The Bundesliga returned over the weekend and it gave all football fans around the world an insight as to what football is going to look like in the upcoming future. No fans were allowed in the stadium and only a limited number of the media were present. There was a limit on the number of ball boys around the pitch and they had to disinfect the balls prior to kick-off and half time. Substitutes from both teams were wearing face masks and were social distancing in the dugout, with some players sitting in the front row of the stadium.

 

 

The Game

In a certainly unusual setting, Bayern cruised to a 2-0 victory against Union Berlin on Sunday. Just before the 20th minute, Bayern appeared to take the lead after Thomas Müller tapped the ball into the net following a Serge Gnabry header across the goal. The goal was eventually disallowed by VAR due to Müller being offside but there were questions to whether the ball was already going in without Müller’s assistance. In the 39th minute, Bayern were awarded a penalty, when Leon Goretzka was swiped down by Berlin defender Neven Subotic. Robert Lewandowski calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0 and to score his 40th goal in 34 games for Munich this season.

Bayern continued their dominance in the second half and mounted the pressure on Berlin, searching for their second goal. In the 80th minute, Benjamin Pavard extended Bayern’s lead to 2-0 following a lovely header from a corner.  Union Berlin midfielder Felix Kroos went very close to scoring in the 89th minute but a very strong hand from Manuel Neuer ensured Bayern kept a clean sheet and took all three points. All credit to Union Berlin who continued to fight, right to the final whistle.

You can watch the highlights from the game here: 

 

Robert LewanGOALski

The Polish giant placed his penalty into the back of the net with ease to continue his impeccable goal-scoring form this season. Lewandowski’s goal against Union Berlin meant that he has now scored 40+ goals in all competitions in each of the last five seasons! Lewandowski is scoring a goal every 82 minutes in the league and it is easy to see why Bayern are sitting at the top of the table.

Lewandowski could make Bayern Munich history if he continues this form. The striker needs 15 goals in his last 8 games to beat Bayern legend, Gerd Müller’s record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season. Although this is a tremendous task for Lewandowski, he will certainly give it his all.

 

 

Who’s next for Bayern?

The league leaders will play at home against thirteenth place Eintracht Frankfurt. Frankfurt were beaten 3-1 in their previous game against Borussia Mönchengladbach and will have growing concerns surrounding their league position, as they are now only five-points above the relegation playoff spot. However, Frankfurt will be hoping history repeats itself on Saturday when the two teams face off, because in the last league meeting between the sides, Bayern were on the wrong end a 5-1 beating. Bayern will need to ensure they get the victory as they will be able to feel Borussia Dortmund breathing down their necks. Dortmund were involved in a highly impressive 4-0 win against Schalke in The Rivierderby over the weekend. The two sides will play each other on Tuesday 26th May, three days after Bayern host Frankfurt.