Bayern Munich fall 2-1 to RB Leipzig in sloppy display — Player grades
Bayern Munich hardly looked interested as they fell 2-1 to an inspired RB Leipzig led by goals from Naby Keita and Timo Werner.
Manager grade
Jupp Heynckes — C
For reasons unknown, Jupp Heynckes deployed a relatively weak Bayern Munich starting XI. As the result shows, his men were largely outplayed by an inspired RB Leipzig. Sure, injuries played their part in his starting line-up, and his players were no doubt much more at fault for the loss than their coach, but it was still disappointing to see a relatively weak starting XI in such an important game.
Player grades
GK, Sven Ulreich — B
By no means at fault for either of RB Leipzig’s goals, Ulreich was more so the reason Bayern’s opposition didn’t score more. He was especially crucial in the first-half in keeping Bayern from going down multiple goals to the hosts.
DEF, David Alaba — C-
After putting in so many great displays throughout recent weeks, it was a bit disappointing to see Alaba play so poorly against the Red Bulls. Perhaps much of it can be chalked up to his being partnered with Juan Bernat rather than his usual Franck Ribery or Kingsley Coman.
DEF, Mats Hummels — C-
It just wasn’t Hummels’ day. He wasn’t particularly poor in defense or anything, but it was easy to tell that something was just off. Luck wasn’t on his side on the opposite end of the pitch either. He missed multiple goal-scoring opportunities that could have drawn his side level with their hosts.
DEF, Niklas Sule — B-
Sule, along with Ulreich, was a bright spot in Bayern’s defensive line. He made a huge goal line clearance early in the first-half, followed by several important blocks on Leipzig shots.
DEF, Joshua Kimmich — C
It was, uncharacteristically, a day to forget for young Joshua Kimmich, much like it was for many of his teammates. His defensive work was rather poor, and he struggled to add anything to Bayern’s attack against his former club.
MID, Sebastian Rudy — D
Terrible in the first-half, Rudy stepped up a little in the second. The German came nowhere near filling in the massive gap left by Javi Martinez in this match, though.
MID, Juan Bernat — D
Like Rudy, Bernat would have hoped for much better starting in such a big match. However, the Spaniard simply couldn’t provide anything worth note from the left flank.
MID, James Rodriguez — B-
James kicked off the game’s action with an excellent assist for Sandro Wagner’s opener. The Colombian quickly cooled off, though, and was less effective throughout the remainder of the match.
MID, Arturo Vidal — C
The Chilean was all over the pitch as usual, holding none of his energy back. But like so many of his teammates, something was just off in his game.
MID, Thomas Muller — C-
Hardly involved in the first-half, Muller slowly came into the game in the second. Not much to say about the Bavarians’ game that hasn’t already been said about one of his teammates.
FWD, Sandro Wagner — B-
He scored Bayern’s opener with a well-taken header, but that was about the extent of his offensive contribution. Didn’t see much of the ball after that, but did track back well.
Next: Bayern Munich to face Sevilla in Champions League quarter-finals
Subs
MID, Franck Ribery — C-
The Frenchman couldn’t provide the spark Bayern so desperately needed in their attack.
FWD, Robert Lewandowski — C-
See above.