Bayern Munich earned a much-needed win in the Champions League, but there’s still room for improvement. In tight matches like these, the result is what counts the most. Bayern Munich might not have delivered a flawless performance, but they secured three critical points in their Champions League campaign. While the overall play was solid, it’s clear that the team hasn’t fully found their rhythm yet. Here are four key takeaways from the tense encounter against PSG.
Defenders Turned Strikers
Kim Min-Jae scored his third goal for Bayern, adding to his recent tally alongside Dayot Upamecano. This is a significant development for Bayern, as last season they struggled to get goals from their defenders. Now, with both Kim and Upamecano contributing on the score sheet, Bayern’s attack has become more diversified and unpredictable. Forwards like Harry Kane can breathe easier knowing that their teammates in defense are capable of stepping up and scoring when needed. This kind of well-rounded goal distribution helps to create a more dynamic and resilient team, one that is harder for opponents to defend against. It’s not just about the attacking line anymore—Bayern are becoming a well-rounded unit with goals coming from all over the pitch.
Coman’s Finishing Remains an Issue
It’s a familiar refrain: Kingsley Coman needs to improve his finishing. His inconsistency in front of goal has been a lingering issue throughout his career, and tonight was no exception. Coman had multiple chances that should have been converted, and those misses could have easily cost Bayern the win. In high-stakes matches, the inability to finish clear chances can be the difference between advancing or crashing out. It’s frustrating, especially when considering that a player like Michael Olise might have put those chances away. The pressure on Coman continues to grow, especially since Bayern fans have seen this narrative play out many times before. Coman is undoubtedly talented—his speed, dribbling, and movement off the ball make him a constant threat—but it’s becoming evident that his “leash” might be longer than that of others when it comes to converting opportunities. Bayern needs him to step up if they want to continue progressing in the Champions League without too many close calls.
Midfield Depth Saves the Day
With Aleksander Pavlovic and João Palhinha unavailable, Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer stepped up admirably in midfield. The importance of depth in a squad cannot be overstated, and this match was a perfect example. Goretzka and Laimer worked tirelessly to control the tempo, break up PSG’s attacks, and provide support to the forwards. They played with grit and composure, ensuring Bayern did not lose control of the game despite missing key players. The duo’s ability to slot in seamlessly highlights the value of having versatile players who can rise to the occasion. It is this kind of depth that makes a team capable of competing on multiple fronts. Bayern’s ability to call on players like Goretzka and Laimer to step into important roles means they are less likely to be derailed by injuries or suspensions—a crucial advantage as they look to make a deep run in the Champions League.
Bayern Struggles to Put Away Games
When Ousmane Dembélé was sent off for a second yellow card, it should have made the victory secure for Bayern. However, the Bavarians struggled to put the game to bed, failing to find a second goal despite their numerical advantage. PSG continued to threaten, and the match was closer than it needed to be, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. While not every game can end in a blowout, Bayern’s inability to kill off matches remains a concern, especially in high-stakes Champions League fixtures where the margins are razor-thin. This wasn’t the first time Bayern found themselves in a position to dominate but fell short of doing so, and it’s a worrying trend. The team needs to be more ruthless in front of goal and take full advantage of situations where they have the upper hand. If they want to go far in this competition, they need to develop a killer instinct that ensures these tense finishes become a thing of the past.