After an embarrassing 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, Bayern Munich looked to bounce back against VfB Stuttgart who are the surprise team of the Bundesliga this season.
Bayern got the perfect reaction as a Atakan Karazor mistake allowed Leroy Sané to be played through who squared it to Harry Kane to open the scoring in the second minute. Although Stuttgart dominated the ball they were unable to do anything with it and Bayern would have two goals from Kim Min-Jae and Thomas Müller ruled out due to offside which would give Stuttgart a lifeline heading into the second half.
However, this did not happen as Bayern gained a tighter grip on the game as Stuttgart failed to muster up any type of attack that could cause issues for Bayern. The downfall for Stuttgart in this game were their defending at set pieces, Kane would grab his second of the game from a free kick before Min-Jae would finally be rewarded with his goal as he converted a corner.
Bayern now close the gap to Bayer Leverkusen to four points heading into the final game of the hinrunde.
Bayern Munich:
Manuel Neuer – 6
Konrad Laimer – 6
Dayot Upamecano – 6
Kim Min-Jae – 7
Alphonso Davies – 6
Aleksandar Pavlovic – 8 – Was thrown in late on due to the illness of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka and he played like a regular in the team. Pavlovic’s delivery from set pieces were key in Bayern securing the three points as his delivery caused constant issues for Stuttgart’s defence that they were unable to deal with.
Raphaël Guerreiro – 6
Jamal Musiala – 6
Thomas Müller – 6
Leroy Sané – 7 – Caused several issues for Stuttgart’s left-hand side and caused an early booking to Mittelstädt, could have ended up with a goal and another assist if it were not for the goalkeeping of Alexander Nübel.
Harry Kane – 8 – Showed the poaching side of his game as he was able to be in the right place at the right time to take his season tally to 20 goals.
Others: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (-), Mathys Tel (-), Frans Krätzig (-)
VfB Stuttgart:
Alexander Nübel – 6
Josha Vagnoman – 5
Waldemar Anton – 5
Dan-Axel Zagadou – 5
Maximilian Mittelstädt – 5
Enzo Millot – 5
Atakan Karazor – 4 – None existent in the first half, his mistake cost Stuttgart the first goal and he was never able to impose himself on the game despite being up against Bayern’s third even fourth-choice midfield.
Angelo Stiller – 5
Chris Führich – 5
Deniz Undav – 5
Sehrou Guirassy – 5
Others: Jamie Leweling (5), Silas (5), Anthony Rouault (5), Woo-Yeong Jeong (5), Leonidas Stergiou (-)
GGFN | Jack Meenan