Bayern Munich: Poor finishing leads to DFB Pokal exit
After enjoying one of the best days of the season on Saturday, Bayern Munich suffered their biggest low of the campaign on Tuesday. The record Bundesliga champions were knocked out of DFB Pokal after Lucas Holer scored from the spot in the final minute of the game to help Freiburg win the game at Allianz Arena.
Thomas Tuchel decided to stick with the majority of the team that featured in the 4-2 win against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. The German coach made only one change as Alphonso Davies made way for Joao Cancelo in the left-back position.
Bayern enjoyed the ideal start against Freiburg as Dayot Upamecano opened the scoring in the 19th minute. The French defender smartly headed the ball into the net after a pin-point delivery from Joshua Kimmich. The Bavarian club looked set to dominate the proceedings after getting an early need.
However, Freiburg came up with an incredible response quickly after Upamecano’s goal. Nicolas Hofler latched onto a loose ball in the midfield and unleashed a thunderbolt of a strike to beat Yann Sommer. Despite conceding the wonder goal, it felt like the second goal was just a matter of time for the home side.
Bayern dominated possession and created chances at a healthy rate after conceding the equaliser. However, they didn’t have the efficiency in their shots that they had shown against Dortmund on Saturday.
The Bavarian club had 16 shots in the game, but only four shots were on target, while four were blocked by Freiburg’s defense. The visitors defended valiantly and gave Bayern little space in the final third. However, Bayern also ended up scuppering two big chances in the game. Benjamin Pavard came close to scoring midway through the second half when his header shattered the crossbar.
Next. Pavard subject to interest from Manchester United. dark
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The lack of efficiency and accuracy in the final third from Bayern gave Freiburg more belief in getting the victory. The visitors looked more threatening in front of the goal as the game went on. They also had ten shots in the game, with four on target. (Stats courtesy: FotMob)
Knockout football is all about making momentum count in the game. Bayern failed to do so on Tuesday due to poor finishing. Freiburg’s brave approach in the game helped them to get over the line through a last-minute penalty. Jamal Musiala was unfortunate to concede the penalty as he handled the ball in the box. In a game of fine margins, Bayern failed to show ruthlessness which ended up shattering the hope of winning the treble this season.