Bayern Munich managed to clinch a crucial victory against Eintracht Frankfurt to remain on track to retain the Bundesliga title. Leroy Sane came off from the bench to score the winner late in the game to clinch a narrow 1-0 win against a resilient Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Julian Nagelsmann decided to stick with a four-man defense at Frankfurt with Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard acting as wing-backs. Marcel Sabitzer was handed a rare start for Die Roten as he was paired with Joshua Kimmich in the center of the park. Jamal Musiala was given the role of Thomas Muller as the latter missed the game after testing positive for coronavirus.
The first half saw both teams showing strengths and vulnerability. Die Roten managed to create the most chances in the first half, but there was no cutting edge in the final third to get the lead. Meanwhile, the home side looked threatening on the break.
Die Roten started the second half with much more purpose in the final third. Robert Lewandowski came close to scoring, but Kevin Trapp made a superb save from point-blank range to deny him. Bayern dominated the proceedings and pinned Frankfurt deep in their box.
When victory was looking like a distant idea due to Frankfurt’s resilient defending, Nagelsmann decided to add more quality in attacking midfield position. He brought Leroy Sane on for Sabizter to go 4-1-4-1 for the final third of the game.
The minor tweak in the formation worked like a treat for Die Roten. Sane made a darting run from the center in the 71st minute. His run was met by a pin-point vertical through-ball from Joshua Kimmich. Sane showed great composure to put the ball past Trapp and give Die Roten a much-deserved lead.
Frankfurt grew into the game after conceding the goal. However, the visitors defended brilliantly to see off the last 20 minutes. The win against Frankfurt can do wonders to Die Roten. The Bavarian club has struggled defensively in 2022, so a well-fought victory by keeping a clean sheet away from home can be a big boost to the team’s defensive organisation.
Every Bayern player enjoyed significant success on Saturday in winning duels against Frankfurt. Such a type of performance can help Bayern in preparing for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Courtesy of this victory in Frankfurt, Bayern went nine points clear at the top of the points table. Borussia Dortmund can cut down the lead to six points by winning their game against Augsburg on Sunday.