Post-Match Report
“Sensational”—What particularly impressed Niko Kovac about the 2-2 draw in Munich
The top-of-the-table clash between first and second place – both tied on points in the standings – was a showcase for the Bundesliga. But the game also had it all: Harry Kane’s handball penalty that hit the crossbar was one of four shots that struck the woodwork in a highly entertaining match. There were 35 shots on goal and fiercely contested duels (57 percent of which the Borussians won). It was a back-and-forth battle on the field.
Jobe Bellingham’s 0–1 goal – rightly disallowed due to Carney Chukwuemeka’s clear offside position (34th minute) – was immediately followed, after the VAR review, by Bayern’s 1-0 goal. Because Konrad Laimer’s goal was deemed a “new game situation,” the VAR was not allowed to intervene.
The Black and Yellows impressed with strong defensive play moving forward, such as when Nico Schlotterbeck won the ball deep in Munich’s half before Serhou Guirassy’s 1–1 equalizer four minutes after Kane’s missed penalty kick. And the Black and Yellows showed grit. They fell behind twice, and they fought back twice. As has been so typical this season, it came down to a late goal by a substitute: Fabio Silva scored in the 89th minute to make it 2–2.
“The team believed in it from the first minute to the last, fought hard, gave it their all, and came back after falling behind twice. That shows what kind of mentality they have, what strength, what energy,” said an enthusiastic Niko Kovac. And Lars Ricken added with satisfaction: “It’s no fun playing against us. And when we bring our strengths to the field, we’re really good. That gives me confidence for the coming weeks. Not only did we come back from being down twice today, but we’re still undefeated.”
The coach surprised everyone with a change in formation that caught the opponent off guard. Bayern managed only seven shots on goal in the first half—one more than the Borussians. For the first time since their 1-4 loss on September 21, 2008, in Mannheim against TSG Hoffenheim—the fifth league game of the Klopp era—BVB lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, switching to a 4-3-3 in the second half. “That gave us an extra player in midfield, so we did really well there, especially in the first half,” said Kovac.
Bayern found a response during halftime, outshotting BVB 16–6 in the second half, but the Borussians held their ground with skill, tenacity, and endurance (127.7 km total). “I don’t want to single anyone out. The entire team played a sensational game,” emphasized Kovac: “I’m trying to help my team continue to develop. They’re doing that, and if they keep developing at this steady pace, they’ll play a very respectable role this season.”
Boris Rupert
