Bayern Munich hold on to three points against Union Berlin

Bayern hold on to crucial three points against Union Berlin as the Bundesliga rookies made the record champions sweat at the Allianz Arena

Niko Kovac can put his worries behind for a while as Bayern Munich toiled hard to continue with their winning form from Greece. Bayern started the game in a 4-3-3 formation. Manuel Neuer, as usual, started in between the poles. Joshua Kimmich continued to operate as the right-back with Alphonso Davies operating on the opposite flank in a defensive role. Benjamin Pavard and Jerome Boateng guarded the central areas in defense.

Thiago Alcantara was again given the nod to perform the duties as Bayern’s number six, while Thomas Muller and Philippe Coutinho formed the attacking partnership in midfield. Kingsley Coman, Robert Lewandowski, and Ivan Perisic formed the trio up front.

On the other hand, Union Berlin used a 4-1-4-1 formation with two changes compared to their last Bundesliga fixture as Neven Subotic started in the heart of Union’s defense, and Felix Kroos operated in the defensive midfielder role.

Die Roten dominated possession throughout the game and bypassed Union Berlin’s pressing in midfield by playing long balls over the top. Kovac started Muller for the second game in a row, giving him a free role in the attack. While Muller looked sharp throughout the game, his positioning hampered Coutinho’s instinct as a number ten due to the Brazilian being forced to pull deep alongside Thiago in the defensive phase.

The match contested an intense battle between two sides that made use of a high line strategy, and both were constantly on the hunt for a counter-attack. While the first half hardly involved either of the goalkeepers, Bayern drew first blood through Pavard when the French center-half volleyed the ball from outside the box, following a save by Rafal Gikiewicz from Kimmich’s free-kick in the 12th minute.

Bayern Munich attacked with increased vigour after taking the lead and camped in Union’s half for the majority of the half to double their lead. Union defended valiantly and swayed away any danger caused by Bayern.

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Urs Fischer focused on winning the midfield battle to hurt Bayern on the counter. It was on the half-hour mark when Die Eisernen attempted their signature move as Marcus Ingvartsen curled a shot from the right side that went way over the bar. Bayern were firmly in control at half time with a one-goal advantage.

As expected, the second-half saw an increase in intensity from Union Berlin. Bayern were initially under pressure. However, they soaked up this onslaught and knocked on Union’s door when Coman curled a shot from distance.

It was four minutes later when Bayern’s number nine set another record by scoring in the opening nine league games, putting his team two-nil up on the scoreboard. Lewandowski was trying to find his teammate through a pass. However, the pass was not completed, and from a defender, deflection fell at Lewandowski’s feet. He calmly slotted past Gikiewicz to double Bayern’s lead.

Union Berlin almost reduced their deficit to half when Christian Gentner tested Neuer with a headed effort from a corner kick. A few moments later, the visitors were awarded a penalty as Perisic handled the ball in the box. Bayern’s captain kept his cool and saved his ninth spot-kick in the Bundesliga career as he dived on the left side to deny Sebastian Andersson’s grounded effort.

Six minutes past the hour mark, Union made use of their fresh legs and were quick to catch Bayern on the counter. Sheraldo Becker ran down the right flank, and delivered a threatening cross, only for Sebastian Polter to meet it with a meek header.

Serge Gnabry lighted-up the Allianz Arena after his introduction. With 20 minutes left, the German forward was denied twice by Gikiewicz.  Gnabry was again the centerpiece in the closing stages of the game when he assisted Lewandowski for Bayern’s third goal. However, the goal was later disallowed for Gnabry’s offside position.

Bayern had a poor end to the game as sloppy defending from Pavard gave Berlin their second penalty of the game. Polter slotted the ball from the spot with four minutes to spare. Bayern nearly restored their two-goal lead in the injury time, when Leon Goretzka forced an outstanding save from Gikiewicz through a headed effort.

Although not a convincing victory, Bayern managed to halt their two-game winless run in Bundesliga. It was indeed a desperate win that was required to revamp the mood at Sabaener Strasse. Next up, Bayern takes on Vfl Bochum to defend their DFB Pokal title in the second round of the competition.