The 0-0 draw at FC Schalke 04 cost FC Bayern two impressive streaks. For the first time in 58 competitive matches, the German record champions failed to score a goal. At the same time, Munich lost the top spot in the Bundesliga standings for the first time since September 2024. However, there’s no cause for panic at Säbener Straße.
Even though the result was disappointing, the performance was solid for long stretches. Vincent Kompany’s team controlled the match, won back possession early on numerous occasions, and created enough chances to decide the game in their favor.
The problem lay more in the final third. “To put it bluntly: We didn’t score a goal today,” said sporting director Max Eberl, summarizing the match. “The chances were there.”
In fact, Munich squandered several good opportunities. Luis Díaz, in particular, failed to capitalize on two chances to take the lead when he was relatively unmarked in front of the goal.
“We made it too complicated in the penalty area.”
After their offensive fireworks in the 5-1 win over VfB Stuttgart to kick off the Bundesliga season, Bayern lacked the finishing touch at Schalke. In some situations, the Munich team apparently tried to make it too fancy.
“We overcomplicated things in the penalty area,” Eberl admitted.
The fact that Harry Kane and Michael Olise started the game on the bench also played a role. Kompany had deliberately opted for rotation given the team’s heavy schedule. Both superstars entered the game after halftime but were also unable to force the decisive goal.
For the most part, Bayern’s game plan worked even with the changed lineup. Their aggressive counter-pressing, in particular, caused Schalke major problems. After the match, coach Miron Muslic expressed his admiration for the intensity shown by the record champions.
“For me, the most dangerous moments were when we won the ball back, because they’re incredible at counter-pressing. That’s when they devour teams.”
Notably, Osnabrück coach Timo Schultz had made a very similar observation just a few days earlier after the cup match against Bayern.
„The most dangerous situations aren’t even when you’re able to defend in an organized manner, but when you win the ball back and actually want to create something yourself.“
Bayern needs to step up its game, especially in front of the goal
This shows that Kompany’s fundamental game plan is still working at the start of the new season. The Munich team continues to put pressure on opponents, quickly recover from turnovers, and establish themselves in the opponent’s half for long stretches.
What was missing at Schalke was efficiency. Possession, control, and well-crafted chances are only of limited help in the end if the ball doesn’t find the back of the net.
For Bayern, the scoreless draw is therefore likely less of a fundamental warning sign and more of a clear task ahead. Especially in front of the opponent’s goal, Munich needs to become more decisive and direct again.
There isn’t much time left to do so. Their next challenge in the Champions League against Bodø/Glimt is already coming up on Thursday. Then, their existing control must once again produce the one thing that was missing at Schalke: goals.