The Ruckrunde started in the best possible way for Bayern Munich as they clinched a 3-0 win against Hoffenheim at Allianz Arena on Friday. A brace from Jamal Musiala and a solitary goal from Harry Kane was enough for Die Roten to get the crucial three points. Bayern remain four points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the points table with a game in hand.
It was far from a vintage performance by Bayern, but they were clinical in the final third. With a training camp in Portugal this week, Thomas Tuchel will hope performances will get better in the upcoming games. Let us look at the key takeaways from Rekordmeister’s 3-0 win against Hoffenheim.
Improvement in set-piece routines can give Bayern more edge in games
Musiala showed a great bit of skill to beat the goalkeeper from a difficult angle for the first goal. The smooth execution of the set-piece routine was the more impressive part of the goal than Musiala’s skill since the youngster is known for doing brilliant things in the final third.
After a quick short corner, Leroy Sane played a lovely through pass to find Musiala’s run in the box. The movement from all players in the box gave Musiala to unleash an unstoppable shot from the tight angle. Musiala and Tuchel praised Anthony Barry after the game for his good set-piece routines on the training ground. Die Roten can catch teams off-guard if they continue to improve set-piece routines. It will be intriguing to see which set-piece patterns will be on display for Die Roten to get the edge in games during the second half of the season.
Jamal Musiala begins crucial phase of his career with a bang
Jamal Musiala endured a frustrating Hinrunde due to a dip in form and injuries. The young attacking midfielder missed the last few games of Hinrunde due to a hamstring injury. After the winter break, Musiala got off to a solid start to the second half of the season. He showed great finishing prowess to score two goals against Hoffenheim.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is looking to add more goals to his game after the brace on Friday. The next six months are crucial for Musiala. He has two big trophies to fight for with Die Roten before playing for Germany on home turf in the Euros. While the bigger tests are ahead of him, Musiala has got the best start for the new year.
Bayern still concede too many chances
The scoreline on Friday was flattering for Bayern. Hoffenheim came up with two big chances after the hour mark when the hosts had a lead of one goal. Manuel Neuer came up with stupendous saves to deny Hoffenheim and keep Die Roten ahead in the game.
Bayern conceded possession in dangerous areas during the game, which often initiated counter-attacks for Hoffenheim. The Bavarian club is still not an absolute miser when it comes to conceding chances and goals. The sooner they get that nasty streak of giving no chances to the opposition, the better will be their prospects of winning the two big trophies this season.