VfB Stuttgart 0-3 Bayern Munich
This game was the prime opportunity for Bayern Munich to take the top spot at the Bundesliga, and Niko Kovac’s Bavarians definitely made sure to remind everyone that they are still the team to beat in German soil when it comes to top football.
The Bavarians followed the script set by SBOBET’s punting experts to the T and never let go of the lead. While their hosts put up a valiant fight against them, there was no chance in this universe that their line-up could actually battle against Bayern’s overpowered XI.
With Borussia Dortmund, unfortunately, drawing their second game against Hannover, the lead is now on Bayern Munich’s clutches. It remains to be seen if we will ever see their stranglehold on the top spot loosen up a bit this season.
Highlights of the game
Bayern Munich knew that they would be standing at the top of the league with a win against Stuttgart, so they started the game with the pressure to keep on pounding the sturdy Stuttgart defence that has done well against the defending champions for a good while.
Niko Kovac has decided to put an interesting yet powerful trio at the front of the Munich offence. He placed the powerful Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben beside Robert Lewandowski to outmuscle the very crowded Stuttgart formation.
While Thomas Muller had to play from the midfield, he still made sure that the Stuttgart defence will be wary of his approaches. His seventh-minute effort was more than enough of a reminder for Tayfun Korkut’s men: his whips to the penalty area gave the defenders enough of a scare.
Of course, the team isn’t just about Lewandowski and Muller. Robben’s corners from Bayern’s overwhelming attacks also added to the pressure. Jerome Boateng’s passes from the defence, David Alaba’s crosses, and Joshua Kimmich’s long-range efforts were also some of the things that the defence had to contend with in the first half.
Die Schwaben did well in holding off the Bayern attack for as long as they did. They tried doing something with the ball whenever they do get a grasp of it. However, it seemed like Bayern just got their number and kept dispossessing them before they ever got to threaten Manuel Neuer. Boateng, who was linked to PSG during the summer window, made sure that not a single shot would threaten Neuer.
It seemed for a while that Stuttgart would upset the Bundesliga 2018 odds and head to half-time with a draw, but Leon Goretzka made sure that Bayern will be rightfully ahead before the break. Bayern made it seem like they were going to the right, but Muller and Lewandowski quickly passed the ball to Goretzka in the middle. The 23-year-old wasted no time and immediately slotted the football past Ron-Robert Zieler for the goal.
From this moment on, everyone at the Mercedes-Benz-Arena knew that the game was Bayern Munich’s to lose. The Bavarians had two great chances to double the lead before heading to the locker room. Goretzka almost managed to get a brace, but his shot barely went wide of the right post. Mats Hummels managed to break free from his marker for a fine header, but Zieler made sure that there would be no more goals going through.
The Stuttgart faithful hoped that the half-time break would somehow change the momentum of the game, but David Alaba’s cannon-like shot in the 49th minute warned the crowd that their fortunes have not gone up just yet.
Zieler pulled off another brilliant save after blocking Thomas Muller’s glancing header in the 56th minute, but he could not stop Bayern alone. Lewandowski eventually doubled the lead with his heroics. His calm demeanour throughout the process of getting the second goal proved just how focused the Poland captain is on his duties.
Muller finally sealed Stuttgart’s fate when he secured the third goal for Bayern in the 76th minute. He was set up beautifully by Lewandowski to head to the left and engage the keeper on a one-on-one. Of course, Muller would not miss from within 20 yards.
Key statistics
The victory, which was expected by pundits, gives the Bayern Munich faithful a lot of things to brag about. They have avenged their 1-4 embarrassment against Stuttgart when they visited the Allianz Arena last season.
Moreover, this has been the tenth time since March 2018 that they have won by two or more goals in the league. The last time they won by only a single goal was in February against Wolfsburg.
The three goals scored by Bayern are instant locks to this week’s Bundesliga 2018 highlights, but the stat sheet will make your eyes pop even more: Bayern dominated 68% of the possession, made 23 goal attempts, had 12 corners, and made a total of 664 passes.
What’s next?
Bayern will be squaring off against Bayer Leverkusen next. Given the horrible start Bayer are currently experiencing, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bayern give their guests another pounding. However, Kovac’s men are probably focusing on their upcoming Champions League game against Benfica.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart will be looking to bounce back from their consecutive losses by getting something against fellow strugglers Freiburg. They will be playing this fixture away from home, but they need to get things rolling if they want to negate their poor start to the season.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
