Bayern Munich emerge 2-1 victors in a hard-fought battle against an energetic Schalke in a scrappy match between two determined sides.
Manager Grade
Peter Hermann — B
Whether Hermann chose the Bayern Munich starting XI or simply went with Jupp Heynckes had previously set is unknown. Either way, Bayern got the three points so it’s hard to be too critical. However, Coman would have probably been a better choice on the left wing than the largely ineffective Franck Ribery. Other than that, no complaints with a job well done from Hermann.
Player Grades
GK, Sven Ulreich — B
There was nothing Ulreich could do to stop Schalke’s lone goal, but Bayern’s back-up keeper came up big on multiple occasions to ensure Bayern didn’t give up their 2-1 lead.
DEF, David Alaba — C+
Eight years ago today David Alaba played his first competitive match at Bayern Munich, and the rest is history. He just couldn’t commemorate the occasion with a goal, his free-kick early in the second-half going no further than the Schalke wall.
DEF, Mats Hummels — B-
Hummels put in a typical classy display in the center of defense. The German made several important tackles, clearances and interceptions to help his team pick up the three points.
DEF, Jerome Boateng — C+
Not necessarily an outstanding performance from the center-back, but not a bad one either. Failed to keep a clean sheet, but made several important clearances to snuff out Schalke attacks.
DEF, Joshua Kimmich — B-
As usual, Kimmich was much more influential going forward than tracking back. His 89 touches and 77 accurate passes were both a match-high and showcase how important the 23-year old is to his team’s attack.
MID, Arturo Vidal — B+
Bar an unnecessary yellow card, Arturo Vidal was excellent as Bayern’s lone defensive midfielder. He managed a sensational 14 tackles, quickly shutting down several Schalke attacks. Vidal showed today exactly why Jupp Heynckes says he’s a guaranteed starter.
MID, Franck Ribery — D
Ribery gave the ball away far too often on the left flank. He was often found in potentially threatening positions only to give the ball away cheaply by either dribbling straight into his defender or passing the ball to absolutely nobody. This was a chance for the Frenchman to show why he deserves a contract extension, but he completely failed to do so.
MID, James Rodriguez — C
This was easily the Colombian’s quietest game in recent memory. Couldn’t quite provide the creative spark Bayern so often needed in the match and have become accustomed to him providing.
MID, Thomas Muller — B+
Muller had a hand in both Bayern Munich goals. His long-range rocket led to Robert Lewandowski’s opener, before he sneakily squeezed a goal of his own into Ralf Fahrmann’s near post after a perfectly-timed run. He was, however, much quieter and less effective in the second half.
Müller beats Fährmann at the near post as Bayern take a 2-1 lead. #FCBS04 https://t.co/DYVrjqE2d6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 10, 2018
MID, Arjen Robben — C+
It wasn’t a standout game for Arjen Robben, but it wasn’t a poor one either. The Dutchman bagged an assist with Muller’s goal, but will be frustrated with himself for not creating more chances for himself or his teammates.
FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B-
Lewandowski showed great attacking instincts to pounce on Muller’s deflected shot for Bayern’s opener. He did his job in scoring a goal, but will be disappointed not to have bagged a few more. His goal today, though, marked his 11th consecutive goal at home in the Bundesliga, tying a record previously set by none other than Jupp Heynckes.
Next: Bayern Munich shortlist two young forwards for the summer transfer window
Subs
DEF, Niklas Sule — C+
Picked up where Jerome Boateng left off, shielding the Bayern goal for the final 20 minutes of the match.
MID, Kingsley Coman — B-
Coman immediately showed why he is Bayern’s best choice on the left flank after replacing fellow Frenchman Franck Ribery. The youngster charged at the Schalke defense relentlessly and no doubt would have had a hand in a goal if played for more than the final 14 minutes.
MID, Javi Martinez — N/A
Other than nearly adding to Bayern’s tally with a deflected long-range effort, Martinez had little to do in his brief cameo on the pitch.