s inclusion allowed more offensive freedom for Thiago, leading to his equalizer. Boateng drove the play deep into Leipzig’s side of the pitch, and lofted over an excellent long-pass for Thiago to head home.
While this doesn’t save Boateng’s performance as a defender, his contribution was massive. Even with a man advantage, though, Bayern were unable to score a winner in regular or extra time.
Thus, the visitors were forced into the dreaded penalty shootout. Thankfully, the penalty-takers did their jobs excellently. Even when Peter Gulacsi guessed the right way, the shots were too well placed for him to reach.
Then, Germany’s up-start forward Timo Werner stepped up for the deciding penalty. The young German tried to drive a low shot down Ulreich’s left side, only for the Bayern keeper to promptly dive the right way and keep the shot out. All credit to Ulreich; since Heynckes’ takeover he’s looked much more confident. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the clean sheet he deserved.
Into the next round, but a lot more work to do
The squad could have had a worse result in their first big test since the newly appointed Jupp Heynckes took over, but it also could’ve been a lot better. Much like against 10-man Hamburg, Bayern Munich failed to impress and capitalize before and after given a man advantage. The defense needs tightening, and the midfield partnerships need to be corrected.
Next: Bayern Munich beat 10-man RB Leipzig -- Player grades
And these mistakes must be corrected fast, because Bayern won’t be given much of a break. The Bavarians face RB Leipzig again on Saturday, this time in the Allianz Arena. Assuming James Rodriguez is fit, he can be slot into the number 10 role, with a more composed partnership of Rudy and Thiago behind him.