26th matchday
FC Bayern celebrates an effortless victory in Darmstadt
Bayern star Jamal Musiala (M.) celebrates after his first goal. photo
© Uwe Anspach/dpa
After the goal festival against Mainz, FC Bayern also showed themselves to be accurate in Darmstadt. However, the favorite needs a wake-up call first.
FC Bayern Munich has a mandatory task against the bottom of the table Darmstadt 98 fulfilled effortlessly and with a safe 5:2 (2:1) win, the gap to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen was reduced to seven points, at least for one night.
Tim Skarke gave the promoted team the lead in the 28th minute in front of 17,810 spectators on Saturday, but Jamal Musiala (36th/64th), Harry Kane (45th + 1), Serge Gnabry (74th) and Mathys Tel (90th). +3) turned the game in favor of the sovereign record champions. Oscar Vilhelmsson (90th + 5) contributed the second goal for Darmstadt.
The defending champions took control of the game from kick-off, but initially found it difficult to create clear chances against the home team, who were fighting so hard. A shot from Joshua Kimmich, which Lilien goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen parried, was the only result in the opening quarter of an hour.
Darmstadt with a defensive bulwark
The Hessians built a defensive bulwark around their own penalty area and relied on occasional counterattacks, one of which almost led to success. After a nice combination, Mathias Honsak had a free shot, but national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer quickly raised his hand and saved the favorite from falling behind with his brilliant save.
The Munich team did not seem to have heard the warning shot, as coach Thomas Tuchel’s team continued to act without ideas on offense and too carelessly on defense. That took its toll after just under half an hour. Honsak skilfully dribbled his way into Bayern’s penalty area and fed Skarke, who gave Neuer no chance with a well-placed low shot.
Only now did the guests increase their efforts, which quickly led to success. Musiala equalized after a rather involuntary assist from striker Kane. Aleksandar Pavlovic, who was called up to the DFB squad for the first time by national coach Julian Nagelsmann for the upcoming international matches in France and against the Netherlands, initiated the action with a fine solo. The midfielder later left with a head injury.
In injury time of the first half, Kane added for the favorites. The top striker scored his 31st goal of the season with a header from Kimmich’s cross. Indicative of Bayern’s sometimes lax attitude in defense: the Lilies almost made it 2-2 in return. Vilhelmsson hit the crossbar with a brilliant shot.
Bayern dominate after the break
After the change, Bayern had everything under control. Musiala, who was in great playing spirit, increased the score with a low shot after a nice solo. Darmstadt could hardly get out of their own half. The record champion was only in danger again when Vilhelmsson shot from distance.
Otherwise it remained a game to one goal. Substitute Gnabry contributed Bayern’s fourth goal. Once again the outstanding Musiala, who later hit the crossbar with a lob, presented the score. Both teams were able to celebrate again in stoppage time.