Bayern Munich’s resounding 8-0 victory over Darmstadt appeared to highlight a positive day for the club on matchday nine, but a red card to Joshua Kimmich looked to spoil the party. Having been shown his marching orders after just four minutes, a red card for Kimmich meant that he would be sidelined for Der Rekordmeister’s clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Nonetheless, without their leader in midfield, Der Klassiker could not have been more straightforward for Bayern. However, while a comfortable 4-0 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side has dampened Dortmund’s title hopes, it has simultaneously created a problem for themselves.
Tuchel was forced to entrust Konrad Laimer and Leon Goretzka in the midfield at the Westfalenstadion, and the duo did not disappoint. The pair would control the game from the first whistle for the record champions, who very rarely looked vulnerable.
Nevertheless, with Galatasaray up next for Bayern on Wednesday evening, it is uncertain whether Kimmich will return to the side. As reported by Bild, the 28-year-old is determined to start in the Champions League, but Tuchel has a decision to make: does he continue with a midfield that has served him well or offer Goretzka a rest due to the injury to his hand?
Regardless, Der Klassiker has highlighted the strength of Bayern’s midfield. With the quality Goretzka and Laimer possess, as well as Raphaël Guerreiro’s impending return to the side, Kimmich cannot afford to get complacent, as he is no longer guaranteed a starting place in midfield.
GGFN | Will Shopland
