A shootout in Bayern’s favour, Leipzig did not win another trophy. What did the German Super Cup tell us?

The first game of the German football season is over. Traditionally, it was a clash between the winner of the domestic league and the cup. Unlike, for example, in England, where the Community Shield is often seen more as a pre-season game, in Germany the DFL-Supercup has more seriousness. It is one of the opportunities to overcome Bayern Munich and grab some trophies for yourself. What did this year’s season opener suggest?

For fans who hoped Leipzig would be Bayern’s leading challenger this year, the match must have evoked mixed feelings

In the first half, Bayern outplayed their opponents and were already 3-0 up at half-time. The difference in quality was extremely noticeable. Despite great performances from players like Simakan in particular, Leipzig suffered from individual errors. Some forced by Bayern’s pressing, others served to the champions on a golden platter.

Musiala, Mané and Pavard scored in succession. With each goal, the resignation of the Leipzig players became more evident.

In the second half, RB were a team worthy of being called Bayern’s challenger. Marcel Halstenberg punished the professorial attitude of the leading Munich with a goal at 1::3.

The Bavarians, who relied more on counter-attacks, did increase their lead from Gnabry’s free-kicks, but Leipzig remained the better team. However, they were unable to take advantage of the chances created and had to be helped by a penalty converted by Christopher Nkunku.

Dani Olmo made it dramatic as he reduced it to a one-goal difference. Bayern, however, withstood the final pressure of the Bulls and in the eighth minute of the original four-minute set-up Léroy Sané managed to adjust the final score to a much more favourable 5:3.

What did the match tell us?

Bayern are very capable of playing without a traditional centre forward. Many might say that Nagelsmann is grateful for the opportunities to imprint his own style of play more on the team. The expected bigger role for Gnabry and moving him more into the middle seems to be really bearing fruit.

Léroy Sané, on the other hand, may be worried about his minutes. Jamal Musiala, who came on perhaps a little unexpectedly at the expense of his more experienced teammates, gave an excellent performance and asked for more space on the pitch. Then Marcel Sabitzer, who followed up a successful preparation with a strong performance against his former club, probably secured his stay in the team.

On the other hand, Leipzig and their coach Domenico Tedesco have a lot to think about. They can build on the good performance of stopper Simakan, who will be complemented by Gvardiol after his return from injury, and a very good second half.

RB can also count on the expected signing of left wing-back David Raum. The latter was missed by his future employer, all the more so as the player he seems to be replacing in the starting line-up, Angeliño, was not available.

Leipzig, its fans, and the non-partisan Bundesliga supporters who wish to see an end to Bayern’s dominance, need not necessarily despair. We haven’t seen RB at his full strength. However, it will take more composure in performance. Moreover, Bayern have started promisingly and are not going to make it easy for their opponents even without Lewandowski.

Source: DFL-Supercup