Bayern Munich beat Augsburg in eight goal thriller
By Isaac Rivers
On Matchday 24, league leaders Bayern Munich hosted Bavarian neighbors Augsburg. The last time these two sides faced off against each other, Augsburg came on top with a 1-0 victory. Coming into this game, Bayern were looking to seek their revenge as they attempted to hold their first-place spot in the Bundesliga title race.
Starting very quickly, Augsburg struck first as forward Mergim Berisha slid a low-lying shot past Yan Sommer. In the second minute, a botched header from defender Benjamin Pavard landed perfectly on the trailing foot of Berisha as he had plenty of open space to give an early lead to Augsburg.
After a period of heavy Bayern attack, the hosts were finally able to score the equaliser. Joao Cancelo scored his first goal for the club as he hammered the ball past the keeper from an acute angle. The wingback received the ball just outside of the penalty box before dribbling past two Augsburg defenders to give himself space for the shot.
Just four minutes later, Bayern took the lead as they scored from a set piece. Joshua Kimmich delivered a dangerous cross in the box from a setpiece on the right flank. A failed clearance from Augsburg found the foot of Leroy Sane as he sent in the cross to Benjamin Pavard, who was able to score from very close range.
Bayern’s dominance continued as Pavard secured his brace in the 34th minute. The French international made a great connection to hammer the ball past the goalkeeper. A corner kick fell into the path of the Frenchman as he lined up to take his karate-like shot, sending the ball flying into the back of the net.
Augsburg, who was looking quite stagnant, had lacked much of an attacking threat since their opening goal. Across the remaining 43 minutes of the first half, the visitors were only able to test Sommer with one shot on target.
To wrap up Bayern’s incredible first half, Leroy Sane scored one of the easiest goals of his career. Right before the halftime whistle, a shot from Sadio Mane was deflected straight into the air from the diving Augsburg keeper. As a result, Sane, all by himself, was able to walk the ball into the net.
Augsburg came out of the half-time break with a new sense of urgency as they began to heavily press Bayern in their own half. They forced a couple of turnovers in dangerous positions, but couldn’t convert those chances. After a shaky start to the second half, Die Roten got control of the game and Augsburg struggled to maintain their intensity in pressing.
Trying to get their momentum back, Augsburg caught the Bayen backline out of position as space opened up for Arne Maier to fire a rocket toward the goal. Sommer, with a diving save, was only able to deflect the ball back into play. Matthijs de Ligt attempted the clearance but unfortunately drew a foul, giving away a penalty to the visitors. In the 60th minute, Berisha reduced the deficit to two goals by converting from the spot.
Sabitzer open to staying at Manchester United. dark. Next
Want your voice heard? Join the Bayern Strikes team!
The game was wrapped up as Bayern’s defenders continued to impress in the final third. A brilliant goal from Alphonso Davies brought the score to 5-2 and ultimately secured the Bayern win. The Canadian’s goal was fourth from a defender for Die Roten in the game. In the dying moments of the game, Augsburg was able to grab themselves nothing but a consolation goal as Irvin Cardona scored from distance in the 93rd minute.
After a big win midweek in the Champions League, and a dominant game against Augsburg this weekend, Bayern will look to continue this run of form as the face Bayer Leverkusen on March 19. Die Roten has opened up a lead of two points at the top of the table after defeating Augsburg and Dortmund dropping points against Schalke.