Bayern Munich 1-2 SC Freiburg: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• A last minute handball and Bayern Munich are out of the cup. This is going to come back down on Thomas Tuchel and the board. Disastrous result and the performance ... needs analysis.
• How did Joao Cancelo not come off? Aside from two passes in the first half, he was far less effective than Alphonso Davies. Unless the Canadian is injured, it feels like Tuchel caved to the players’ demands and it cost the team.
• Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting subbed early and didn’t have a great game. This does not bode well for the team, he may still be suffering from the knock he took.
• Finishing was definitely a problem tonight. Pretty much every attacker except maybe Coman had a chance to put Bayern 2-1 ahead but somehow Freiburg always got a defender in the way. Unlucky? Maybe not, the chances created didn’t always seem clear-cut.
• Will Tuchel’s changes from the BVB game be criticized? Swapping Sane and Coman around, benching Davies for Cancelo — these all may have contributed to this result. Bayern will need to get this shock out of their system quick, as the big games are still left in this season.

90+3’ — Freiburg score! It’s 2-1 to Freiburg!

90+2’ — Penalty to Freiburg! Musiala’s handball.

78’ — Sub: Sadio Mane comes on for Leon Goretzka.

63’ — Subs: Choupo and Coman off for Musiala and Gnabry.

45’ — The second half is underway!

Halftime observations and analysis

• Freiburg are absolutely lucky to be level at halftime right now, Bayern Munich have been dominant and mostly lacked luck in the final third.
• On the other hand, this Bayern team have looked a little vulnerable at the back. While Matthijs de Ligt has been imperious on an individual level, Freiburg are finding gaps in the Bayern defensive line.
• Kingsley Coman could stand to be a little more aware of his surroundings when he crosses the ball.
• Joao Cancelo has some great passes, but he’s not as effective as Alphonso Davies on the left.
• Getting Thomas Muller more involved in the second half should be the goal.

Halftime: Bayern Munich 1-1 SC Freiburg.

27’ — Goal. Hofler makes it 1-1! Just a screamer.

19’ — GOOOOOOOOAL! Dayot Upamecano makes it 1-0!

Kickoff: We’re underway!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Thomas Tuchel opts for few changes as Bayern Munich start in a 4-2-3-1, same as against BVB. Thomas Muller captains the side while Benjamin Pavard and Leroy Sane retain their starting positions. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who was doubtful for the game, has managed to start. Meanwhile, Alphonso Davies has been rested in favor of Joao Cancelo.

Having already won the DFB Pokal once in his career, Thomas Tuchel is tasked with doing it again. Ironically, he’s now in charge of the same team that he denied in the semi finals all those years ago. Bayern Munich expect trophies from their new coach, so winning here will be crucial to keeping the season on track.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is the main source of concern heading into the game. The Cameroonian is still in great form, but he’s been suffering from a back injury for weeks now and a knock ruled him out of the final team training session on Monday. While Tuchel assures us it was just a precautionary measure, Bayern face the real prospect of going strikerless in this game.

Thankfully the rest of the attackers got in on the action versus Borussia Dortmund on the weekend, so its not like Tuchel will be totally bereft of offensive firepower. Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, and Kingsley Coman can all do the job if they have their wits about them. Meanwhile the defense will need to be wary, especially of any errant penalties. This is a knockout game — no second chances.

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our postgame review of Saturday’s 4-2 win over Borussia Dortmund? We talk about Tuchel’s debut, the 4-2-3-1, the importance of Thomas Muller, and more! Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 8:45 pm local time, 2:45 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, DFB Play, Find Your Country

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