Bayern Munich are limping towards the final stretch of the season, both literally and figuratively, with injuries accumulating and results becoming increasingly difficult to secure. On Saturday, Bayern hosted Borussia Dortmund in what has evolved into one of the most highly marketed fixtures of the Bundesliga season.

However, this encounter hardly lived up to the lofty expectations surrounding it, particularly in terms of the quality of football on display.

Vincent Kompany named a lineup that mirrored the one he selected for the defeat to Inter Milan, with the only change being Thomas Müller’s inclusion in place of Raphaël Guerreiro in the attacking midfield role.

Three Key Observations

1. Who Will Step Up?

Bayern Munich have struggled in the absence of Jamal Musiala, whose creativity and playmaking abilities have been central to their attacking play throughout the season. His absence has left a significant void, and Bayern have yet to find a viable solution to compensate for his loss.

Müller and Guerreiro have both been given opportunities in Musiala’s stead, and while they have shown glimpses of promise, Müller has been the more consistent performer. His intelligent movement and tactical awareness offer a different dynamic to Bayern’s attack.

Nonetheless, Bayern will need more from their other forwards to cover the gap left by Musiala’s absence. While Samuel Olise has continued to create danger down the right wing, Leroy Sané and Harry Kane have yet to make a significant impact during Musiala’s time on the sidelines.

Serge Gnabry, who came on in this match, delivered a strong performance, providing an assist for Bayern’s first goal and scoring the second. If Gnabry can maintain this level of form, he could prove to be a reliable replacement for Musiala. However, given his erratic form in the past, relying on him consistently remains a challenge.

Kompany will likely face a difficult task for the remainder of the season unless one of his attacking players can rise to the occasion and provide the necessary contributions.

2. Defensive Fragility

Bayern’s defensive issues are equally concerning, particularly as they too are dealing with numerous injuries. Kim Min-jae, though committed, is clearly not operating at full fitness, and while his efforts are commendable, his performances have not met the high standards expected of him.

The first goal Bayern conceded, where Kim allowed his man to drift behind him for an unchallenged header, was particularly unforgivable. Even if the opponent wins the header and scores, there must at least be an attempt to contest the ball.

Eric Dier, though a solid backup, is not a player Bayern would want to rely upon for 90 minutes on a regular basis. While he is undoubtedly a competent player, his physical limitations become more evident as the game progresses.

Bayern’s full-backs are another area of concern, with the more attacking Konrad Laimer often pushed further forward than Josip Stanišić, who, as a more defensively-minded player, is frequently out of position, particularly when deployed on the left flank.

The remainder of the season will undoubtedly prove difficult for Bayern’s defence, as they attempt to patch together a starting backline amid a cascade of injuries and a lack of depth. This is an issue that must be addressed in the upcoming transfer window. It was apparent even before the current injury crisis that Bayern were light in defensive options, and the situation is now at a tipping point.

3. Mediocre Performance

This was a match Bayern should have won and, indeed, needed to win. Dortmund were far from impressive, and this result will undoubtedly sting, particularly given that Bayer Leverkusen also dropped points on the same day.

Yet, when examining Bayern’s starting eleven on paper, it is difficult to view them as a team capable of dominating consistently. At present, Bayern remain an above-average Bundesliga side, but the question remains: are they truly better than Leverkusen? This is a question that requires serious consideration.

With an uphill battle ahead in Milan on Wednesday and just five remaining Bundesliga matches, Bayern will likely need to secure victories in the majority of these encounters, particularly with a slim six-point lead at the top.

In truth, Bayern must find a way to improve on their recent form if they are to finish the season with silverware. Kane, Sané, Gnabry, Müller, Olise, and the rest of the attacking unit must start finding the back of the net. The defence must be more resolute, and the midfield must contribute more effectively in both defensive and offensive phases. Kompany has a difficult job ahead of him, and if Bayern do manage to win the league, it will either be because Leverkusen faltered or because this team truly earned the title.