Bayern Munich defeat 10-men RB Leipzig in penalties — Player grades

Despite struggling for most of the match, Bayern Munich finally defeat 10-men Leipzig in the DFB Cup, but only do so in penalties.

Manager Grade

Jupp Henckes — C

Loses major points for the Tolisso/Vidal double pivot in midfield, but Jupp is hardly to blame for Vidal’s poor performance. He rectified his mistake with smart subs, but must do better with his starting XI when Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig square off again on Saturday.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — A

Stepped up in the first-half when Bayern’s defensive line looked frail and threatened to crumble. Made the important saves in open-play, and could do nothing about Emil Forsberg’s perfectly placed penalty in regulation (even if he had guessed the right way). However, he made the crucial save to deny Timo Werner’s penalty during the shootout, sending Bayern Munich through to the next round of the DFB Cup.

DEF, David Alaba — C

Worked well in tandem with Coman down the left-flank, but neither his crosses nor shots ever seemed much of a threat. His defensive work was still suspect, but he tracked back excellently at the end of extra-time to deny Leipzig one final chance, then drilled his penalty. With Juan Bernat‘s return from injury seemingly imminent, Alaba must step up his performances or risk losing his spot in the starting XI.

DEF, Mats Hummels — B-

Looked the most comfortable of all Bayern’s defenders throughout the match, making a few good interceptions and tackles when it almost seemed inevitable that Bayern would concede. His passing and possession play were equally as good, and he made no mistake from the penalty spot.

DEF, Jerome Boateng — C-

Gave away the penalty that allowed Leipzig the lead, but later made up for it with an exceptional assist for Thiago’s goal. Outside of those two events though, Boateng was pretty bad, committing several unnecessary fouls.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — C+

Rather invisible by the high standards he’s set for himself this season. His crossing was good, but not great. Defensively, however, Joshua Kimmich did his work. And had his offensive line been less wasteful, perhaps he would have ended this match with an assist.

MID, Arturo Vidal — D

It’s not often this can be truthfully said of Arturo Vidal, but the Chilean was completely poor against RB Leipzig. His passing was poor, and he always seemed just a step behind the opposition. Fortunate to avoid both picking up a red card and giving away a penalty with his dreadful challenge on Emil Forsberg early in the match.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — C+

After grabbing the game-winner over the weekend, Coco failed to make too much of an impression in his second consecutive start. Started slowly, but grew into the game before making way for Rafinha as regulation time came to an end. He is definitely improving though, specifically on the defensive end.

MID, Kingsley Coman — C+

Like his midfield compatriot, Coman couldn’t quite play up to the same level as he has in recent matches. Often starved for space, he still did well with the few opportunities given him. Simply couldn’t get that final ball to come off though. Replaced by Sebastian Rudy midway through the second half.

MID, Thiago — A-

The best player in navy while he was on the pitch. Did all of the midfield’s defensive work in the first-half, and gave his team their equalizer in the second. Shockingly removed just minutes into extra-time, perhaps due to Saturday’s rematch in Munich. Thiago once again proved vital to the success of the German giants.

MID, Arjen Robben — C-

Standing in as captain with both Neuer and Muller out injured, Robben wasn’t particularly great against Leipzig. After terrorizing the Red Bulls in their last encounter, it seems Robben was specially marked for this match. Bayern will need much more from him when the two teams meet again on Saturday.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — D

Nailed the crucial first penalty, so I’ll give him that. But other than that, Lewandowski was nowhere near “top striker in the world” level. Wasted nearly every chance given him. A poor day at the office from the Pole.

Next: Bayern Munich see out boring 1-0 win at Hamburg -- Player grades

Subs

MID, Sebastian Rudy — B

Brought a much-needed calm to the Bayern midfield, and remained an important player for the entirety of his time on the pitch. Tucked his penalty away with ease.

MID, Javi Martinez — B

Like Rudy, Martinez immediately improved the Bayern midfield upon his introduction. Put in a typically hard-nosed defensive shift.

DEF, Rafinha — C

Replaced Corentin Tolisso as regulation time came to an end, but didn’t do much worth note. He didn’t allow Leipzig to make a comeback, though. And for that he makes the grade.

FWD, Kwasi Wriedt — B

The 23-year-old made his first appearance with the Bayern first-team and nearly scored just minutes after his introduction, his powerful header deflecting off the crossbar. Given Lewandowski’s poor showing today, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see Wriedt’s name on the team sheet before long.