FC Bayern win the last match of the Champions League phase at PSV Eindhoven. FCBinside provides three insights into the game
Bayern won 2-1 in Eindhoven to finish the league phase in second place. The game provided the following insights
1. Bayern can cope without Goretzka
During the 90 minutes on the pitch, Leon Goretzka was not really an issue in sporting terms. The international was on the bench and was not substituted. Nevertheless, there was a lot of talk about the 30-year-old before kick-off and after the game. Goretzka had given an interview to DIE ZEIT, which was published only around five hours before the start of the game. A questionable time
Among other things, Goretzka explained that a move abroad was „of course“ an option for him: „I think it’s exciting to go abroad in my career,“ he said
The midfielder also has to think about his future: his contract with Bayern expires in the summer and the club is making no attempt to extend Goretzka’s contract again
AC Milan and Atlético Madrid are said to be interested, with the Spaniards even sending sporting director Mateu Alemany to Munich for negotiations
Goretzka could even leave in a flash in the winter, which would be a good opportunity for the record champions to get an absolute top earner off the payroll
In sporting terms, Bayern can cope without Goretzka. In Eindhoven, Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic once again formed the duo in the center of midfield
Tom Bischof, who cut a fine figure at right-back at the Philips Stadion this time, can also play here. Konrad Laimer is also a trained six-man. Should Bayern strengthen in the right-back position – for example with Givairo Read from Feyenoord Rotterdam – the Austrian could also be deployed in midfield again. Raphael Guerreiro can also help out in the center
Yes, Bayern’s squad is a little thin on the ground, but even if Goretzka were to leave in the winter, they would still be able to replace him. In David Santos Daiber, Munich even have a candidate from their own youth ranks for the position up their sleeve. Even a quick winter departure of Goretzka would be easy for FCB to cope with
2. Musiala’s return could be the X-factor
Bayern have a new option in attack: Jamal Musiala is a real boost to the team’s attacking play and feels like a new signing in the middle of the season
The 22-year-old was back in the starting eleven in Eindhoven for the first time since his serious injury in the summer and immediately played a decisive role in the game. Musiala was very present and immediately stood out again with his excellent ball handling. Technically, he has not forgotten anything during his long injury break. The ball still sticks to Musiala’s foot
His one-two with Lennart Karl before the 1:0 was excellent, Musiala’s finish extra class. A Musiala in his old form opens up completely new possibilities for coach Vincent Kompany. His interplay with Karl was already good in many scenes
The fans can also look forward to combinations with his partner Michael Olise. Together with Luis Diaz, a truly world-class attack could emerge in the decisive phase of the season. Musiala’s return could become the X-factor for Bayern in the battle for the title – especially in the Champions League
3. Urbig gives a world-class response
Despite Musiala’s spectacular return to the starting eleven, another player was named Man of the Match by UEFA – and rightly so: Jonas Urbig put in a world-class performance and was able to take a selfie with the trophy after the game
The young keeper thus provided the perfect response to his unfortunate performance in the Bundesliga defeat against Augsburg. Urbig had misjudged a corner when FCA equalized and received a lot of criticism afterwards. Kompany surprisingly put his trust in him again in the top flight as Manuel Neuer’s deputy
And Urbig paid him back: he saved six balls, including two with really brilliant saves. Urbig was powerless when he conceded the goal, but he initiated the 2:1 through joker Harry Kane with a long, precise pass forward
Urbig was awarded an FCBinside grade of 1 for his top performance. Eberl gave him huge praise on top. The Bayern boss said of Urbig’s response to the Augsburg game that it showed „what a great character he is and what a very good goalkeeper he is.“