Bayern Munich’s fourth goal of the night was a special one. Jamal Musiala superbly headed a powerful ball into play as Robert Lewandowski slotted it past Koen Casteels in the dying minutes of the game. It was his 43rd of 2021, breaking yet another record held previously by Gerd Muller for most Bundesliga goals scored in a year. The celebrations were docile from Bayern players. The game had long been academic.
A splendid night for the Bavarians. Mistakes were few and far in between, the attack free-flowing. Vintage Bayern once again. Yet somehow, despite a goal and an assist to his name, one man’s contributions went criminally unnoticed.
Thomas Muller ignited the proceedings, a shot from afar by Serge Gnabry was parried by Casteels only as far as Muller who gave the Bavarians the lead.
After an initial chance that tested Manuel Neuer, Wolfsburg acquiesced to the Rekordmeister, hoping to absorb waves of attack.
Whilst it worked in their favour, it did not take long for the sword to turn against them. As Leroy Sane found the ball on the right flanks, the resultant space was capitalized on as a one-two with Gnabry allowed him to pierce through.
The next move, however, would paint a vivid picture. Sane lays the ball up for Muller who is faced with a mountain of Green and White. In the narrowest of margins, he found Dayot Upamecano who scored to double Bayern’s advantage. It was distinctly sharp, efficient, it was quite “Muller”.
A direct consequence of Bayern’s winning ways is the time spent trying to break down impregnable defenses. An ever-intricate struggle to arrive at a point where the tactical versatility showcases itself as a well-oiled machine. Luckily for Bayern, the Raumdeuter hasn’t just got it down to a science but has found new ways to display his art.
The third goal was quintessential Thomas. Gnabry looked to build forward with the German midfielder, who deftly turned away, letting the ball drift towards Sane who expertly finished. It showed a clear difference in intent. Forward play isn’t a rarity, yet doing it so effortlessly with each movement, with or without the ball, represents the psyche of a special player in Bayern folklore.
His intelligence allows him to orchestrate the entire side, accentuating the strength of not only their offense but also the defensive side. Against Wolfsburg, the team shone in unity, yet Muller’s catalysis goes behind the score-sheet.
The passion rings true, a thorough Bavarian at heart. Thomas Muller for years has served his side in effervescent ways, yet on nights where the door just won’t budge, Bayern call upon their Raumdeuter to find a way. He always has, he always will.