Bayern Munich secure crucial win away at VfB Stuttgart | OneFootball

On Friday evening, Bayern Munich faced last season's runners-up, VfB Stuttgart, to open match day 24 of the current Bundesliga season.

For the task at hand, Vincent Kompany opted for a lineup of Neuer — Laimer, Dier, Kim, Davies — Palhinha, Goretzka — Olise, Musiala, Sane — Kane. This was the first game of the season that Joshua Kimmich was missing due to injury.

How everything unfolded away to Stuttgart on Friday evening

Six minutes in, the hosts had a presentable opportunity to take the lead, but Stuttgart's right-back Joshua Vagnoman was denied by Manuel Neuer in the Bayern goal.

Midway through the first half, Jamal Musiala had a huge opportunity to open the scoring, but he couldn’t get his effort on target. It was a straightforward opportunity after a tidy bit of play from Leroy Sane.

After 34 minutes, Angelo Stiller gave the hosts the lead. The former Bayern midfielder unleashed a rocket of a shot from outside of the box. Manuel Neuer was blinded by his teammates, giving him no chance of making the save. Considering the way the game had unfolded until now, Stuttgart deserved the lead.

Just before half time, Michael Olise equalised for Bayern, having been found by Sane, he ran one on one and fired home. There was a long VAR check — certainly close for offside — but the goal was given. Despite a below average first half, Bayern went into the half level on the score.

Just after the hour mark, Sane made way for Kingsley Coman in Bayern’s first change of the evening. Two minutes later, Leon Goretzka put Bayern ahead for the first time in the game — pressing high to win the ball in the box before slotting past Alexander Nubel with his left foot.

With fourteen minutes of normal time remaining, Kompany introduced Josip Stanisic in place of Konrad Laimer. With three minutes remaining, Thomas Muller replaced Musiala, Serge Gnabry replaced Olise, and Hiroki Ito replaced Alphonso Davies. The Canadian defender seems to have picked up an injury, which is a big concern ahead of next week's Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

In stoppage time, Coman seized on an under-hit back pass and fired home to seal the three points for the visitors. It was a harder finish than it looked: somewhat off balance, miles from goal, and a defender attempting to get in the way.

A huge 3-1 win for Bayern, who are guaranteed an eight-point buffer heading into the final 10 games of the season. Focus will now switch to the first leg of the round of 16 Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen.