In a hard-fought Bundesliga clash, Bayern Munich managed to eke out a narrow 1-0 win over plucky underdogs FC St. Pauli on Saturday. The victory sees Bayern extend their lead atop the league table, but it was far from a convincing performance from the perennial champions.

The lone goal of the match came in the 22nd minute, when German international Jamal Musiala won the ball 30 yards from goal and unleashed a thunderous strike that rocketed in off the crossbar. It was a moment of individual brilliance from the young Bayern star, who continues to stake his claim as one of the most exciting talents in world football.

However, that was about the only highlight for Bayern on the day. Their big-money summer signing, England captain Harry Kane, endured a frustratingly quiet afternoon, failing to make much of an impact. And despite dominating possession, Bayern struggled to create many clear-cut chances against St. Pauli’s disciplined defensive setup.

In the closing stages, Musiala had a golden opportunity to wrap up the points but saw his effort blocked, leaving Bayern sweating until the final whistle. The win puts them six points clear of RB Leipzig at the summit, but Bundesliga watchers will be wondering if this was just a minor blip, or a sign that Bayern are not quite firing on all cylinders this season.

For St. Pauli, there will be pride in pushing the mighty Bayern so close, even in defeat. The plucky underdogs put in a tremendous shift and will take heart from their resilient performance against the champions. With a bit more luck, they may have snatched an unlikely point.

Overall, it was a hard-fought encounter that showcased the competitive nature of the Bundesliga this season. Bayern may have emerged victorious, but they will know they have plenty of room for improvement if they are to retain their crown come the end of the campaign.