“Defensive Monster” Kim Min-jae (28) helped Bayern Munich win five consecutive games without losing a point.
Bayern Munich beat Jeankt Pauli 1-0 in the 10th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga at 11:30 p.m. on the 9th (Korea Standard Time) at Milerntor Stadion in Hamburg, Germany.
Bayern has had an unbeaten streak of 10 matches (eight wins and two draws) since the season’s opening. It also maintained its lead in the rankings with 26 points. On the other hand, Zankt Pauli only gained eight points from 10 matches, and is on the verge of falling into the relegation zone.
Bayern pulled out a 4-2-3-1 formation. Harry Kane, Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka-Jojua Kimmich, Alfonso Davis-Kim Min-jae, Dayo Upamecano-Rafael Geheiro and Manuel Neuer were the starters.
It was not an easy game to play. Bayern had little chance to break through the defense wall of Djankt Pauli, perhaps due to tight schedule in recent months. Still, Musiala’s amazing wonder goal earned him three points. Musiala’s cannonball no-turn shot in the 22nd minute was sucked into the net after hitting the crossbar.
Of course, Musiala’s score was crucial, but it was difficult to guarantee victory without a solid defense centered on Kim Min-jae. Kim Min-jae covered the back space with his fast feet even in extreme formations where all 10 field players crossed the center line. Even in the box, he did not lose concentration and cut off the opponent’s attack well.
It’s not that he didn’t have a chance. He also made counterattacks by catching the ball from a high position. However, Kim was blocked by Kim’s defense, which did not spare his body. Kim also exchanged warnings at the 21st minute of the second half when he blocked Kim Mi-hee’s dangerous pass miss with a tackle.
As a result, Bayern has secured a win without allowing even a single goal in five consecutive official matches. Starting with the game against Bochum (5-0), the game against Mainz (4-0), the Union Berlin (3-0), the game against Benfica (1-0), and the game against Jean-Cette Pauli (1-0), Kim Min-jae and Bayern have not lost a single goal.
According to the soccer statistics media “Foot Mob,” Kim Min-jae recorded a pass success rate of 93 percent (122/131), five clearances, one block and two interceptions. His rating was also high at 7.4. It was regrettable that he lost all five of the ground ball competitions, but it was a performance that showed why Kim was recognized as a “monster” overall.
Germany’s RAN also praised Kim, saying, “Kim Min-jae has proven himself to be a reliable player. He defended himself from bold attacks by rival players. In particular, he showed off his header capability and was good at build-ups. In the 66th minute, he got a yellow card and saved the best chance for Djankt Pauley.” Kim was rated the highest with two points along with Musiala and Kim Mi-hee.
Avent Zeitung gave Kim a three-point rating. “Korean player Kim Min-jae is currently covered by scoreless insurance in the center of Bayern’s defense. He was calm and never rushed under pressure from opponents even in Junkt Pauli. I was given a warning in a very difficult situation. This was the first warning I received in my 10th game.”
“Spox” also gave an easy evaluation. “Kim Min-jae was a bit shaky in the beginning like Upamecano, but paid no price. He became more stable as time passed. He got his first yellow card for foul play in the middle of the second half,” the media said, giving Kim three points in grading. 메이저놀이터
Meanwhile, Kim will join the Korean national team after this match. Invited by Coach Hong Myung-bo, Kim plans to play in two consecutive rounds of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup with Kuwait and Palestine. Kim Min-jae, who has been playing as the starting pitcher in all the matches that took place between the October A-match and November A-match, has been struggling with a tight schedule until the end.