Observations from Bayern Munich 3-1 Victory vs. Borussia Dortmund in the DFL – Supercup

Der Klassiker is back, and it’s better than ever! This time, it comes in the form of the DFL-Supercup. This Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund match yielded the following observations.

Neuer regarded as a god Among Men

So, what else is there to say? Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich is the best goalkeeper in the world. We’re going to die on that hill, and last night was another demonstration of his insane reflexes and abilities. There are no words to describe Neuer’s unbelievably clutch performance. Instead, keep an eye out for yourself.

What a save by Manuel Neuer to deny Marco Reus 👏 pic.twitter.com/KAhHvG9evU

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2021

Sloppy but Ruthless

This was not a friendly encounter, as many experts would have you believe. It was as ferocious, enraged, and filthy as any can be. With a slew of heated challenges, borderline tackles, and tactical fouls, the rivalry between FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund was on full show. There were times when the physicality became more malevolent, but the referee was prepared to let the physical do its thing.

We’re Loving the Alps

We’ll take a break from our views for a while, but those new third kits are just stunning. They’re already in the top three of our favourite Bayern jerseys. We’ve never seen anything like this with them before, and we adore it. Last night, seeing them was pure delight.

Bending but not breaking

We must hand it over to Bayern’s defence. We know they’re having compatibility concerns, which are common with new defence additions where unspoken understanding reigns supreme. However, Dayot Upamecano and Niklas Süle handled Erling Haaland admirably. They exploited their speed and physicality, particularly Upamecano’s, to force Haaland out wide and limit the clear-cut chasms.

Upamecano and Alphonso Davies were collaborating to great effect, and their partnership will be one to watch. Lucas Hernandez might be the odd man out once more if they keep building.

Furthermore, Joseph Stanisic is the future’s right-back. He’s had two straight games in which he’s been outstanding. We’d be concerned, even if excited if you informed us after last year that Stanisic would be our starting running back. However, he has made an immediate impact and has been…Davies-like. It will be difficult to re-insert Pavar if he can sustain this form.

Jadon Sancho who?

Borussia Dortmund looks incredibly lethal, and they would have been up 2-0 before Lewandowski’s bullet header if it hadn’t been for Manuel Neuer. We were one of the first here at Football Dialogue to bemoan the departure of Jadon Sancho to one of the direct rivals, but wow, if Dortmund is excellent at anything, it’s finding random teenage attackers who are ridiculously gifted and shrewd.

Thy Name is Robert

Who else could it have been? You know, if you want to beat Bayern, you really shouldn’t give the best player on the globe this:

Lewandowski with a gift in front of goal 🎁 pic.twitter.com/Azt87ohIsP

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 17, 2021

Lewandowski scored twice and was once again the driving force behind the victory. Surely, Bayern Munich should take advantage of Lewandowski’s excellence while they still can.