Bayern Munich – Schalke 04: Super Bayern Send Schalke To The Slaughter (8-0)

The protection of the crown could not have started better for Bayern Munich, whose demolition of Schalke 04 sets the heaviest first matchday defeat in Bundesliga history. Though Bayern were faultless, it was the severe lack of ideas from Schalke manager David Wagner that stood out in an utter humiliation at the empty Allianz Arena. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

After a nearly flawless post-lockdown 2019/20 season, Bayern Munich were up for the Bundesliga season opener against Schalke. Even though Thiago Alcântara is a loss in the midfield, the Bavarians still have a very talented and deep squad, whose dominance has been triggered by Hansi Flick. Now, questions echo whether Bayern can persist with perfection throughout a whole campaign; in a league full of progressive, forward-thinking football clubs, they remain a cut above the rest.

Following a treble-winning season, it comes as no surprise that Flick kept his usual 4-2-3-1 formation in place. Lucas Hernández came in at the left back position, ahead of the usual starter, Alphonso Davies. Joshua Kimmich returned to the center-midfield role in the system, which enabled Benjamin Pavard to start at right back. Leroy Sané made his debut, against his former club.

Schalke’s end to the season was less flawless, and more comical, proposing an incredible lack of structure as they failed to pick up a single win since January. The blue of Gelsenkirchen is in steep decline, the owner’s slaughterhouse that endured a heavy . . .