In the top game against pursuers Union Berlin, Bayern Munich made things clear. On Sunday (February 26th, 2023) on the 22nd matchday of the Bundesliga, Munich landed an unchallenged 3-0 (3-0) victory.
Defeat in Mönchengladbach? Rumors about coach Julian Nagelsmann? In-form pursuers? The Munich team simply wiped all of this off the table in their home arena. Even before the break, the German record champions, who also celebrated the comeback of Sadio Mané after a break of almost four months, made a difference with goals from Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting (31st), Kingsley Coman (40th) and Jamal Musiala (45th). +1) all right.
While Bayern (46 points, +43 goals) replaced Borussia Dortmund (46 points, +18 goals) as a short-term leader after the 1-0 win in Hoffenheim, Union Berlin (43 points) slipped after the euphoria about the entry in the round of 16 of the Europa League with the first defeat in the tenth competitive game of 2023 in the Bundesliga in third place.
Bayern always master of the situation
Munich started the game in a controlled but dominant manner. The hosts had a huge opportunity to take the lead after just six minutes, but Berlin defender Robin Knoche blocked a shot from Thomas Müller from close range.
Union built on his last immensely successful wait-and-see tactics. However, extremely grippy Bayern hardly allowed counterattacks. It wasn’t until the 37th minute before the Irons had their first real chance with a volley from Aïssa Laïdouni.
Three goals in 15 minutes
But it was already 1-0 for Munich because Choupo-Moting had headed a Coman cross into the Union goal (31st). A little later, the again strong French made it 2-0 with a solo (40th). And before the half-time whistle, Musiala scored from close range to make it 3-0 (45+1). Coman had intercepted a rebound from the Berlin defense and passed it on to Müller.
Once up and running, FC Bayern just kept going in the second half, even as the snow became heavier – but kept getting caught by goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow. In a one-on-one against Alpohnso Davies (47′, 86′) and Müller (62′, 71′), the Dane prevented the fourth goal conceded.
Sweeping Mané comeback
The Munich side didn’t score a goal in the second half, but they were happy about the return of Mané, who caused a stir down the left flank after being substituted on in the 65th minute, including the assist for one of the big chances by Mueller.
Union also had a good chance with a shot by Sheraldo Becker (57′), but overall the Berliners had to bow to the opponent’s superiority over the entire field and the entire game time.
Bayern are on the 23rd Bundesliga matchday against VfB Stuttgart (Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.). Union Berlin receives 1. FC Köln three hours earlier.