Bayern Munich's Wobbly Win: A Nail-Biter Against Stuttgart
Bayern Munich squeaked out a 3-1 win against VfB Stuttgart, but honestly? It wasn't pretty. They got the three points, sure, but the match left more questions than answers. It highlighted their resilience, yes, but also some serious vulnerabilities that could come back to bite them. This wasn’t the smooth, dominant Bayern we're used to seeing.
A Rocky Start for the Bavarians
Right off the bat, things felt…off. Missing key players like Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović, the starting lineup had a few head-scratchers. Starting Harry Kane before the massive Champions League game against Leverkusen? Bold move. And Kim Min-jae playing with an Achilles injury? That felt risky. The team looked disjointed, communication was shaky, and the rhythm was completely off. Stuttgart, fired up and ready to rumble, capitalized on Bayern’s struggles. They hit the post early and then, bam! Angelo Stiller, a former Bayern player, slotted home a stunning goal. Neuer's positioning was questioned, but it was the whole defense that looked like it was playing a different game.
A Comeback Built on Stuttgart's Mistakes
The first half was a bit of a mess, but Bayern managed to grab an equalizer before the break through Michael Olise. It might have been offside, but the ref let it stand. The second half was a different story. Stuttgart, for all their early fire, started making costly errors. Leon Goretzka pounced on a massive mistake by Stuttgart's keeper, Alexander Nübel, to put Bayern ahead. And then, another blunder, this time by Josha Vagnoman, allowed Kingsley Coman to seal the deal. Alphonso Davies had an unusually quiet game, contributing to Bayern’s early struggles.
Leverkusen Looms: Cause for Concern?
The win keeps Bayern 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga. But let’s be real: there’s a lot to unpack here. While they fought back and eventually won, that shaky first half, those individual errors… it's all a bit worrying, especially with the massive Champions League clash against Leverkusen just around the corner. This game really highlighted how much they depend on key players and maybe exposed some weaknesses in their squad depth.
Key Takeaways: Bayern’s resilience is undeniable, they found a way to win despite everything. Stuttgart showed incredible fight. Some Bayern players stepped up (Goretzka!), while others struggled (Davies). And, perhaps most importantly, the upcoming Leverkusen match is a huge test; Bayern’s performance needs a serious upgrade.
It was a reminder that even the mighty Bayern Munich can be vulnerable. The Bundesliga title, and Champions League glory, are far from guaranteed. This wasn't the smooth, dominant Bayern we are used to, but they got the job done. For now.
