The 61st Bundesliga season kicked-off with champions Bayern Munich easing to a 4-0 win over Werder Bremen at the Weser Stadion. Two goals from Leroy Sané, one from Harry Kane and another from Mathys Tel saw the Rekordmeister take all three points in a game they dominated in the first half, although the hosts made much more of a fight of it in the second 45 minutes.
An early Sané goal looked like it might open the floodgates, but Bayern had to wait until the 74th minute for Harry Kane (who else?) to seal the victory. Sané added a third right at the death to put a glossier sheen on the scoreline with substitute Tel thumping home a fourth in time added on. Here are five takeaways from Friday’s game…
1- The perfect start for Prince Harry
After a brief appearance in the Supercup as a sub, Harry Kane made his Bundesliga debut at the Weser Stadion and after Bayern paid €100 million for his services, a goalscoring debut was expected. His didn’t disappoint as he netted Bayern’s second in the second half to put the game beyond Werder. He had a good game overall with an assist for Sané’s opener and he was also denied a second by a super save from Jiri Pavlenka. He’s expected to score the goals this season and now the first one is in the bag, the next ones are sure to follow.
2- Werder can take heart
The 4-0 scoreline was a little harsh on Werder when you consider the much improved second half display that they produced. They were simply not in the game in the first 45 minutes with Bayern dominating the ball and territory and it was surprising that they only led 1-0 at the break.
Werder caused them more problems in the second half as they became more ambitious and looked to close the gap between Niclas Füllkrug/ Marvin Ducksch and the midfield. They played better in the second period but conceded three. Substitute Oliver Burke’s deployment as a wing-back is something to look out for at Werder as his pace and build could see converted into a real asset.
3- Have we seen the last of Benjamin Pavard?
Noussair Mazraoui was selected by Thomas Tuchel at right back after impressing as a substitute in the Supercup defeat to Leipzig. He replaced Benjamin Pavard at half-time last Saturday and that could be a permanent occurrence this season. After being strongly linked with Manchester United, Inter Milan have now emerged as a candidate to sign the Frenchman and have already had one bid rejected by Bayern. The World Cup winners time in Bavaria looks set to be coming to an end.
4- Leon Goretzka has a point to prove
Leon Goretzka was a somewhat surprise inclusion in the starting line-up in place of Konrad Laimer, but he did his cause no harm at all with a solid display. There is much talk still about Bayern’s need for a new number six, but to be honest in the first half tonight Bayern didn’t need one.
Nevertheless, Goretzka looked like a man with a point to prove and on a luckier night he may have even found himself on the scoresheet. A very solid performance has given Thomas Tuchel food for thought and based on tonight, there seems little reason to drop him next week.
5- So does Mathys Tel
All the focus tonight was on Harry Kane and the Englishman duly scored his debut Bundesliga goal. However, Bayern cannot just totally rely on Kane to play every minute and score every goal this season and the role of the second/ back-up/ support striker is going to be key.
Mathys Tel played that role to Choupo-Moting last season and did well when given the chance. Now Kane is here he now wants to overtake Choupo-Moting in the pecking order and prove that the decision to stay at Bayern and fight for a place was the correct one. His goal tonight showed that he has got what it takes, if he is just given the minutes on the pitch.
