Five Observations from Bayern Munich’s Champions League 4-0 win over Club Brugge

Bayern Munich have been on a historical streak so far this season, and there is a multitude of factors behind this. Following a strong 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker at home, Bayern return to the Champions League with all the intent of asserting their dominance. They faced Club Brugge at home, a mere three points and a sizeable goal difference away from the top of the table, above reigning Champions League winners Paris-Saint Germain.

The Belgian side have been a constant feature in the Champions League for years now, but carry a poor record against Bayern among other German teams. While Bayern were touted to win from the get-go, what ensued was a strong Bayern performance in the background of an extremely poor outing from the Belgians. Here are the observations from the game.

This win was no statement

A 4-0 win cannot register as a statement win, especially against a debilitated side who themselves knew it would take a miracle to win in the Allianz.

Club Brugge walked into the game with the lowest of expectations, and it showed. They put up hardly a fight, and even the meager, yet earnest attacking attempts were easily subdued by the Bayern centre-back duo. The likes of Vanaken, Tzolis, and Tresoldi could hardly effect any change and the numbers speak for themselves — the team had a total of only three shots with only two on target.

What of the defense, you may ask. For a team who knew they were disadvantaged, they naturally resorted to dropping deep, adopting a defensive approach. However, that did not help either — Bayern moved simply too fast for them to keep up. Oftentimes, the last man would just watch helplessly as Bayern took a shot on target, and nearly every goal resulted from a defensive lapse.

The Bayern Munich argument

Playing against an opposition that almost entirely handed the game over to them, Bayern should have aimed for higher. Multiple key chances were wasted by the likes of Luis Díaz and Michael Olise. Four goals was also not sufficient to surpass the goal difference to go atop the table, but second place will suffice for now. It remains to be seen what Bayern’s true potential is, for so far, it doesn’t seem like the team has reached it.

The word corner can only remind me of one man and that is Joshua Kimmich, so let’s talk about him

Kimmich had an extremely quiet, rather underwhelming night to say the least. The midfielder took up a more defensive role and chose to engage in recovery work, which was either way bare minimal — the possession was 60:40 between the teams. His passing needs no introduction, he is known to be one of the most accurate passers in the team, and passing was never an issue in this game either. However, for someone who is an excellent attacking minded player with the capacity to extract the most out of attackers, he had a disappointing game. One could say he was almost absent.

I have a problem with Luis Díaz

Luis Diaz is a terrific investment for Bayern Munich, undeniably. He is a wonderfully skilled player and an appropriate replacement for Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane. However, Díaz disappoints in decision, and by dribbling… excessively.

Picture this — he links up wonderfully with Konrad Laimer, or receives a lovely ball from Lennart Karl or Harry Kane. He chooses to dribble, and dribble till he reaches ‘within shooting range’, but by this point has also attracted multiple defenders and the goalkeeper all of whom are on his tail. Holding the ball for too long, and choosing to only shoot in near-range is detrimental and it genuinely takes away from all that his skill adds otherwise.

Lucho, I beg you. Please just decide and shoot.

An odd decision was made to start the Portuguese man at right-back, alongside Michael Olise. The latter himself had an uncharacteristically quiet game. He simply could not score, and looked rather lost. Guerreiro too, could not add much — he was stagnated, stuck only performing defensive duties just like Joshua Kimmich. Perhaps the lack of attacking support could explain Olise’s quiet game. But the right flank, was simply not right tonight.

Lennart Karl, the Franck Ribery regen

Lennart Karl deserves a 5,000 word essay speaking of every single thing he can do, and has done so far. Get this — a 17-year-old starts a Champions League match for Bayern, and runs the show. That is Lennart Karl for you.

So far, he has been touted a perfect Franck Ribery regen. The way he ruthlessly dribbles past defenders, that beautiful left-foot on him, and the otherworldly work rate… who else but the French maestro could do all that? Well now, this kid too can. And he does it while playing attacking midfield. He was all over the pitch today, with almost a fierce determination to retrieve possession if it was ever with the opposition. Multiple points during the game, he’d see a player get dispossessed and immediately rush to the site to retrieve the ball back.

While the entire 75 minutes of his performance is worth watching, what truly stands out is his goal.

Less than five minutes into the game, the duo of Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah found Karl, who is comfortably positioned to make something of the ball. Tah passes to the youngster, who then makes a phenomenal run, beating the entire Club Brugge defense, weaving past them and reaches the edge of the 18 yards, from where he takes a brilliant shot. Poetic. Perhaps, one cannot even credit an assist to the goal, for it qualifies as a golazo.

There is still far too much to speak of the youngster, but truly, the sky is the limit.

Of course he’s the man of the match.

The Vincent Kompany show goes on

The Vincent Kompany show goes on, and it must, because criticize him all you may, but no manager has singularly stabilized the entire team and kept every player happy regardless of his game time. He may not play extraordinary Hansi Flick-esque ball, but he has brought attacking ball to Munich in a way that is beautiful while remaining sustainable. It is so clear why he is the first manager since Louis van Gaal to receive a contract extension with the club. The club has made a statement — stability is king in this new era of Bayern.

However, a minor concern to be raised is his substitutions. The Belgian chooses to make certain subs a little too late for those players to have real impact — case in point being that of Wisdom Mike. The youngster, perhaps motivated by his peer Karl’s performance fought tooth and nail… for a total of ten minutes. What can a teenager effect in such a short period? It simply was not enough. He came extremely close to scoring on multiple occasions, but was denied by the bell.

Vinny, we can take all your bizarre tactics. Playing Guerriero in right-back, sometimes playing Kane deeper than Nicolas Jackson and in sending Kimmich to support the backline. But please, just bring on your substitutes a little earlier. (And maybe also start Bischof-Pavlovic next game.)

Some positives from the game

Bayern Munich hosted Club Brugge in the Champions League and while the Belgian side was game, the Bavarians were just better. A lot better.

Bayern Munich continued it excellent run of play and scored a 4-0 victory over Club Brugge in yet another strong performance. Let’s dive into the details — this is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: