SC Freiburg 1-3 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich looked all set to slip deeper in the Bundesliga title chase as they were being held away to Freiburg. However, an inspired substitution by Bayern boss Hansi Flick to bring on 18-year-old Joshua Zirkzee paid immediate dividends as the young Dutchman scored the decisive mere minutes into his Bundesliga debut.
Thanks to their teen’s late heroics, Bayern leap up to third in the league, four points off the co-leaders RB Leipzig — who were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Borussia Dortmund, and Borussia Monchengladbach.
And as Germany creeps closer toward its winter break, Bayern’s Bundesliga 2019 odds to retain their title remain quite strong.
Highlights of the game
Bayern very nearly drew first blood away from home after just seven minutes. Benjamin Pavard rose high and connected on a header that was bound for goal, but it was saved by Freiburg keeper Mark Flekken.
Thomas Muller was on hand to pounce on the rebound, but the unlucky Bayern stalwart struck the post with his shot.
But Bayern would eventually go ahead on 16 minutes later, in large part thanks to the brilliant work of Alphonso Davies. The Canadian youngster made a galloping run down the left wing and delivered a pinpoint cross to Robert Lewandowski, who made the decisive touch as he added to his already impressive collection of Bundesliga 2019 highlights with his league-leading 19th goal of the season.
The Bundesliga’s leading scorer nearly doubled his tally just a few minutes later. After winning the ball near the Freiberg penalty box, Thomas Muller’s delightful flick set up Lewandowski, whose shot was saved by Flekken on his near post.
The hosts finally got their first meaningful chance of the match on the half-hour mark. Mike Frantz got free on the right wing and supplied a cross to Lucas Höler, who got his shot on target. However, Manuel Neuer was able to push the shot away.
Minutes later, Frantz delivered another dangerous cross, which Vincenzo Grifo caught with a volley that flew well wide.
Coutinho, who has been in fine form of late, almost added to Bayern’s advantage with a curling shot at the edge of the box which went just wide.
Freiburg made the champions pay for not making the most of their chances as they struck an equaliser on 58 minutes. Grifo attempted another volley, and while he hit it straight into the ground, it still bounced in beyond the reach of Neuer.
The hosts continued to put the pressure on their visitors the minutes following their equaliser. They came close to taking the lead through Höler, but his shot just curled wide.
Bayern almost struck back shortly thereafter as Ivan Perisic got on the end of a Serge Gnabry cut-back, but the Croatian was denied by a brilliant save from Flekken.
Freiburg had another great chance to go ahead when Brandon Borrello’s curling effort just missed the corner of the goal. Borrello had another chance on the 90th minute but he skied it over the bar.
The hosts would be left to rue that miss as Bayern would snatch the winner in stoppage time. After coming on just minutes earlier, teenage substitute Joshua Zirkzee popped up with the winning goal on his Bundesliga debut.
The young Dutchman got on the end of a Gnabry pass and poked the ball between Flekken’s legs and into the net.
Bayern weren’t done, though, as they poured a bit more salt in Freiburg’s wounds. Gnabry grabbed a third as he pounced on the rebound of his initial shot after it was saved.
It was a cruel end for the hosts, who played well enough to grab a point. But Bayern showed just why they’re the champions as they fought until the very end and were rewarded for their efforts.
Key statistics
Freiburg and Bayern had quite a thrilling end-to-end contest which was evident in their final statistics. Bayern dominated 65 per cent of possession and launched 22 shots, with 10 on target. But the hosts held their own with 15 shots, five on target.
Coutinho, who came into the match with four goals and two assists in his last two games, led all Bayern players with five shots. Höler also got off five shots for Freiburg, who have now lost three of their last four matches.
What’s next?
Freiburg will look to end their recent slump before the winter break as they travel to Schalke, who could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Wolfsburg during their midweek matchup.
As for Bayern, they conclude their year by hosting the aforementioned Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena. And given Bayern’s history of dominance against the Die Wölfe, another three points appear in the cards for the champions, so get your bets for that match in at SBOBET.
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