FC Bayern started the new year with a 5-0 win at Red Bull Salzburg, with young star Lennart Karl taking center stage and making a sporting statement despite recent discussions about his comments on Real Madrid.
In the only test match of the winter break, FC Bayern showed two generally controlled but only occasionally compelling halves in Salzburg. Coach Vincent Kompany surprised with a starting eleven that included several youngsters in Cassiano Kiala, David Santos Daiber and Wisdom Mike.
In the early stages, the almost 30,000 spectators in the Red Bull Arena saw an intense game with plenty of pace. Both teams pressed high and looked to get forward early. Michael Olise had the first big chance in the 20th minute with a shot to the far corner, which Salzburg keeper Schlager saved well. Youngsters Wisdom Mike and Hiroki Ito also got things going down the left flank.
Kitano missed Salzburg’s best opportunity after just over half an hour when he hesitated too long in the penalty area and was blocked by Santos Daiber. Ito was on hand shortly before the half-time whistle: after Kane failed to beat Schlager with a shot, the ball ended up with the Japanese player in a roundabout way, whose shot from distance was deflected and hit the net unstoppably.
Karl shines with brace and assist
Vincent Kompany made a complete change at the break and Bayern took control again with fresh faces – including Pavlovic, Bischof, Gnabry, Díaz and Karl. Chances were initially missed, including Ofli’s effort from an acute angle in the 49th minute. Karl and Gnabry also failed to score before the duo finally decided the game.
In the 72nd minute, it was Karl who, after an attack over several stations, was perfectly served by Chávez and scored to make it 2:0 – a goal that the 17-year-old celebrated with a discreet „calm down“ gesture, probably also in reaction to the fan frenzy surrounding his statements about Real Madrid. Just three minutes later, it was Karl himself who set up Chávez with a low cross to make it 3:0.
Karl then made it 4-0 again himself in the 87th minute: after a fine chip ball from Díaz, he headed in from close range, his second goal of the day. A short time later, he left the pitch to applause. Two goals, one assist – an all-round strong performance from the 17-year-old.
The final goal was scored by Tom Bischof in stoppage time: The substitute midfielder scored after an assist from Díaz to make the final score 5:0.
The result was a clear and deserved victory for FC Bayern, who go into the intensive January phase with a positive feeling. The performances of the many talented players in particular must have encouraged Vincent Kompany for the tasks ahead.