For matchday 22 of the ongoing Bundesliga season, Bayern Munich faced the struggling Werder Bremen side on the road and comprehensively achieved a 3-0 victory.
Harry Kane struck twice midway through the first half, first with a penalty kick in the 22nd minute, followed by a splendid strike from long range three minutes later.
The home team gave a better account of themselves in the second half, but Leon Goretzka smashed in a third for Die Roten from the edge of the 18-yard box to put the result beyond doubt in the 70th minute. Courtesy of the win, Bayern restored a six-point lead over second-placed Dortmund. From a game in which Bayern never really hit top gear, let’s take a look at some key takeaways from Saturday’s victory.
Injury to Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer surprisingly had to be replaced by Jonas Urbig at the start of the second half. The substitution was initially reported as precautionary. However, further updates on the club website have revealed that the veteran German captain suffered a torn fibre in his left calf and there is currently no clear timeline for his return.
Fortunately, Urbig is in good form and produced an excellent save in the second half. However, the loss of Neuer heading into the business end of the season is truly a body blow, and a stark reminder of the wrath of the injury gods. The 22-year-old Urbig will now be given a chance to shine over what will likely be an extended period.