Bayern Munich (Germany), the team of Kim Min-jae (28), succeeded in escaping their second consecutive loss in the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Bayern Munich defended Jamal Musiala (21, Germany)’s goal in the 22nd minute of the second half in a home game against Benfica (Portugal) in the 4th leg of the 2024-2025 season UEFA Champions League phase held on the 7th and won 1-0. Harry Kane (31, England) headed the ball to Musiala, who sent a cross from the right side from Leroy Janet (28, Germany), and Musiala used his head to clear the goal.
Munich, who had suffered two consecutive losses after winning the first game of the league phase, became 17th with 2 wins and 2 losses (6 points) with today’s victory. Starting this season, the Champions League will have 36 teams playing in the group stage, a league concept, unlike the previous method where 32 teams were divided into 4 teams and played in the group stage. After a total of eight games are played, four each at home and four visits, the top eight teams automatically advance to the round of 16, and 9th to 24th place advance to the round of 16 through a playoff.
Minjae Kim started as a starter that day and played full time. According to Sofa Score, a soccer statistics media, Kim Min-jae attempted 113 passes that day and succeeded 113 times. In addition, he showed good performance in several indicators such as passing and defense, including winning all six ground ball contests. SofaScore gave Minjae Kim 8.1, the second highest rating on the team, following Harry Kane. Germany’s Sky Sports highlighted Kim Min-jae’s performance on this day and said, “He was strong in the duel, confirming Kim Min-jae’s good performance,” and “He showed off a strong tackle when the opponent attempted a counterattack.”
Reporter Kim Jeong-hoon [email protected]
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Sports Expert on Kim Min-jae’s performance in UEFA Champions League
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of football, focusing on an outstanding performance by Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. Joining me is renowned sports analyst, Dr. Elizabeth Park, who specializes in player performance metrics and tactical analysis. Elizabeth, thanks for being here!
Dr. Elizabeth Park (EP): Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss the great talents in football, especially players like Kim Min-jae.
TNE: Absolutely! Now, just to set the stage, Bayern Munich clinched a much-needed 1-0 victory over Benfica, sparking hope after two consecutive losses this season. Kim Min-jae played the full 90 minutes and had an impressive match. What stood out to you about his performance?
EP: Kim Min-jae’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. He completed 113 passes without a single error! That’s remarkable productivity for a defender. What this showcases is not just his defensive solidity but also his ability to control the tempo of the game from the back.
TNE: Indeed, he was also noted for his dominance in duels, winning all six ground ball contests. How significant is that in a match like this, where the stakes are high?
EP: Winning duels is crucial in any match. It not only disrupts the opponent’s rhythm but also allows your team to maintain possession. Kim’s strength in tackling and interceptions showed that he was not just a passive defender but an active disruptor of Benfica’s play. These types of contributions are invaluable, especially when you’re looking to stabilize your squad after a rough patch.
TNE: Bayern’s new format in the Champions League, with a larger number of teams and a league-style approach, certainly raises the stakes. How do you think this impacts the players and their strategies moving forward?
EP: The new format is a game-changer. With 36 teams and the top clubs facing each other in a more expansive format, consistency becomes key. Players like Kim Min-jae will need to adapt quickly to varied styles of play each week. It demands higher fitness levels and tactical understanding, and it’s essential that teams like Bayern Munich find their rhythm early to avoid falling behind in points.
TNE: You’re right. What’s your take on Kim Min-jae’s integration into the Bayern squad this season? How has he adapted to the team and the league?
EP: His seamless integration into Bayern Munich’s backline speaks volumes about his professionalism and tactical acumen. He has quickly become a cornerstone of the defense. It’s not just about technical skills; his reading of the game and communication with teammates are key assets that help solidify the defense. His high rating from SofaScore, just behind Harry Kane, is a testament to how pivotal he is becoming for Bayern.
TNE: As for the team’s performance, they are now at 17th place with 6 points. What should they focus on moving forward to improve their standing in the league?
EP: Focus on consistency and strengthening team chemistry is vital. The players need to build on this win against Benfica, particularly refining their attacking strategies to convert more chances. Moreover, they should capitalize on set-pieces, where defenders like Kim can also pose significant threats.
TNE: Certainly, growing that chemistry will be key. what does this performance mean for Kim Min-jae personally and his career trajectory moving forward?
EP: A match like this will undoubtedly boost his confidence and reinforce his reputation as one of the top defenders in Europe. It’s also an opportunity for him to showcase his talents on a grand stage, which can lead to pivotal roles in important matches. If he continues on this trajectory, he may find himself in discussions for national and international awards in the coming seasons.
TNE: Fantastic insights, Elizabeth! Thank you for sharing your expertise on Kim Min-jae and Bayern Munich’s journey in the Champions League. We look forward to seeing how the season unfolds!
EP: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an exciting topic. Let’s hope for more thrilling matches ahead!