Die Folgen: Bayern’s 3-2 win over Union (Bavarian Football Works)Bayern Munich travelled to Union Berlin for another meeting with Die Eisernen…only this time, things went a different way.Just under a month ago, the two teams fought to a draw, but Bayern Munich would take advantage of two first half own goals to edge Union Berlin for a 3-2 victory in the DFB-Pokal. Let’s dive into the details! Here are some quick hitters on the match:As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI: Here’s how we lineup for #FCUFCB 📋 pic.twitter.com/pySwC2W41w— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) December 3, 2025Things looked pretty standard all things considered. Serge Gnabry must not be fully healthy as of yet as Lennart Karl took his starting role, while Aleksandar Pavlović got the nod over Leon Goretzka and Tom Bischof in the central midfield.It would have been hard to expect Jonas Urbig to start this game (the obvious start would have been last weekend vs. St. Pauli), but the kids does need some minutes and Manuel Neuer does need some rest. Something has to give on this front eventually. Union Berlin came out energized once more, but was not quite as electric as last month. As such, Bayern Munich scored in the 12th minute on an own goal from Ilyas Ansah. Clearly, this match was not going to go the same way as the 2-2 draw last month.Michael Olise had a good look in the 21st minute but did not get a good piece of his attempt.You have to Union Berlin credit, they just have a way of making Bayern Munich work harder than most other teams (at least for this season). The Bavarians had trouble settling into that comfort zone where they can confidently attack at-will.In the 24th minute, Harry Kane made his presence felt with a header goal off of a corner. Kane got a pretty wicked two-handed shoved into the back of the Union Berlin defender, but it went uncalled and the score went 2-0. Joshua Kimmich had the assist. Even with that, Union Berlin did not waver with their effort and belief. This author will not sit here and say they are world beaters, but this is a team responding to its coach, Steffen Baumgart, Kane was super physical with Union Berlin center-back Leopold Querfeld.It looked like Kane had put Bayern Munich up 3-0, but upon further review, VAR determined that Jonathan Tah had a handball prior to that, which gave Union Berlin a PK. It was a pretty incredible turn of events. Querfeld would exact a little revenge on Kane by absolutely nailing the penalty with pure power to make it 2-1. The goal ignited the spirit of Union Berlin, who really could be Bayern Munich’s kryptonite. At the 45’+4’ mark, Diogo Leite inexplicably headed Michael Olise’s free kick into his own net for Union Berlin’s second own goal of the night. What a terrible way to end the half for the Iron Ones. Pavlović had to leave the match with an injury. The youngster was hurt with Germany a few weeks back, but it is unclear if this is related. Bayern Munich’s attack did not assert itself the way many hoped it would. In the 52nd minute, things got a bit more dicey as Kane was whistled for getting his elbow up on a set piece, which resulted in another penalty. Querfeld stepped to the spot again and — again — drilled it to make it 3-2. Bayern Munich can’t quit giving up braces to Union Berlin center-backs!Bayern Munich had two other good chances thwarted in the second half. One by a bad touch and another by an offside where a pass was held a split second too long. In the 86th minute Querfeld put a header just wide of the post. Yikes! Overall, Bayern Munich got the job done, just maybe not in as convincing fashion as fans would like. It was a totally bizarre match in so many ways. Credit, however, needs to go to a very game Union Berlin side, which has embraced the attitude of its manager, and never stops scrapping. Bayern Munich needed some luck to advance, but as they say, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good! If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:LFC to let Chiesa walk in January? (Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke)Liverpool could be willing to let Federico Chiesa leave in January: Liverpool could be tempted to cash in on Federico Chiesa in the January transfer window amid ongoing interest from a number of Serie A clubs. Chiesa has been on the fringes of Arne Slot’s squad this season despite opting to remain at Anfield during the summer, and could now be tempted to move on.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Reds could listen to offers for the winger as he appears not to have the trust of Slot despite calls for him to be handed more regular minutes in the starting XI. However, his departure will only be sanctioned if the Reds can sign a new wide forwards during the window amid concerns about their squad depth up front.This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed in October that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Anthony Gordon as they aim to bolster their squad out wide. Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yes, potentially. As you said, there will always be interest from Italian clubs in Chiesa if he does become available.“He has been used more frequently this season, but more of a fringe player coming off the bench, he’s only had two starts and both in the EFL Cup. It seems like he’s not trusted by Arne Slot to get a run in the team despite some fans calling for Chiesa to have a go and see if he can spark a revival of their fortunes.“That doesn’t seem the case at the moment, but whether Liverpool would consider letting him leave in January, that remains to be seen. I can only see Chiesa leaving if Liverpool were to bring in a replacement and whether they do follow up their interest in Antoine Semenyo, then maybe that could open the door for a move for Chiesa. They are working on replacements for next year. But it seems Chiesa despite not starting regularly he is happy at Anfield and happy to fight for his place and will do his best whenever he does get the chance.”It is extremely doubtful, but if Bayern Munich could work out a six-month loan for Chiesa, it would not be the worst idea in the world. The Italian’s career will always feature a lot of “what ifs.” The major knee injury he suffered limited Chiesa physically as he could no long move or explode like he used to. If Bayern Munich is seeking to add an experienced attacking player, though, you could do a whole lot worse than a loan for Chiesa (rumored to be a longtime favorite of Karl-Heinz Rummenigge). LFC targeting Camavinga (CaughtOffside)Speaking of Liverpool. the Reds could be targeting Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga: Liverpool are expected to table a €60 million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside. Liverpool’s move could tempt Real Madrid into negotiations depending on their squad restructuring priorities.Real Madrid are not actively looking to part ways with Camavinga, but internal discussions have taken place about his long-term role at the club. With Aurelien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham all considered untouchable, Camavinga’s place in the pecking order has come under scrutiny.Some at the Bernabéu believe that cashing in on Camavinga could fund future transfers while maintaining squad balance. Despite this, Camavinga remains deeply respected by Xabi Alonso and continues to feature regularly when fit.Kompany a fan of Oktoberfest (Sky Germany @iMiaSanMia)It is safe to say that Vincent Kompany loves being head coach at Bayern Munich. One of the primary aspects of live in Bavaria he enjoys is the annual celebration of Oktoberfest. “Once you go to the Oktoberfest, you’ll know even more quickly what it means to be Bavarian. I’ve felt at home here from day one. Munich is a perfect city, also for family life. But we want to convey this positive feeling to our fans, so they have something to celebrate not only at the Oktoberfest, but also in the Allianz Arena,” said Kompany. Madrid out on Guéhi (The Athletic via ESPN)Real Madrid is reportedly out of the race for Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guéhi:Real Madrid aren’t currently prioritizing a move for Crystal Palace center-back.Leipzig’s Nusa gaining popularity (ESPN)RB Leipzig attacker Antonio Nusa is drawing interest from several clubs, including FC Barcelona: Barcelona are among the various big-name clubs interested in RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, according to Diario Sport. The Blaugrana’s scouting manager and Deco’s assistant, Joao Amaral, was at a meeting in Milan between agents, intermediaries and sporting managers and used that as an opportunity to watch the 20-year-old when Norway faced Italy. Nusa scored Norway’s equaliser in the 4-1 win, which officially sealed their place at the country’s first World Cup since 1998.Dreesen, Eberl want to avoid over-confidence (Welt am Sonntag @iMiaSanMia)It is still relatively early in the season, even if it feels like things are moving slowly of late. With Bayern Munich’s extremely successful first half of the season so far, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and board member for sport Max Eberl want to stay grounded about the team’s success.“We’re in constant communication, and of course we’re both happy that FC Bayern has had such a good start. But we’re both trying to avoid overconfidence. It’s still early in the season,” Dreesen said. If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…