FEATURE | Three things we learned from Bayern Munich’s Supercup win over Borussia Dortmund

FEATURE | Three things we learned from Bayern Munich’s Supercup win over Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich won the German Supercup by beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Signal Iduna Park. After a strong start from the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal champions, Nathaniel Brown gave his side the lead in the 28th minute. Michael Olise doubled Bayern’s advantage near the end of the first half.

Borussia Dortmund made some changes in the second half and were able to threaten Bayern. Fabio Silva, who came on to replace misfiring Serhou Guirassy, halved the deficit. Dortmund had enough chances to equalize, with Manuel Neuer nearly gifting a goal to Jobe Bellingham, who failed to take advantage. Maximilian Beier was also unable to convert a golden opportunity after he was set up by Waldemar Anton.

With yet another win and another trophy for the Bavarians, this is what Get German Football News learned from the game.

Nathaniel Brown is going to be a key player for Bayern Munich

One of Bayern Munich’s big summer signings was Nathaniel Brown. The German full-back joined the reigning champions from Eintracht Frankfurt after the World Cup. After an impressive preseason, he scored on his competitive debut in the Super Cup.

Brown’s goal gave Bayern the lead and set them up for another win. The 23-year-old started the game as a number 10 as opposed to his natural left back position in the absence of Jamal Musiala. And in this role, Brown excelled, continuously creating chances and being a handful for the Borussia Dortmund defense.

Brown’s versatility will be an asset for Bayern throughout the season. While he will probably not play in the number 10 position often, his display in the Supercup shows that he can deliver if called upon. With a long season ahead in three different competitions, this will be a valuable option to have for Vincent Kompany.

“Nene [Brown] and Saibari will give us a big extra this season,” stated Kompany in his post-match comments. This shows how expectations will be high for the new signings, especially Brown, and he will hope to replicate his Saturday form as the Bundesliga season starts next week.

One positive in another-wise disappointing night for Dortmund was the impressive display of the new boys in town. Konstantinos Karetsas, who started the game for Niko Kovac’s side, showed a promising display. He looked dangerous every time he was on the ball and managed to create chances.

After the break, Greek international Giannis Konstantelias was introduced and put on an eye-catching performance. His ability to take on defenders was impressive.

In what seemed like an annual ritual of a loss to Bayern in the Supercup, Dortmund had at least two talented players who made the fans dream of a better season ahead.

An exciting title race is unlikely

The biggest accusation against the Bundesliga is the fact that Bayern always wins the league title, usually without being challenged. Even though we were treated to the 2023/24 Bayer Leverkusen unbeaten triumph and the dramatic end in 2022/23 where Borussia Dortmund let the trophy slip through their fingers, it doesn’t look like any of that will happen this season.

Bayern have gone from strength to strength, and there is no indication that they will take their foot off the gas this season. On the other hand, Dortmund are in a rebuilding process, having let go of players like Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi, while signing young, albeit talented players. Leverkusen seem to be in another overhaul, while RB Leipzig have lost their star player Yan Diomande to Real Madrid and will start the season under a new head coach in Martin Demichelis.

Last season, BVB started the season well and kept tabs on Bayern until the second half of the season. There is no guarantee that any of the top sides will be able to get anywhere near the record champions this season. The gap seems to be bigger than in previous seasons. If there is to be an exciting storyline from the Bundesliga this season, it’s unlikely to be because of the title race.

GGFN | Brook Genene

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