Jamal Musiala magic propels Bayern Munich to victory over resilient Heidenheim
Bayern Munich were in control for long periods of their Matchday 13 meeting with Heidenheim, yet the visitors ultimately made life very difficult for the record champions, who needed super-sub Jamal Musiala to net twice as the hosts made it over the line.
Bayern Munich 4-2 Heidenheim
Goals: 1-0 Upamecano 18’ (assist: Kimmich), 1-1 Honsak 50’, 2-1 Musiala 56’ (assist: Olise), 3-1 Goretzka 84’ (assist: Sané), 3-2 Dorsch 85’ (assist: Scienza), 4-2 Musiala 90’+1 (assist: Guerreiro)
The hosts were without their talismanic striker Harry Kane due to a hamstring issue, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was sidelined with a rib complaint. The latter's absence meant a rare start for Daniel Peretz between the posts, yet the stand-in custodian would have next to nothing to do in an opening half Bayern dominated.
Home pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Dayot Upamecano rose highest to power home a header from a Joshua Kimmich corner. Yet despite further opportunities, including an Alphonso Davies effort that struck the post in the 39th minute and a Leroy Sané shot that went wide just before half-time, Bayern couldn't extend their lead before the break.
Hedeinheim's equaliser in the second half was all the more stunning for the home side's dominance. In the 50th minute, a defensive mix-up allowed Mathias Honsak to pounce and slot past Peretz, silencing the Allianz Arena. Bayern reacted swiftly, introducing Musiala for Thomas Müller. The substitution proved inspired, with Bayern's No. 42 restoring the hosts' lead just five minutes later with a clinical finish from the edge of the box.
Watch: Müller: "Musiala is special"
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The game then took on a frenetic pace, with Bayern pushing for a third and Heidenheim looking dangerous on the counter all the while. Leon Goretzka seemed to have sealed the win in the 84th minute with a deflected effort, but Heidenheim refused to give up. Just a minute later, Niklas Dorsch pulled one back for the visitors, setting up a tense finale.
As Heidenheim pushed forward, spaces opened up for Bayern to exploit. In the first minute of stoppage time, Musiala put the result beyond doubt with his second goal of the game, a composed finish after a swift counter-attack. Bayern thus secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory, but Heidenheim left with heads held high after a spirited performance.
Watch: Musiala: "We all miss Harry Kane"
Player of the Match: Jamal Musiala
Coming off the bench in the 51st minute, the young Germany international turned the game on its head. His first goal, just five minutes after his introduction, showcased his clinical finishing, while his second demonstrated his composure under pressure. Musiala's ability to find space and create chances was crucial in breaking down Heidenheim's resilient defence, and his two goals ultimately proved the difference in what developed into a closely fought contest.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bayern 2.44 - Heidenheim 1.13
Fastest player: Sirlord Conteh (Heidenheim), 37 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Jamal Musiala (Bayern), 8 percent
Most pressed player: Michael Olise (Bayern), 44 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Michael Olise (Bayern), +4.96
Fantasy Heroes: Dayot Upamecano (Bayern, 488 Points), Michael Olise (Bayern, 383 Points), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern, 369 Points)
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