3 Things we noticed: FC Bayern – Hanover 96 3:1 (1:1)

Some injured players made their team-training comeback over the past week, which quite fortunately was one of a few without any midweek-games in November. All of the comebacks are good signs for the following tasks.

Three things we noticed:

1. Dominant midfield

The midfield of FC Bayern was the dominant force within the game. All the space against Hanover was due to many early interceptions. Martínez as well as James were the leader in the category (both with 5). Most of the interceptions came in counter situations of Hanover, which caused the opponent to open up big spaces for FC Bayern. Unfortunately the team did not manage to finish of their plays properly in the final third of the pitch. To be honest, there was a lot of room left for improvement. Overall, Hanover had 19 lost balls on their part. Considering that, there was simply too little outcome in the end. It could have been a much easier afternoon for players and fans.

2. Müller’s comeback means more variability

Six total weeks we had to spare Thomas Müller. This had been the longest time Müller has had to sit out due to injury in his professional career. Anyway, watching him yesterday it looked like he was never out at all. His performance was outstanding. He was very agile and displayed his usual willingness to run. Especially early in the game Müller created many chances. The lead, as well as the denied goal by Lewandowski, were assisted by him. His presence was a good addition to the team. After the break, it seemed like Müller took a longer break himself. He had some misplaced passes, but assisted the second lead with a cross only a few minutes after. In the 80th minute his job was done. Two assists, five keypasses and four shots on goal, absolutely stand for a successful comeback by Thomas Müller.

3. Converting chances

The conversion rate of FC Bayern’s game against Hanover reads itself miserably. The team made it hard for themselves, not converting as much of the 29 shots (12 on goal) by the end of the game. Lewandowski, Müller, James and Vidal, all had incredible opportunities, in which two times only post and crossbar came to rescue for Hanover 96. Just as their keeper, Philipp Tschauner, who had the chance to prove his class several times as well. To put it straight – it could have been much easier. In the upcoming weeks it will be key to convert those chances to maintain the position at the top of the table. After all, the team created much more chances compared to the last few games, to secure the win in the end.

Bayern – Hannover
Bayern	Ulreich – Rafinha, Hummels, Boateng, Kimmich – Vidal, Martínez (58. Tolisso) – Coman (89. Ribéry), James, Müller (80. Alaba) – Lewandowski
Bench	Starke, Süle, Rudy, Friedl
Hannover	Tschauner – Ostrzolek, Anton, Sané, Sorg (80. Albonorz), Korb – Klaus, Bakalorz, Schmiedebach (46. Fossum), Benschop (68. Harnik) – Füllkrug
Bench	Esser, Maier, Hübner, Karaman
Goals	1:0 Vidal (17.), 1:1 Benschop (35.), 2:1 Coman (67.), 3:1 Lewandowski (87, Foulelfmeter)
Bookings	Yellow: Ulreich (26.), Müller (59.) – / Bakalorz (33.), Korb (45.)
Referee­	Guido Winkmann (Kerken), Christian Bandurski (Oberhausen), Arno Blos (Deizisau), Dr. Robert Kampka (Mainz), Tobias Welz (Wiesbaden), Benedikt Kempkes (Thür)
Attendance	75.000 (sold out)