In a match packed with intensity throughout, Bayern Munich was hosted by Augsburg on Matchday 7. Even though they came away with a 2-0 midweek win against Barcelona in the Champions League, Bayern was still going through a rough run of form in the Bundesliga. The momentum from the Champions League win against Barcelona was not translated in Bundesliga as Die Roten suffered a 1-0 defeat against Augsburg.
Immediately after starting whistle blew, Bayern tried to put pressure on the hosts. Early on, Augsburg’s defensive back four proved to be very strong against Bayern’s forwards. The center-backs baiting Bayern’s forwards to attack and press forward down the middle proved to be an impressive tactic from the start.
The 15th minute saw the first real offensive move from the reigning champions with a Leroy Sane volley sent just wide right. Only a minute later, Sane gave Bayern their first shot on target which seemed to be a sure goal. Played forward by Thomas Muller, Sane fired a shot right in front of the goal which saw Augsburg keeper Rafal Gikiewicz miraculously trapping the ball between his legs for the save.
Momentum shifted side after a Sadio Mane foul briefly halted play. From here, the game became all about Augsburg’s attacking moves. In the 24th minute, a Florian Niederlechner shot from distance drew a miraculous save from keeper Manuel Neuer. Just a few minutes later, Augsburg had another great attempt at goal from a strong header, though it was sent skimming over the crossbar.
Bayern’s first goalless half all season ended with another Thomas Muller attempt at creating a big chance. Playing an overhead ball from outside the box, found the foot of Jamal Musiala for the shot, but was blocked by an Augsburg defender on the line.
The second half saw a more controlled and slower start, not having the first solid opportunity until around the 54th minute. Skillfully worked, Sane flicked a backheel pass forward for Sadio Mane to run onto– leading to his first shot on target this game.
After an impressive setup from a freekick, Augsburg was first to break the deadlock in the 59th minute. The free-kick taken from behind the midfield line picked out left-back Iago streaking up the left sideline. Then, sending it across the face of Neuer, found Mergim Berisha for his first-ever Bundesliga goal and to take Augsburg up 1-0 over Bayern.
Bayern continued to press higher and higher up the field, but couldn’t get anything to go their way– the final pass was becoming rushed and sloppy and forwards were not being clinical.
However, chances began to slowly open up for Bayern due to a visibly exhausted Augsburg defense. The 72nd minute saw Bayern’s best opportunity of the match after Musiala sent Sane running free toward the goal. In a one-on-one with the Augsburg keeper, Gikiewicz came up with another world-class save.
In a final five minutes filled with drama, Manuel Neuer came up for the final corner of the game in the 94th minute and managed to fire a rocket of a header toward the goal. What looked to be the shot to tie everything up, Gikiewicz once again stepped up with an incredible save.
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With this 1-0 loss to Augsburg, Bayern is now without a win in four games in a row for the first time since 2001. Going into the international break, both Bayern players and staff will have too many questions being asked and not enough answers. Nagelsmann will be looking for ideas to bring an end to a mini-slump in the Bundesliga.