REACTION | Bayern Munich back to doing what they do best as Freiburg get found out

Bayern Munich move into second place after a convincing win against SC Freiburg. In truth, Julian Nagelsmann’s side were given the time and space to dictate the match as Freiburg are left licking their wounds. 

Bayern Munich back to doing what they do best – winning

They went through an early-season blip but it seems Bayern Munich are back to doing what they do best – winning. Julian Nagelsmann’s side have struggled for form in the Bundesliga so far this campaign which has paved the way for the likes of Union Berlin, Freiburg, and Hoffenheim. It was crucial for Bayern to get all three points against a side that had outshone them so far this season. 

Right from the kick-off, it looked like there was only one team in this. Bayern were back to their fluid play, moving the ball quickly from side to side, keeping Freiburg guessing. Despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Mark Flekken, he could do nothing about a brilliant Serge Gnabry header which gave the Bavarians a well-deserved lead. It was soon 2-0 when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting neatly slotted home. The Cameroonian forward had a stellar game, holding the ball up well, and taking on opponents. He proved he still has a key role to play in Bayern’s season. Up to this point, Bayern had struggled without a regular number 9 on the pitch. With Choupo-Moting playing that role today it’s no coincidence that Bayern already looks like a better side.  

Bayern’s performance was beautifully summed up by their third goal. Choupo-Moting linked up on the edge of the 18-yard box with Leroy Sané who went on a jinking run before curling the ball beyond the helpless Flekken. Two minutes later it could have been four when Sané was in again who looked to set up Mané if it was for some last-minute desperate defending. It didn’t make much of a difference however, it was soon 4-0 just moments later thanks to a piece of shocking defending and a Mané chip. 

Freiburg found out 

It’s difficult to pinpoint what Christian Streich’s game plan was. If it was to sit back and give Bayern the freedom of the pitch, it worked a treat. Time and time again the likes of Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies had too much space to provide penetrating passes. Bayern soon had a two-goal cushion and strolled into halftime without breaking a sweat. 

Freiburg looked like they were going to give it a go in the second period. In the first 13 seconds of the half, they had forced a corner which was more than they had done in the first 45. However, it wasn’t to last. Bayern soon found their rhythm once again and soon made it 3-0 and 4-0. This was helped by some quite shambolic defending by Lienhart and Ginter. They were so far off their markers and made too many basic mistakes which will get punished by a team of this quality. 

It’s a reality check for Freiburg who slip down into third. In midweek, they host 2. Bundesliga outfit St. Pauli in the DFB Pokal before welcoming in-form Werder Bremen at the weekend. Lessons have to be learnt if Streich wants to navigate Freiburg to a top-four finish. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen

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