FC Bayern just averted embarrassment in their attack on Europe’s football throne thanks to a last-minute goal from Kingsley Coman.
Four days after the embarrassing 2: 4 in Bochum, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team did not get beyond a meager 1: 1 (0: 1) in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League at outsiders RB Salzburg and has to go before the second leg in almost three Weeks (8.3.) tremble against the cheeky Austrians.
“The result is difficult to classify. In the first half it was a bit too little. In the second half we controlled it better and played more oppressively,” said Joshua Kimmich on “DAZN”.
Bayern, who were disappointing over long stretches and failed early on in the DFB Cup, at least prevented the first away defeat in the premier class since September 2017 and 21 games (0: 3 in Paris). The pressure is still massive. Even before the game, the record champions were uneasy.
In front of 29,520 spectators in the sold-out arena, including national coach Hansi Flick and DFB director Oliver Bierhoff, RB took the lead in the 21st minute through Chikwubuike Adamu. The conspicuous national player Karim Adeyemi prepared strongly. Bayern, still flawless in the group stage, often had serious problems with the pace of Matthias Jaissle’s team, which reached the knockout stage of the premier class for the first time.
After the “complete team failure” (Thomas Müller) in Bochum, Nagelsmann changed one position. Corentin Tolisso replaced the indisposed Dayot Upamecano. Nagelsmann also switched to a back three. But the attitude should change decisively. One is, according to Müller, “tickled of honor”.
But it didn’t start well without Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies. After a mistake by Niklas Süle and a pass by Adeyemi, Benjamin Pavard just threw himself into a shot from Brenden Aaronson (2′). As announced, the Austrians sounded the alarm right from the start and showed no respect whatsoever. Bayern were challenged – and they wobbled.
Salzburg put Bayern under pressure
Although Serge Gnabry (10th) and Kingsley Coman (19th) tested Salzburg keeper Philipp Köhn, RB repeatedly put Bayern under serious pressure – like the 0-1 draw by substitute Adamu, which is well worth seeing. Shortly thereafter, Aaronson failed because of the brilliantly reacting substitute Sven Ulreich.
RB was always driven by the loud fans. It was an unfamiliar atmosphere for Bayern. The Munich team last played in the premier class two years ago at Chelsea (3-0) in front of a sold-out house.
Despite full offensive power, Bayern also struggled going forward in the game. Robert Lewandowski was largely up in the air before the break.
FC Bayern increases the pressure in the second half
After the change, Munich increased the pressure, but there weren’t any compelling chances at first because RB also defended passionately and was able to disrupt Munich’s actions again and again. But Bayern often lacked accuracy and determination. Coman (73′) and Sané (76′) also failed in a turbulent final phase against Köhn.
Despite this, Salzburg could hardly free themselves, but remained dangerous on the counterattack. Benjamin Pavard saved on the line against Adamu (81st). Previously, Ulreich had parried against Adeyemi – then Coman scored late.