Bayern Munich: Victory in Stuttgart with Match Winners on Transfer List
In a thrilling match on Friday evening, Bayern Munich emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart, showcasing their dominance in the second half. What stood out in the post-match analysis were the performances of four key players who proved to be match winners, three of whom are reportedly on the transfer list for the upcoming summer. Leroy Sané, Leon Goretzka, and Kingsley Coman, as reported by “Kicker” just before the Stuttgart clash, are among the players earmarked for the club’s restructuring plans.
Notable Performances:
Manuel Neuer: The Bayern captain had a stroke of luck when Undav hit the post, sparing Neuer from conceding. However, he was helpless against Stiller’s stunning long-range shot that put Stuttgart ahead 1-0. Despite minimal action, Neuer maintained his composure. Rating: 3.
Konrad Laimer: Operating as a solid right-back, Laimer displayed his customary tenacity, at times bordering on roughness. A consistent performance. Rating: 3.
Eric Dier: Filling in for Upamecano, Dier delivered a flawless performance, winning the majority of his duels. A commendable effort. Rating: 3.
Minjae Kim: Kim’s composed display at the back ensured no threats materialized. A commanding performance from the center-back. Rating: 3.
Alphonso Davies: While Davies remained unobtrusive throughout, he maintained a stable presence at the back. However, his offensive contributions were lacking in impact. Rating: 3.
Expert Insights:
Joao Palhinha: The highly-priced acquisition was granted a rare start and was focused on his defensive duties with a strong passing accuracy. A near-miss with a bicycle kick was the only notable offensive attempt. Rating: 3.
Leon Goretzka: Deployed in a deeper role than expected, Goretzka made no defensive errors. His standout moment came when he intercepted a pass from VfB goalkeeper Nübel, coolly slotting in the goal for a 2-1 lead. Impressive. Rating: 2.
Michael Olise: From a prime position, Olise initially had an off-target shot but later equalized with a precise finish. The Frenchman orchestrated most of Bayern’s attacks, showcasing his flair. An outstanding performance. Rating: 1.
Jamal Musiala: Struggled to make an impact, largely neutralized by Stuttgart’s defense. Despite a missed opportunity, Musiala failed to influence the game significantly. Rating: 4.
Leroy Sané: After setting up a chance for Musiala, Sané’s slip led to Stuttgart’s opener. However, he redeemed himself by assisting Olise for the equalizer. A lively offensive display from the in-form Sané. Rating: 2.
Harry Kane: Denied by Nübel on two occasions, Kane was unable to produce dangerous shots. A late free-kick hit the crossbar, showcasing his commitment and work rate. Rating: 3.
Substitutions:
Kingsley Coman (62nd minute for Sané): Initially quiet after coming on, Coman sealed the victory with a composed finish in stoppage time. Rating: 2.
Josip Stanisic (76th minute for Laimer): Entered too late for evaluation.
Serge Gnabry (87th minute for Olise): Subbed in too late for assessment.
Thomas Müller (87th minute for Musiala): Brought on too late for analysis.
Hiroki Ito (87th minute for Davies): Entered too late for review.
In conclusion, Bayern Munich’s triumph over Stuttgart not only solidified their lead in the standings but also highlighted the talent of players potentially heading for the exit door. The blend of experience and youthful exuberance on display bodes well for the club’s future, even amidst the looming changes. The match served as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the team in the face of impending transitions, showcasing the depth and quality of the squad.
By Sebastian Mittag
