Five takeaways as Bayern Munich edge past Anderlecht in UCL play

It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but Bayern Munich got the job done in Belgium, beating RSC Anderlecht 2-1. Here’s five takeaways from the match.

Ulreich the Wall

Just a few months ago, the suggestion that Sven Ulreich could emerge as a hero for Bayern Munich would have been met with nothing but laughter. And rightly so. Since taking over full-time from Manuel Neuer, however, Ulreich has only improved.

The German looks better and better with each passing game, growing in confidence massively with every touch he takes. And Bayern Munich can only be too thankful as he saved them from utter humiliation today.

Anderlecht were arguably the better team for the majority of the first-half, as they constantly attacked the Bayern goal. Although the Belgian side’s finishing could certainly have been better, take nothing away from Sven Ulreich’s performance. He’s a more than capable deputy for the world’s best goalkeeper, and he proved that today with several saves to keep Bayern level with an inspired Anderlecht side.

Bayern just can’t escape injuries

Another game, another player (or two) leaving the pitch with a knock. Thankfully, both Thiago Alcantara and Arjen Robben were able to leave the pitch by their own strength. But it’s still frustrating to see important players exit the game early, especially after the club just brought several members back into the squad from injury leave.

Thiago and Robben’s substitutions could very well have merely been precautionary (let’s hope so). Nevertheless, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller can’t make their return soon enough. But if that means bringing them back from injury too early, then perhaps they’re better off spending a little extra time on the sidelines.

Can’t stop Kimmich

Nothing new here. Just Joshua Kimmich putting in an excellent shift at right-back. Typical.

In all seriousness, though, once again Kimmich was fantastic. And once again nobody’s surprised. He’s arguably been Bayern’s best performer this season, and he’s only getting better.

The way he created Tolisso’s second is a perfect example of the threat he provides on the right flank. His quick acceleration upon receiving the pass created plenty of space for him to fire in a deadly-accurate cross for his French teammate to bury.

Keep it up, Kid.

Corentin Tolisso

Speaking of Tolisso, Bayern’s most expensive ever signing lived up to his pricetag today. He was a little rusty in the first-half, but that’s mostly down to the way the team played as a whole.

Regardless, he put in a man-of-the-match worthy performance that will greatly boost his confidence. Assisting the first with a smart pass and scoring the second with a well-deserved header, Coco had a hand in both Bayern’s goals.

He also had a match-high 99 passes, evident that most of Bayern’s attacking threat developed from his partnership with Joshua Kimmich on the right-hand side.

James and Javi

The two silent J’s. James Rodriguez and Javi Martinez have both been brilliant since Jupp Heynckes returned to Bayern Munich. Javi provides a stability in midfield sorely missing when he’s out of the squad. James, on the other hand, has become so integral to the Bavarian attack that it looks stale without him.

The Colombian drifts way deep into the midfield, almost playing as a no. 8 as much as a no. 10. His vision is superb and his pass-placement pinpoint accurate.

Next: Bayern Munich: Jupp Heynckes won't rush Manuel Neuer back from injury

Both Spanish-speaking stars have made excellent arguments as to why they should be in Jupp’s preferred XI. The way die Roten played both with and without the duo against Anderlecht is a wonderful testament to that.