GOAL, ASSIST & RECORD: LENNART KARL STARRED HELPS BAYERN MATCH BUNDESLIGA DOMINANCE STREAK
17-year-old Lennart Karl starred with a goal and an assist as Bayern Munich came from 2-0 down to thrash Freiburg 6-2. The win equals Bayern's 52-year-old record of 43 consecutive rounds at the top.
On Saturday, the 17-year-old Lennart Karl shone for Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga frontrunners staged an impressive comeback from a two-goal deficit to defeat Freiburg 6-2, equaling a long-standing record.
This match marked Karl's ninth appearance in the league and his second time in the starting lineup. By scoring, assisting, and showcasing his brilliant skills, he sent a significant message to Germany's national coach, Julian Nagelsmann, ahead of next year's World Cup.
Bayern's head coach, Vincent Kompany, remarked during his press conference, "Lenny... it's always quite challenging. When a team puts six goals on the board, many players contribute to that success.
"The key moment was undoubtedly when we scored to make it 2-1. That phase was crucial and highlighted a lot of talent. Few players have that capability, but it shifted our momentum. What followed was the collective effort of numerous players performing well."
The young talent, who previously made history this season by becoming the youngest scorer for Bayern in the Champions League, etched his name in the record books again by becoming the youngest player from the club to score and assist in a Bundesliga match.
Only one player younger than him has achieved this milestone for any Bundesliga side—Youssoufa Moukoko of Borussia Dortmund, who pulled it off during a 3-1 victory against Freiburg in August 2022.
Michael Olise was also pivotal in the victory, netting two goals and assisting three more.
Bayern, who would still have topped the league even with a defeat, equalled their record of 43 consecutive rounds at the top, a streak that has stood for 52 years. They are set to surpass this mark, irrespective of the outcome in their upcoming match against St. Pauli, following their away game against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Kompany commented, "Any record that has endured for this long reflects a remarkable achievement. However, we don’t concentrate heavily on records.
"I believe we've built confidence and at least sharpened our mental focus from this match, especially regarding aspects that didn’t go as planned."
Freiburg took advantage of Bayern's slow start, with goals from Yuito Suzuki and Johan Manzambi from corners within the first 18 minutes, marking the first instance this season that Bayern fell behind at home.
Karl responded swiftly, finding the net just four minutes later after skillfully controlling Olise's pass and finishing with his right foot. He then assisted Olise, levelling the score before halftime.
The tenacious Karl could have scored again in the second half, but a goal he netted was disallowed after a VAR review deemed there was an offside in the buildup.
Dayot Upamecano netted with a header from Olise's corner, and Harry Kane added to his league-leading goal tally shortly thereafter.
Karl exited the match to thunderous applause in the 71st minute after suffering a hip injury, leaving Olise to assist substitute Nicolas Jackson for the fifth goal in the 78th minute. Olise rounded off the scoring in the 84th with a setup from Hiroki Ito, who was making his season debut.
Bayern's upcoming match presents one of their most challenging obstacles of the season, as they prepare to compete against Arsenal, one of only two teams still boasting a perfect record from four Champions League matches thus far.
"Our next match is another home fixture in the Bundesliga, and sandwiched in between is our Champions League encounter with Arsenal," Kompany remarked. "We have placed ourselves in a solid position to approach this game to continue to evolve and enhance our performance."
When inquired about Bayern's preparedness for this tough matchup, the former Manchester City captain responded, "Perhaps now more than ever. At least, that’s what I hope. "
BAYERN MUNICH FACE MAJOR DECISION ON LEON GORETZKA AS EUROPEAN GIANTS CIRCLE NOW
Leon Goretzka’s future at Bayern Munich is uncertain as Tottenham and Napoli show interest. Discover why Vincent Kompany wants him to stay.
The winter transfer window is just around the corner, and as usual, Bayern Munich's name is popping up in transfer rumours all over the place. But the top guys at the club keep saying they won't be bringing anyone in this January.
As for players leaving, there's talk about guys whose contracts are almost up. Leon Goretzka is one of them, and he's been linked to a bunch of clubs lately.
Apparently, Bayern hasn't offered Goretzka a new deal yet. They're looking at younger midfielders to possibly replace him in the summer. Tottenham, Napoli, Fenerbahce, and Atletico Madrid are all said to be interested in snagging Goretzka this winter.
Sky Sports Germany says that Vincent Kompany thinks highly of Goretzka. The coach wants him to stay and appreciates what he brings to the field.
On the other hand, The Athletic is saying that the rumours about Goretzka going to Tottenham are off base. Apparently, Tottenham isn't trying to get him. Goretzka is also said to be locked in on finishing out the season strong with Bayern.
Goretzka's still got a job to do at Bayern.
Aleksandar Pavlovic has kind of jumped ahead of Goretzka in the lineup. The young midfielder played great in the first half of the season.
Goretzka's been coming off the bench lately. Even though he's not a starter right now, Goretzka can still help the team in the second half of the season. His experience will be really important in those big Champions League games. Plus, he can play different positions if needed. He can fill in on defence or be an attacking midfielder. A guy like that could be really helpful for Bayern as they try to win it all.
Right now, it looks like Kompany is happy with his team. Other than Sacha Boey, Bayern isn't expected to let go of any senior players this winter. Since Bayern is competing in three different competitions, Kompany will need everyone to play their best.
CONFIRMED: FABRIZIO ROMANO VALIDATES BAYERN MUNICH INTEREST IN €50M-RATED BRAZILIAN FORWARD RAYAN.
Bayern Munich eyes Vasco’s Rayan for a €50m summer move. Read how the 19-year-old fits into the 2026 attack alongside Harry Kane.
Bayern Munich had a decent summer with player transfers, though the timing could've been better. The club isn't planning on getting anyone new in January, but they're lining up deals for the summer.
Besides big-name signings, Bayern's also keeping an eye on young talent. They seem pretty interested in a top Brazilian prospect.
According to UOL in Brazil, Bayern is talking more with Vasco's forward, Rayan, and his people. The 19-year-old is up for joining Bayern, and Vasco is waiting for an offer. Word is, Vasco wants close to €50 million for himself.
Fabrizio Romano, the football transfer guy, also said Bayern is keen on Rayan. He knows there's been contact, but Rayan's just one of several players Bayern's looking at to beef up their attack.
Since Vasco might want a lot for Rayan, Bayern could be thinking about putting him straight into the first team. The kid can play on the right or behind the main striker. He's had a great season with Vasco, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
Rayan's stats make him sound like a scoring machine, but he might need a bit to get used to the Bundesliga. Since Bayern has enough players in attack, Rayan could get time to adjust.
Bayern will need to get a forward next summer.
They let go of three experienced forwards over the summer and signed Luis Diaz for keeps, and Nicolas Jackson is on loan from Chelsea. Lennart Karl has really stepped up and is now a regular in the squad this season.
Max Eberl recently hinted that they probably won't buy Jackson permanently next summer. So, Bayern will need someone who can fill in for Harry Kane and play on the wings if needed.
Someone like Rayan might not be ready to back up Kane just yet. If Bayern gets the Brazilian forward, they'd still need another number nine to add some depth to the attack. Bayern might not spend a ton on forwards this summer, but there will definitely be some fresh faces in that part of the team.