On December 10, 2016, Bayern Munich faced Wolfsburg in a Bundesliga match at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Bayern Munich delivered a commanding performance, winning 5-0 and extending their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table with a dominant display.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Bayern Munich: 5 (Arjen Robben 18′, Robert Lewandowski 22′, 58′, Thomas Müller 76′, Douglas Costa 86′)
- Wolfsburg: 0
- Possession:
- Bayern Munich dominated possession with 72%, while Wolfsburg had 28%. Bayern’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the pace and continuously pressure Wolfsburg’s defense, limiting Wolfsburg’s attacking opportunities.
- Shots:
- Bayern Munich registered 18 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their efficiency and relentless attacking play. Wolfsburg managed only 6 shots, with 2 on target, struggling to penetrate Bayern’s defense and create meaningful chances.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Bayern Munich had a passing accuracy of 91%, completing 679 passes out of 745 attempts. Wolfsburg had a passing accuracy of 73%, completing 213 passes out of 292 attempts. Bayern’s superior passing and ball retention were key to maintaining their dominance throughout the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Bayern Munich made 7 tackles compared to Wolfsburg’s 14, reflecting Wolfsburg’s efforts to disrupt Bayern’s attacking flow. Bayern’s defense, led by Mats Hummels and Jérôme Boateng, was resolute, comfortably dealing with Wolfsburg’s limited offensive threats and securing a clean sheet.
- Set Pieces:
- Bayern Munich’s goals came from both open play and set pieces. Arjen Robben opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a trademark left-footed strike from the edge of the box. Robert Lewandowski doubled Bayern’s lead four minutes later in the 22nd minute after a well-placed cross from Thomas Müller. Lewandowski added a third goal in the 58th minute, pouncing on a defensive error. Thomas Müller ended his goal drought by scoring in the 76th minute from a corner. Douglas Costa capped off the scoring with a powerful shot from distance in the 86th minute, sealing the emphatic victory for Bayern.
- Individual Performances:
- Robert Lewandowski was the standout performer for Bayern Munich, scoring two goals and consistently troubling Wolfsburg’s defense with his movement and clinical finishing. Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa also played key roles, each scoring and providing width to stretch Wolfsburg’s defense. Thomas Müller, while ending his scoring drought, contributed with both a goal and an assist. For Wolfsburg, goalkeeper Diego Benaglio made several important saves to limit the damage but was unable to prevent the rout.
- Tactical Overview:
- Bayern Munich, under Carlo Ancelotti, used a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and using their wingers to exploit Wolfsburg’s defensive weaknesses. Wolfsburg, managed by Valérien Ismaël, deployed a 5-4-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. However, Wolfsburg’s defensive structure was repeatedly breached by Bayern’s fluid attacking play.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Wolfsburg (Yannick Gerhardt 55′, Jeffrey Bruma 73′). These fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up Bayern’s play and preventing further scoring opportunities.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Bayern Munich won 8 corners compared to Wolfsburg’s 1, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third. Bayern were caught offside twice, while Wolfsburg were caught offside once, indicating their attempts to play direct football and find gaps in Bayern’s defense.
Summary
Bayern Munich’s 5-0 victory over Wolfsburg was a dominant and comprehensive performance that further solidified their position at the top of the Bundesliga table. Bayern’s control of possession, combined with their quick transitions and relentless attacking play, overwhelmed Wolfsburg from the start.
Arjen Robben, Robert Lewandowski, and Thomas Müller were instrumental in Bayern’s success, with Lewandowski scoring twice and Müller ending his goal drought. Bayern’s defense was solid throughout, preventing Wolfsburg from mounting any serious threats.
Wolfsburg, despite their defensive setup, were unable to contain Bayern’s potent attack and were limited to sporadic counter-attacks that rarely troubled Manuel Neuer in goal. The defeat left Wolfsburg struggling in the bottom half of the table, while Bayern Munich continued their pursuit of another Bundesliga title under Carlo Ancelotti.
This result demonstrated Bayern’s attacking depth and tactical flexibility, as they dominated all aspects of the match and showcased their ability to dismantle even well-organized defensive setups.
