FC Bayern Munich clinched a hard-fought 4:2 victory against 1. FC Heidenheim, despite dominating possession. Goals came from Upamecano, Musiala (two), and Goretzka, while Heidenheim’s Honsak and Scienza found the net after Bayern’s defensive errors. Following a disappointing DFB-Pokal exit, Bayern aimed to maintain their Bundesliga lead. Heidenheim’s coach acknowledged their struggle, and Bayern’s Müller admitted to contributing to the goals conceded. Bayern’s next match is against Mainz, while Heidenheim faces Stuttgart.
Impressive Control, Yet a Tight Win: FC Bayern Munich Celebrates a Hard-Fought Bundesliga Match Against 1. FC Heidenheim
Despite dominating possession with over 80 percent, FC Bayern Munich secured a narrow 4:2 victory over 1. FC Heidenheim, with goals from Dayot Upamecano (18th minute), Jamal Musiala (56th/90+1), and Leon Goretzka (84th). A mistake from Upamecano allowed Mathias Honsak to temporarily equalize for Heidenheim in the 50th minute, and Leo Scienza added another goal for the visitors in the 85th minute.
Following their exit from the DFB-Pokal after a 0:1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern refocused on the Bundesliga, where they aimed to maintain their top position. With the clear intention to extend their lead, the record champions were determined to dominate from the outset.
Reflecting on the match, Frank Schmidt, coach of 1. FC Heidenheim, remarked to the Sportschau microphone: ‘The team tried everything, but overall it was very difficult for us.’ Meanwhile, Bayern’s Thomas Müller acknowledged, ‘We helped a bit with the goals conceded.’
Heidenheim’s Goal Under Constant Pressure
From the very start, Heidenheim found themselves under relentless pressure. Bayern seized control of the ball, forcing their opponents to chase after it. While Heidenheim managed to hold on for the first ten minutes, the Bavarians quickly shifted into attack mode.
Thomas Müller’s initial attempt was saved by Kevin Müller in the 12th minute, followed by Leroy Sané’s missed header (14th) and an inaccurate lob (15th). Raphael Guerreiro came close with a blocked shot, but Bayern’s persistence paid off when Joshua Kimmich delivered a precise corner to the unmarked Upamecano, who headed in the opener at the 18-minute mark.
Bayern Dominates the First Half with 86% Possession
Following the goal, Bayern didn’t push aggressively for a second, instead opting to wear down Heidenheim with extended ball sequences. They created opportunities, including a near miss from Alphonso Davies who hit the outside post after a one-two with Guerreiro (39th).
The Heidenheim players must have felt a sense of relief when the halftime whistle blew, having been thoroughly outplayed. Bayern recorded an astonishing 86 percent possession, with 11 shots on goal, winning nearly 60 percent of duels. The low expected goals value of 1.22 suggested that coach Vincent Kompany’s team prioritized control over rapid scoring.
Upamecano’s Error Sparks Heidenheim’s Comeback
After the break, Bayern continued their assault on the Heidenheim goal, with Aleksandar Pavlovic narrowly missing an opportunity (50th). However, a costly error from Upamecano allowed Honsak to capitalize, rounding Bayern’s substitute goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and slotting the ball into an empty net to level the score at 1-1.
Despite the setback, Bayern quickly regained momentum. Musiala, who had been rested, was brought in shortly after the equalizer and scored within five minutes, firing a low shot into the near corner from 16 meters (56th) for a 2-1 lead, marking his seventh goal of the season.
Goretzka Extends Lead, but Scienza Responds
Bayern had chances to secure their victory earlier, with Michael Olise squandering an open chance against Müller (62nd) and Musiala’s follow-up saved, while Sané’s delayed rebound attempt was blocked (74th).
The match seemed to tilt in Bayern’s favor when Goretzka’s long-range shot took a fortunate deflection, making it 3:1 (84th). Yet, Heidenheim responded immediately with Scienza scoring just a minute later (85th). Musiala put the final touches on the match in stoppage time, sealing the win for Bayern (90+1).
Looking Ahead: Bayern vs. Mainz, Heidenheim vs. Stuttgart
Bayern’s next challenge awaits them in Mainz on December 14 at 3:30 PM, while Heidenheim will host Stuttgart at their home ground on December 15 at the same time.