FC Bayern Munich had a hard time, but was able to celebrate – and with it the teams from the Bundesliga who are fighting against VfL Wolfsburg to stay in the league. Because Michael Olise showed his class in the 1-0 (0-0) away win.
“That was just a stroke of genius on his part.”said Munich’s sports director Christoph Freund afterwards in the Sportschau interview about the decisive moment in the 56th minute. He was also satisfied in other ways: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy because it was a bitter evening for the head on Wednesday and Wolfsburg is fighting for survival. They played a very good game, but in the end we are really proud that we won.”
Other teams were hoping for FC Bayern
Dejected Bavarians or angry Bavarians? That was the big question after the record champions’ bitter elimination in the Champions League against Paris St. Germain before the game in Wolfsburg. The relegation-threatened “Wolves” were probably hoping for the dejected ones, FC St. Pauli and 1. FC Heidenheim for the angry ones who would provide support in the fight to stay in the league.
Whatever mood coach Vincent Kompany’s team went into the game with, they were certainly far from their top form, while Wolfsburg didn’t look like a relegation candidate at all. Dieter Hecking’s team had a number of chances to score, but were unlucky not to take advantage of them, often because Bayern keeper Jonas Urbig made strong saves.
Wolfsburg with a surprising abundance of opportunities
Manuel Neuer’s representative was already in the spotlight in the seventh minute, but he still needed a lot of luck when Vinicius Souza headed the ball at his head from three meters – that should have been the lead for the hosts. The second opportunity was also great when Denis Vavro headed over from close range after a corner (12′).
Wolfsburg’s Adam Daghim in a duel with Bayern’s Hiroki Ito
Afterwards, Bayern also went on the offensive, resulting in a very fast-paced Saturday evening game. Tom Bischof came closest to scoring the first goal in the first half, but his fantastic direct shot from 20 meters hit the crossbar – Leon Goretzka’s follow-up shot also went wide (19′). A little later, the two Bayern professionals were once again challenged defensively, a shot from Christian Eriksen at the empty goal was blocked by Bischof (24th).
One-time slip by Harry Kane
With a great reflex, Urbig prevented the score from becoming 0-1 a little later (28th), then something very extraordinary happened in Wolfsburg. Olise was fouled and Bayern received a penalty. Harry Kane stepped up, but the goal, which was supposed to be so certain, failed to materialize because the striker failed from the spot for the first time in the Bundesliga after 24 successful attempts (34′). Kane slipped slightly with his supporting leg and shot clearly wide of the goal.
Wolfsburg almost made up for this mishap, but Urbig saved his team again with a double save against Vavro and Eriksen (38th). The expected goals statistics also showed how close the hosts were to 1-0, in which the Hecking team was clearly leading after the first 45 minutes with 3.37: 1.02 – so there was clearly a lack of efficiency.
Harry Kane (r.) misses a penalty and looks down disappointed
Why Michael Olise is one of the best in the world
But Bayern didn’t show any signs of success at first; Jamal Musiala couldn’t break the spell when he was denied by Kamil Grabara, who was also strong, at the start of the second half (48′). A little later, Bayern’s international player headed the ball right into the arms of the Wolfsburg goalkeeper in the second duel (54th).
At this stage, Munich made it clear that it was willing to add another win to the successful Bundesliga season – and thus also help the Wolfsburg competition. And then Olise showed why he is currently one of the best football professionals in the world. As so often, he received the ball on the right side, as so often, he moved inside and, as so often, the Frenchman almost curled it from the corner of the penalty area into the far corner under the crossbar (56th).
Svanberg misses the reward for Wolfsburg
Kane also showed his class in the finish, but Grabara once again parried his flat ball brilliantly (61′). But the keeper couldn’t change the fact that Bayern now completely dominated the game and Wolfsburg couldn’t initiate any dangerous counterattacks. It seemed to be only a matter of time before the score was 2-0, but after a dream pass from Kane, Olise missed it when he missed the ball during a volley attempt (72′).
It was the last big chance for Bayern, but not in the game. Matthias Svanberg had the opportunity to equalize, but shot against the post (89′). So the result remained narrow – which has big consequences. In the direct duel on the last matchday, a win with a one-goal difference is now enough for St. Pauli to overtake Wolfsburg, and even 1. FC Heidenheim can still save themselves with two wins.
At 1. FC Köln and Werder Bremen the last doubts have been eliminated; Bayern’s success means they stay in the league. Cologne can afford a defeat at the season finale in Munich.
