Analysis: FC Bayern – Hannover 96 3:1 (2:0)
May 14, 2016 The match against relegated Hannover wasn’t more than a warm-up for the cup final next week. For the most part, this was more like preseason football.
Bayern – Hannover, starting formations3 things we noticed
1. Mario Götze shows up
Over the last few days, there have been many debates regarding the future of Mario Götze. SZ reported that Carlo Ancelotti has told Götze that he won’t play a huge role next season. Media reports made it sound like an incoming departure.
His performance in this match showed why Bayern had decided to sign him three years ago. Covering the half-space on the right, Götze served as a connection for the wingers and Lewandowski, creating space between the opposing midfield and defense. Furthermore, he managed to create own scoring chances with his dribbles.
Two goals, four shots, two key passes, two successful dribbles – very good numbers for a midfielder. No Bavarian player took more shots (Lewandowski and Coman had four attempts as well). Götze’s defensive contribution was noticeable as well, he won four tackles.
If there’s anything you want to criticize, it’s the high number of unnecessary turnovers. Mario Götze lost the ball four times, the highest value of the team. That being said, his chances to make the lineup in the cup finals have only gotten bigger today. Xabi Alonso’s injury status makes it a possibility for Götze to play as a central midfielder again, potentially pushing Thomas Müller to the wing.
All in all, both the club and the player will have to think about the near future. Will he stay in Munich, will the club decide to say no to a potential transfer fee? The question remains if Götze is willing to accept the changing role.
2. Benatia cleans up
Medhi Benatia was the calming presence of the Bayern defense. As Jerome Boateng had apparent problems to cope with the aggressive pressing of Hannover, it was good to see a solid performance of his defensive partner. The Moroccan international won 70% of his tackles and led his team in interceptions and clearances.
His performance against Hannover more or less sums up the abilities of Benatia. He’s a great anticipator and solid defender who simply can’t offer a quality build-up like Boateng, Badstuber or Hummels are capable of.
Just like with Götze, there are serious doubts over his future in Munich. It’s a likely scenario that Benatia leaves the club – if Ancelotti sees Martinez as a center back and Badstuber manages to celebrate another comeback. If the club isn’t convinced of those two things, it would make perfect sense to keep Benatia.
3. Curtain call
As an exhausting season is nearing its end, the entire Miasanrot team wants to use this opportunity to say thanks to all involved people, the loyal readers and commenters. Special thanks go to Frank who hosts this website in most excellent fashion, to Stefan who offers us valuable legal advice and tells us what we should (or rather shouldn’t) do, and to all guest writers who have supported us throughout the season with exciting pieces. Of course we also want to thank all sponsors, without your financial support it wouldn’t be possible for us to keep this hobby project going.
Lastly, we’d love to thank our friends and families who show lots of understanding for our passionate work.
Christopher, Dennis, Felix, Gard, Jan, Jolle, Justin, Steffen and Tobi say thanks!
| FC Bayern München – Hannover 96 3:1 (2:0) | |
|---|---|
| FC Bayern München | Neuer (51. Ulreich) – Lahm, Benatia, Boateng (78. Rode), Alaba – Vidal – Coman (61. Rafinha), Götze, Thiago, Ribéry – Lewandowski |
| Subs | Tasci, Kimmich, Müller, Costa |
| Hannover 96 | Zieler – Arkenberg, Anton, Sané, Albornoz – Schmiedebach, Prib – Sulejmani (61. Gülselam), Fossum, Klaus (71. Dierßen) – Sobiech |
| Goals | 1:0 Lewandowski (12.), 2:0 Götze (28.), 3:0 Götze (54.), 3:1 Sobiech (66.) |
| Cards | Yellow: – / Klaus |
| Referee | Knut Kircher (Rottenburg) |
| Attendance | 75.000 (sold out) |
