Bayern Munich got the job done in the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Union Saint Gilloise, but this was a performance that will have pleased absolutely nobody. A Harry Kane brace papered over significant cracks in a disjointed and lethargic display from the German giants.
Vincent Kompany’s side were a mess for large periods, lacking any spark or cohesion. “We got the win, that’s what matters at this stage,” Kompany likely muttered through gritted teeth afterwards, but the truth was this was a triple U performance: Unmotivated, Uninspired, and downright Unwatchable at times.
The problems started at the back, where Kim Min jae deputising for the ill Dayot Upamecano had a nightmare. Booked early, the South Korean saw red in the 63rd minute for a clumsy grapple, leaving his side to see out the game with ten men. “A combination of his worst traits,” sighed one onlooker, citing poor positioning and rash decision making.
Further forward, nothing clicked. Joshua Kimmich was sluggish in a unfamiliar deep role, the full back experiment with Tom Bischof and Raphaël Guerreiro robbed the midfield of balance, and young starlet Lennart Karl was anonymous. Only the relentless Kane provided salvation, nodding home from a corner before converting a penalty, though he later smacked a second spot kick against the bar.
The wider concern for Bayern, however, might be off the pitch. With Upamecano’s contract extension still not signed, the club’s search for defensive reinforcements has suffered a blow. Borussia Dortmund on the other hand, are growing increasingly confident of tying down Nico Schlotterbeck to a new deal, according to reports.
BILD states a summit was held last week, with Dortmund prepared to break their own wage structure to keep the 26 year old. The proposed package is believed to be around €14 million per season, complete with a €60 million release clause active from 2027. It’s a major statement of intent from BVB, and a potential transfer headache for Bayern.
So, a night of mixed fortunes. The points are secured in Europe, but the performance was a stinker. And in the background, a key defensive target looks ever more likely to slip through their fingers. Kompany has much to ponder before the big Bundesliga fixtures return.
