Bayern took on Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League in midweek in their first real test of the season. They surprisingly started with three defenders at the back, a tactic which proved risky in preseason. Bayern created chances but looked nervy at the back. Half an hour into the match, Pep Guardiola, who was fretting at all times on the touchline, changed the formation. Bayern once again had a four man back line. They created less chances but they controlled the ball more.
City's attack generated little throughout the match. They came into the game, looking to defend. They changed their strategy from previous seasons, looking to play on the counter. They defended steadily and succeeded in frustrating Bayern for 89 minutes. There was to be, however, a late twist. When Jerome Boateng warmed the hands of City keeper Joe Hart, he set the tone for what was to come next. From the upcoming corner, Mario Götze set up Boateng. His strike crept past Hart, rewarding Bayern for their efforts. One might call the goal slightly fortuitous, considering the fact that it took a deflection off Götze.
Bayern's next opponent is Hamburg, a team lost in past glories and current horrors. Last week, they played Hannover and lost 2-0. They could have scored some of their own too but Hannover could have done the same. HSV's new players could not gel in just one match together and Mirko Slomka suffered as a result. He was fired. The new coach is Josef Zinnbauer. He will be glad to see that Bayern still have a long injury list.
Not too long ago, HSV was considered a bogey side for Bayern. Bayern never seemed to win against them. Unfortunately, in recent seasons, Bayern have embarrassed HSV in their meetings. Five and six goals are regularly scored when the two meet; almost all the goals seem to come from one team. HSV will be looking to change that; one look at the table though suggests that this is not about to happen.
But, of course, a table does not predict anything. After all, HSV beat Dortmund twice last season. Can Hamburg finally get something out of this fixture?
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