As Bayern Munich’s record breaking win streak came to its end against FC Union Berlin, Manuel Neuer highlighted the important shortcomings — defending set-pieces.
This was a fiery clash between too electric teams in the Bundesliga. However, while Bayern were the better side in creating chances, it was Union Berlin that outdid the champions on efficiency in front of goal. The half-chances turned to set-pieces and set-pieces were executed with perfection by Union to register two goals.
Manuel Neuer was not happy with the way Union were allowed to get through. Admitting this was a tough opponent from the get go, the captain admitted his own mistake that led to the first goal.
Nevertheless, Neuer struck an optimistic note for the path ahead. “In the end I think it was a good point. We got a point and the competition didn’t – and we’re now 6 points clear. We struggled in defending set pieces today, and Union did well in that aspect. I made the wrong decision in the first goal, we lost the second ball in the second goal. It was tough today against this team, especially after Wednesday. But we believe we’ll soon get back to winning ways,” said Neuer (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
The impact of the UCL game
The impact from the PSG game where Bayern had to defend a slim lead with just 10 men for an entire half took its toll on a fairly thin squad. With squad rotation only possible to a limited extent, fatigue definitely played its part in the win streak having to come to an end. Defending set-pieces in such a scenario makes it all the more difficult against a feisty opposition away from home.
Bayern Munich hit the road in the ultimate “trap game” situation after big wins over Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga) and Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League) just before an international break.
For any team, that could have spelled danger — and this Bayern Munich squad was not immune.
Bayern Munich and Union Berlin fought to a 2-2 in a match that reeked of danger for the Bavarians from the opening whistle. Let’s get this started and talk about how this all played out. This is what we have on tap on this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:
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