Bayern v Augsburg – Match Report

Manuel Veth reporting from Munich –

The Bavarian derby Bayern v Augsburg offered few surprises with der Rekordmeister dominating the Bavarian-Swabians.

• Bayern revival continues.
• Arturo Vidal is the man of the match.
• Robert Lewandowski scores twice to make history.

Bayern v Augsburg – 3-0

Goals: 1-0 (Vidal 30’) 2-0 (Lewandowski 37’) 3-0 (Lewandowski 49’)

Not surprisingly Bayern took control of the game straight away and had the first couple chances of the game—Niklas Süle (3’) after a header and Arjen Robben (5’) after his signature move missed chances. Six minutes later Robert Lewandowski missed the goal from just a few yards outs after his shot was deflected and Mats Hummels then headed the ball just over the bar after the ensuing corner kick.

20 minutes into the game Bayern had 80% ball possession, and the best news for Augsburg at that point was the scoreline, which was still 0-0. The goal finally arrived after Augsburg defender Jeffrey Gouweleeuw brought down Robben on the right corner of the box. James Rodríguez brought the free kick into the box where the ball bounced around until Vidal finally put the ball away. Seven minutes later Vidal played a great pass to Robert Lewandowski, who was through one-on-one against Marvin Hitz easily putting the ball away for Bayern’s second goal. Given Bayern’s dominance at this point, the 2-0 scoreline was more than justified.

Bayern started the second half the same way the first half ended by tormenting Augsburg’s backline. Four minutes into the second half Lewandowski easily converted a brilliant cross by Joshua Kimmich to put the game to bed. From there on Bayern took the foot off the pedal while also remaining dangerous by jumping on even the smallest mistakes committed by Augsburg’s defence.

Robben, in particular, stood out at this point. The Dutch winger broke through Augsburg’s defence in the 67’ and 70’, but Augsburg could clear on both occasions. The Dutchman was taken off shortly after and without him, Bayern proceeded to circulate the ball without creating another dangerous moment.

Bayern v Augsburg – Man of the Match

Dominant! Aggressive! Hungry! Arturo Vidal finally was true to his nickname, warrior, against Augsburg showing the sort of performance that has been expected of him by head coach Jupp Heynckes. The 30-year-old Chilean has been described as to unfit and past his prime by the press in recent weeks. Even Heynckes, who has been a fan of the Chilean since coaching him at Leverkusen, had been critical. But Heynckes is a smart coach, and he probably realised that his criticism would be the fuel needed to get Vidal going.

Arturo Vidal was the man of the match. (CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images)

Bayern v Augsburg – Talking Point

In what has been a remarkable turn-around Bayern München assert their dominance over the Bundesliga. New head coach Jupp Heynckes has collected 14 more points than Germany’s other giant Borussia Dortmund. With both Leipzig and Dortmund showing signs of weakness in the fall Bayern look certain to win the title once again.

Bayern v Augsburg – Match Stats

• Robert Lewandowski becomes only the second Bayern player to score in each of the first six home games of a Bundesliga season after Gerd Müller in 1972-73.
• Bayern’s home scoring streak continues. The last time Bayern was kept at bay was on matchday 32 of the 2014-15 season when they faced Augsburg.
• Bayern have scored a league-high 30 goals in the Bundesliga 2017-18 season (2.5 goals per game).
• Jupp Heynckes recorded his 500th Bundesliga win (325 as player 175 as head coach).

Bayern v Augsburg – Line-ups

Bayern München:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Ulreich – Kimmich, Süle, Hummels, Rafinha – Javi Martínez, Vidal (Rudy 79’) – Robben (Tolisso 77’), James, Bernat (Alaba 73’) – Lewandowski

Coach: Jupp Heynckes

FC Augsburg:

Formation: 4-2-2-2

Hitz – Max, Gouweleeuw, Danso, Opare – Baier, Khedira – Caiuby (Stafylidis 70’), Gregoritsch, Heller (Schmid 59’) – Finnbogason (Ji 83’)

Coach: Manuel Baum

Manuel Veth is the owner and Editor in Chief of the Futbolgrad Network. He also works as a freelance journalist and social media editor at Bundesliga.com. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in History from King’s College London, and his thesis is titled: “Selling the People’s Game: Football’s transition from Communism to Capitalism in the Soviet Union and its Successor States,” which will be available in print soon. Originally from Munich, Manuel has lived in Amsterdam, Kyiv, Moscow, Tbilisi, London, and currently is located in Victoria BC, Canada.  Follow Manuel on Twitter @ManuelVeth.