VfL Bochum vs Bayern Munich: Neuer eats a banana on the pitch (no joke)

66’ — Subs: Gnabry comes on for Muller, Mazraoui on for Pavard. Meanwhile we saw Neuer eat a banana.

59’ — GOAL! Penalty to Bayern! Sadio Mane converts from the spot!

45’ — The second half is underway!

Halftime observations and analysis

• Bayern Munich are playing liquid football. Actually, it’s better than that, call it plasma football.
• Bochum have made too many individual mistakes to hold a candle to this Bayern side.
• Leroy Sane had good finishing for like 10 minutes.
• Manuel Neuer’s passing could be a lot better.
• Benjamin Pavardowski is looking good today.

Halftime: Bayern lead 4-0.

42’ — GOAL! After Mane’s goal was ruled offside by VAR he just decides to do it again.

39’ — GOAL! Sadio Mane makes it 4-0! Ruled offside.

32’ — GOAL! Kingsley Coman makes it 3-0! Mistake by Bochum.

24’ — GOAL! Matthijs de Ligt scores on his debut! 2-0 now.

3’ — GOAL! Leroy Sane makes it 1-0 from some outstanding team play. Coman with the assist.

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Julian Nagelsmann has opted to give Matthijs de Ligt his Bayern Munich debut, with the Dutchman slotting in alongside Dayot Upamecano, with Lucas Hernandez at left-back in a back four setup. Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman come into the XI, with Serge Gnabry on the bench as a potential substitute option.

Alphonso Davies misses out on the lineup due to muscular problems. Big loss there.

It’s only matchday three and Bayern Munich already have a solid chance of opening up a two-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table. With BVB dropping points in a spectacular fashion and both RBL and Leverkusen basically adrift at sea, Julian Nagelsmann faces the prospect of driving a stake into the heart of the title race before August is even over.

Of course, there’s still Bochum to deal with. The last time Bayern faced these guys, it ended in a catastrophe. Ideally, this time we won’t go 4-1 down by half time, but you never know how football will turn out. With Jamal Musiala and possibly Serge Gnabry missing for this game, the team’s offense will have to step up and show they can score in spite of some personnel issues. Leroy Sane in particular will have something to prove, as he’s been a magnet for criticism all week.

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or at this link.

Match Info

Location: Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Bochum, Germany

Time: 5:30 pm local time, 11:30 am EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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