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Post-Match Analysis: Bayern Munich vs Mainz

By Kartik Sahni

MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 31: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) The players of FC Bayern München celebrate after the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on August 31, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 31: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) The players of FC Bayern München celebrate after the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on August 31, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images) /
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31 August 2019, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich – FSV Mainz 05, Matchday 3 in the Allianz Arena. Coach Niko Kovac from Munich comes to the stadium before the match. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the requirements of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga or the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or the match in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo sequences. (Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images)
31 August 2019, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich – FSV Mainz 05, Matchday 3 in the Allianz Arena. Coach Niko Kovac from Munich comes to the stadium before the match. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the requirements of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga or the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or the match in the form of sequence images and/or video-like photo sequences. (Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images) /

Niko Kovac seemed to have found a solid foundation in a revamped defensive structure giving assist master, Kimmich a key role in the number six position. The Bavarians looked dangerous on the attack as they were often seen with four men poaching through the middle when Pavard and Alaba overlapped on the wings. This strategy has been maneuvered with the help of Sule, Hernandez, and Kimmich remaining at the back to stop a counter from the opposition in situations when Bayern lose possession while pressing high up the pitch.

The Croatian was pleased with his team’s efforts and reckoned that Mainz’s opening goal was a wake-up call as his side reverted with quick passing supported by good moves on the wings. (News Source: fcbayern.com)

"“We were too lethargic until the first cooling break. We didn’t find a reply to Mainz’ aggression, we thought it would be easy. Then our passing was quicker, we lured our opponents into the centre and had good moves on the wings. David Alaba’s goal before the break was crucial. It was over when we scored our fourth goal. We go into the two-week international break happy.”"

Another positive in this game was the goals coming from different players, making Bayern a team to be feared again as they now look firm contenders for their eighth consecutive title. The Bavarians took 19 shots against Mainz with 11 on target and controlled the game with 63% possession.

Next. Robert Lewandowski extends contract with Bayern Munich. dark

The champions go into the break with a buoyant mood before they face a stern test away to RB Leipzig on 14th September.