Bayern Strikes
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Bayern Munich decimate Borussia Dortmund 6-0 — Player grades

By Benjamin Scott

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 10: Robert Lewandowksi of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates with his team-mate after scoring his team's sixth goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Hamburger SV at Allianz Arena on March 10, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by M. Hangst/Getty Images for FC Bayern )
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 10: Robert Lewandowksi of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates with his team-mate after scoring his team's sixth goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Hamburger SV at Allianz Arena on March 10, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by M. Hangst/Getty Images for FC Bayern ) /
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Bayern Munich handed Borussia Dortmund their biggest Klassiker loss in recent memory with a masterclass performance at the Allianz Arena.

Manager Grade

Jupp Heynckes — A+

This was the perfect answer to any questions raised after the lackluster display from Bayern Munich against RB Leipzig two weeks ago. Jupp Heynckes’ starting line-up, tactical approach and substitutions were all spot on, as evident from the massive 6-0 scoreline.

Player Grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — C+

Ulreich was tested once, maybe twice, but BVB never actually threatened to put one past the German ‘keeper, who was well protected by his defensive line.

DEF, David Alaba — B+

Excellent work from the Austrian on the left-flank in the first-half. Worked expertly in tandem with both Franck Ribery and James Rodriguez. He connected wonderfully with the latter to assist Bayern’s second goal of the game.

DEF, Mats Hummels — A

After a string of disappointing performances, Mats Hummels stepped up in a big way against his former club. Seven tackles, two interceptions and three clearances, Hummels was a rock at the back for Bayern Munich.

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DEF, Jerome Boateng — B+

Worked wonderfully well with partner Mats Hummels in the heart of defense. Boateng’s passing was on-point and he left the pitch with a match-high 75 accurate passes. Great work from the Berlin-born German defender.

DEF, Rafinha — B

Replacing Joshua Kimmich in the starting XI, Rafinha did his job well both at right and left-back.

MID, Javi Martinez — B+

A typical, hard-working game from the big Spaniard. He shielded the backline superbly and provided creative help in attack. As usual, it may have been a quiet match from Javi, but his importance cannot be overstated.

MID, Franck Ribery — A

King Franck continued his theme of showing he can still be an important player for Bayern Munich. The Frenchman was a menace on the left-wing. He toiled unceasingly and was rewarded with both a goal and assist in the space of a few minutes. With fellow Frenchman Kingsley Coman out with injury, Ribery has stepped up massively with some impressive displays.

MID, James Rodriguez — A+

“We’re starting to see the best of his performances on the field,” remarked Keith Costigan as James made his way off the pitch. Well, he’s both right and wrong. Yes, today was an example of James playing at his absolute best. But no, this isn’t just the start. The Colombian has been excellent for Bayern Munich all season, and today was perhaps the apex of his sensational displays. A goal, two assists and a nearly match-high 71 accurate passes (despite exiting the game 25 minutes early), James showed today that he is the creative force in Bayern’s midfield, and easily one of the most influential men in the squad.

MID, Thomas Muller — A+

Today played as a more central midfielder alongside James Rodriguez, Muller continued in his recent turn of wonderful form (coming hot off the heels of a slick goal scored for Germany just over a week ago). The raumdeuter works so well with James and striker Robert Lewandowski, there’s no question the trio creates Bayern’s most potent attacking force. His goal puts him as Bayern Munich’s fourth top-scorer all-time and his assist sees him tied with teammates James Rodriguez and Joshua Kimmich for nine on the season, third-most in the league.

MID, Arjen Robben — B-

Bayern’s quietest attacker on the pitch, Mr. Wembley surprisingly didn’t find the back of the net in die Roten’s first half onslaught of goals. It wasn’t for lack of effort, though. There’s no question Robben desperately wanted his goal, but it just wasn’t his day.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — A

It says a lot about a team for their striker to score hat-trick and still not be the best performer on the pitch. Nevertheless, that was the case today. Lewandowski was, however, excellent and did exactly what you would expect from the world’s best striker. This is made even better by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s recent assurance that Lewandowski is going nowhere this summer.

Next: The Bavarian Collective: What moves should Bayern make in the summer?

Subs

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — B

He was unfortunate to only participate in the game’s rather dull second-half, but young Kimmich made sure to make his mark. He technically wasn’t awarded an assist for his work on Lewandowski’s third goal, but he created the chance all the same.

MID, Thiago — B

Wait, you’re telling me Bayern Munich dominated this game without the Spaniard in the starting XI? That the Bavarians were so dominant without arguably their best player from last season certainly says a lot. Nevertheless, Thiago replaced James Rodriguez seamlessly, taking over right where the Colombian left off.

MID, Sebastian Rudy — N/A

Rudy failed to make much of an impact on an otherwise exciting match.