It was business as usual yesterday as Bayern Munich dealt further blows to Hamburg’s relegation survival campaign. Here are four takeaways from a match that showed Bayern at their dominant best.
Man of the Match
Every Bayern Munich player shone against Hamburg, but no one more so than Franck Ribery. With 92% pass accuracy, two goals, two key passes and an incredible sense of nostalgia, Ribery outshone every other player on the pitch.
His performance was so significant that even a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick couldn’t stop him from getting the nod for man of the match. He was able to score two excellent goals that showed dribbling is still something he can do like no other when he’s on. Ribery’s second goal, in particular, was an excellent reminder of some of the great work he has offered the club over the past 11 years.
As mentioned in my match preview, a game against an opposition such as Hamburg is a great way for Ribery to break out of a bad run of form (which I firmly believe is what he was suffering from).
His footballing brain is still one of the best, but his body can’t quite keep up. Yesterday showed that his quality can still be found under the right circumstances. “It was only Hamburg” may be the response of some doubters. However, a performance like yesterday’s can be enough to bring out the best of him one final time, regardless of opponent.
Milestones
Saturday marked multiple grand occasions. Robert Lewandowski scored his 100th Bundesliga goal for Bayern Munich from the penalty spot. Normally a trustworthy taker, his first attempt from 12 yards flew over the bar in a very uncharacteristic miss. He was then gifted a second attempt four minutes later, which he sent past Hamburg goalkeeper Christian Mathenia and into the net.
After missing his first attempt, and with Ribery on the verge of a hat-trick, it was maybe surprising to see him step up to the spot again. However, the Polish international now sits with an even 100, scoring his centennial in front of the Sudkürve, no less.
Further down the field, Jerome Boateng played his 250th competitive game for Bayern. He has been instrumental in the successes of the club since his arrival in 2011, becoming one of the best defenders in the world. His composure is matched by his pinpoint distribution which is matched by his tackling. He has matured tremendously over the past seven years and has become a great addition to the Bayern squad. Here’s to another 250!
Tolisso Injured
Only a few weeks removed from Kingsley Coman’s injury, Corentin Tolisso is the latest name added to the list.
A second half substitute for Arturo Vidal, who picked up an early booking — a dubious decision considering the referee had initially given Bayern their advantage — Tolisso’s first action was a difficult challenge with a Hamburg player. After recovering, he was instructed by fellow Frenchman Ribery to cool off and to not rush into challenges.
Fifteen minutes later, as Bayern Munich were 4-0 up and controlling the game, Tolisso ran full steam to the ball and looked to either shoot or clear it but instead clattered into Vasilije Janjicic. Both players remained on the ground for some time but Janjicic emerged to his feet first. Tolisso, however, was aided off of the pitch before eventually being substituted for Sebastian Rudy.
After such a good performance against Freiburg, it’s a shame to see Tolisso, firstly not start the match, and secondly rush into a challenge so recklessly, injuring himself in the process. Fortunately, his injury is nothing more than a sever bruise, but Coco must learn to be more cautious in such circumstances.
David Alaba
Whether it was the return of Jupp or a sudden renaissance in attitude, David Alaba has gone from strength to strength in recent weeks. Initially projected to be the best defender in the world, his abilities plateaued slightly throughout recent seasons, not necessarily waning but certainly not progressing.
Last week’s match against Freiburg and yesterday’s against Hamburg were evidently what certain players needed to get out of a rut. Alaba ended the match with a 96% pass accuracy as well as a number of Kodak moments. One in particular being a fantastic mid-air steal of the ball to regain possession by the Hamburg corner flag.
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After revealing that the idea of playing away from Munich does interest him, he followed up his comments by saying that should he become a leading figure at Bayern, he would most likely stay. Strong performances such as how he has played recently will ensure that he remains a crucial part of the line-up for years to come.