Bayern Munich clinch win in six goal thriller against FC Heidenheim
After the dismal defeat against Saarbrucken in the DFB Pokal last Wednesday, Bayern Munich has bounced back brilliantly in the last seven days. The Bavarian club clinched wins against Borussia Dortmund last weekend before sealing a place in the next round of the Champions League with a win against Galatasaray. They rounded off a solid week with a 4-2 win against FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel made some crucial changes to the starting lineup against Heidenheim due to injuries and suspension. Since Leon Goretzka was ruled out for the game due to a muscle injury, Aleksandar Pavlovic got his first start in the Bundesliga. Dayot Upmaecano started in central defense, while Bouna Sarr got an opportunity in the left-back position. Noussair Mazraoui continued to play in the right-back position.
It was an even start to the game as Bayern looked to dominate possession to apply early pressure, but Heidenheim looked threatening on the break. The hosts eventually found the breakthrough from their top-scorer in the 14th minute of the game.
Leroy Sane found Harry Kane in the center of the box after an adventurous run on the right flank. The English forward calmly collected the ball and unleashed an unstoppable shot to beat the goalkeepers despite being under pressure from several Heidenheim defenders. The goal epitomized Kane’s quality and incredible form in the final third.
Despite the early goal, it was a well-contested game between Bayern and Heidenheim in the first half. Rekordmeister looked to get the second goal, while the visitors were quick on the counters to create a few half chances. Kevin Muller was in fine form for Heidenheim as he made big saves to deny Sane and Sarr.
The second goal for Rekordmeister eventually came at the end of the first half through a set-piece. Sane delivered a perfect cross from the corner, which was emphatically headed into the goal by Kane. The hosts were well on top going into half-time.
The start of the second half was quieter than the first 45 minutes. Kane had a decent chance to triple Die Roten’s lead at the hour mark, but Muller stood tall to deny the English striker. Thomas Tuchel made three changes at the hour mark, which led to several positional changes across the pitch. Raphael Guerreiro made his return to the pitch after spending weeks on the sidelines due to a thigh strain.
The Portuguese defender slotted in the midfield, while Konrad Laimer played in the right-back position. Mazraoui played in central defense since Upamecano was substituted. Mathys Tel played on the right flank, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting played just behind Kane after replacing Muller.
The wholesale changes in the personnel across the pitch certainly led to defensive chaos for Die Roten. In the blink of an eye, Heidenheim managed to score two quick goals (Minute 67 and 70) to level the scoreline. The first goal was well well-worked move from the visitors, which was finished by Tim Kliendienst. Meanwhile, the second goal was more down to a mistake from Die Roten. Kim Min-jae gave away the ball near the edge of the box while playing out from the back. Jan-Niklas Beste pounced on this mistake and hammered the ball past Manuel Neuer.
Allianz Arena was stunned after Beste equalized in the 70th minute. However, the happiness of the visitors lasted for a couple of minutes. Guerreiro marked his return from injury with a very clever finish to restore the lead for Die Roten in the 72nd minute. The Portuguese full-back will hope that this goal finally kick-starts his injury-ridden campaign.
Bayern eventually sealed all three points in the 84th minute by scoring the fourth goal. Mathys Tel delivered a teasing cross in the box. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting timed his jump to perfection and headed the ball to score Die Roten’s fourth goal of the afternoon.
Next. Bayern agree fee for Nestory Irankunda. dark
Want your voice heard? Join the Bayern Strikes team!
Rekordmeister have temporarily gone top of the points table since Bayer Leverkusen will play on Sunday. Apart from the game in Saarbrucken, Tuchel will be pleased with Die Roten’s performances in the last four weeks. The players will now leave for national camps for the last international break of 2023.