Wolfsburg – Bayern Munich: Bavarian Efficiency Masks A Pale Performance (2-4)

Bayern Munich have endured a weak start to the new year, and this fixture followed suit. A four goal haul pulled them clear of the hosts to secure all three points, but familiar weaknesses on the ball contributed to a contest in which Wolfsburg could have extended their winless streak.
Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Bayern Munich's coronation has been a matter of when, not if, for the last decade. Nevertheless, the reigning champions are doing an excellent job of breathing life into the debate of a title race, suffering their latest bout of erratic form. They are yet to taste victory since the return of the Bundesliga, falling foul of a string of three draws. Union Berlin have capitalized to ascend to the top of the table in their stead, but all three points here would place the Bavarians back in their rightful spot in the standings.

Niko Kovač would have once wished for the same. A former player for and manager of the Bavarians, his loyalties now lie with Wolfsburg. The chaos of the previous campaign flowed into the new season, but a six game winning streak had set his squad on the correct path in the hunt for European football. However, a 2-1 loss to Werder Bremen has stranded them in seventh spot, five points off sixth placed Freiburg. A return to winning ways— against his old employers— would continue their resurgence.

Kovač fell back on a 5-3-2 formation. Maxence Lacroix featured along with the same four . . .