· 2 min readIn this Bayern vs Union Berlin match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Bayern came into the fourth round of the Bundesliga as huge favourites, while Union Berlin were still looking for their first win. With Kane able to reach 100 goals for the club in the Bundesliga and Olise in great form, everything pointed towards a difficult night for Union.
Union started compact and, for a while, managed to do what they intended. Bayern had 76% possession after nine minutes, but could not find spaces through the middle and created practically no danger. The defensive plan was working, especially because the visitors were not dropping too deep. After conceding, that strategy already needed to change.
In the 17th minute, a quick recovery allowed Davies to find space on the left before finding Musiala on the edge of the box. The German controlled and placed his shot into the corner to make it 1-0. It was a beautiful goal, although Rønnow could have done better. Tah then forced Rønnow into a great save shortly afterwards.
Kane, meanwhile, was too far away from the game, with just six touches after 29 minutes. But when Olise entered the box in the 38th minute, he won the one-on-one and won a penalty. Kane made no mistake and reached 100 goals for Bayern in the Bundesliga in just 98 games. An absurd number and a special moment for the striker.
Four minutes later, Olise did what he has done so many times: he decided things on his own. Musiala found him outside the box after a free-kick and the Frenchman found the top corner at the near post. An absolutely unstoppable goal, made even better by Musiala’s assist. Bayern went into half-time 3-0 up, with 10 shots to Union’s none.
Union finally created some danger at the start of the second half, but Neuer appeared twice in two minutes to deny Haberer and Rothe. Even when Bayern are dominant, he continues to make those saves and clearances that look simple because he makes them simple. Union did try to react, but never managed to turn those moments into real pressure on Bayern.
In the 54th minute, Olise crossed for Kane, who got in front of his marker and headed the ball into the ground. Second goal for the Englishman, assist for Olise and 4-0. Bayern were not slowing down and continued to want more, something that became clear when Saibari received with his back to goal in the 70th minute, turned with great quality and shot to score his first Bundesliga goal.
Three minutes later, Olise appeared again. Tom Bischof sent him in behind the defence and the Frenchman controlled the ball unbelievably well, took Rønnow out of the play and scored with a bit of luck after the ball hit the post. A brilliant goal and, above all, another demonstration that he was playing on another level. 6-0.
In the 76th minute, Olise completed his hat-trick. A combination through the middle left him with space outside the box and, although the shot was not perfect and Rønnow still got a touch to it, the ball went in. 7-0 and a historic night for a player who is simply unstoppable.
Post-match
Bayern win and dominate a Union Berlin side that knew they were going to lose, but to lose 7? Brutal. Olise in Ballon d’Or mode, Kane breaking records and a brilliant team performance from Bayern.
