MY ACCOUNT
Bayern Munich made it two wins from two to start the new Bundesliga season as they ran out 2-0 victors against Wolfsburg on Sunday.
First half goals from Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller helped the champions see off their spirited visitors in sweltering summer heat at Allianz Arena, preserving their perfect record this season.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side join anticipated title rivals Bourssia Dortmund as the only two sides with the maximum six-point haul so far this campaign, while former Bayern boss Niko Kovac will perhaps be quietly glad it was not by more that his side were sunk.
Bayern started strongly, Benjamin Pavard glancing the bar with a header and Sadio Mane looking to have put the hosts on top when he tapped Serge Gnabry’s driven pass home from close range but was denied by the offside flag after a VAR check.
There was no chalking off Musiala’s strike however, when the Germany international turned and unfurled a superb finish from the edge of the box to beat goalkeeper Koen Casteels at the far post.
Muller then got in on the act when he stuck a foot out near the penalty spot to divert Joshua Kimmich’s own shot, redirecting it from right to left to fool the defence and send Bayern into the break smiling.
There were further chances for the hosts after the interval, but Wolfsburg’s own hopes gradually ebbed away as the game wore on, with Max Kruse going closest.
Mane saw a headed goal overturned once more by VAR for offside, but it ultimately did not matter as Bayern ultimately shepherded their lead through to the final whistle to secure another triumph.
What does it mean? Bayern back up brilliance
Fears that the champions could struggle without Robert Lewandowski at the point of their attack continue to be unfounded so far for the hosts, who eased to a comfortable win despite lacking the blockbuster scoreline that marked their opening win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
With 68.3 per cent of possession and 24 shots to Wolfsburg’s eight, they showed their dominance to wrap up a second win of the campaign.
Musiala magic for hosts
Jamal Musiala has long looked like a breakout star for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and his performances so far this term are going to give former boss Hansi Flick few headaches on his selection.
A goal, four shots and three key passes marked him out as the most influential and dynamic performer of the day.
Wolfsburg struggle to string it together
Aside from being relentlessly held off the ball, with a bruising percentage of possession, the visitors also couldn’t pick their passes today too.
They managed just a 71.2 per cent accuracy, well below that of their hosts, and allowing for easy pickings whenever they tried to go long.
Key Opta Facts
– Bayern Munich have scored against Wolfsburg for the 29th game in a row. Against no other opponent have Bayern had a longer streak in their Bundesliga history.
– Bayern have won their first two Bundesliga matches of the season for the first time since 2018 (3-1 vs Hoffenheim, 3-0 vs VFB Stuttgart).
– Wolfsburg have failed to win their last 30 away matches against Bayern Munich (2 draws, 28 defeats), conceding 86 goals.
– In three matches this season, Jamal Musiala has contributed to five goals (four goals, one assist) – more than in his last 17 matches combined (3).
– Thomas Muller has scored more Bundesliga goals against Wolfsburg (12) than any other side.
– No player has more Bundesliga assists than Joshua Kimmich (9) in 2022.
What’s next?
Wolfsburg head home to host Schalke on Saturday, while Bayern take the trip to VfL Bochum a day later on Sunday.
