Bayern Munich start slow but work hard to comeback against Augsburg and win 4-1, clinching their sixth consecutive Bundesliga title.
Manager grade
Jupp Heynckes — A+
Jupp Heynckes not only get this grade for leading Bayern Munich to victory against Augsburg, but also for how he’s turned this season around for die Roten. The Bavarians were looking set for a disaster season when Jupp took over in October. Now they’re looking at a potential treble after winning a sixth consecutive Bundesliga title in near-record time. It really is a shame he has to retire, but Bayern have to be grateful for what he’s done this season.
Player grades
GK, Sven Ulreich — B-
No clean sheet for the Bayern ‘keeper, despite taking all the necessary steps to ensure it. Made a few key saves, and was unfortunate to concede a goal after his excellent one-on-one save freakishly deflected off the face of Niklas Sule and into the back if his own net.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
DEF, Rafinha — B-
More than just a reliable back-up, Rafinha racked up a match-high 101 touches against Augsburg. Quietly steady once again, playing on his weaker left side.
DEF, Niklas Sule — B
Despite an unlucky own-goal, Sule was solid in the heart of defense. Augsburg’s lone goal was by no means his fault.
DEF, Jerome Boateng — C-
If anyone is to blame for Augsburg’s goal, it’s Jerome Boateng. Someone with his experience and pedigree should never be caught in possession like he was. Other than that one blip, though, Boateng played well enough.
DEF, Joshua Kimmich — A
Kimmich was at the heart of Bayern’s first-half comeback. He assisted Bayern’s first with a perfectly-placed cross, then did the same for the second after nutmegging his defender, though Bernat’s touch before James’ goal denied Kimmich the assist. Overall, a superb display from the young German.
MID, Sebastian Rudy — C
A typical display from Sebastian Rudy, which isn’t a good thing. Gave the ball away too cheaply too often and contributed little in attack. Grabbed the assist for Bayern’s fourth when Sandro Wagner headed home his cross late in the match, but had little positive contribution to the match outside of that..
MID, Corentin Tolisso — B
The Frenchman scored the all-important goal to get his team back in the match with a typically powerful header. Other than that he was relatively quiet in midfield, but he did his job well, spraying pass after pass across the pitch. Glad to see him back on the pitch after spending some time in the stands with injury.
MID, James Rodriguez — A-
Another great match from the Colombian playmaker. His goal — a fine precise finish — capped off an excellent move from the Bavarians to put his club up 2-1 in the first-half. He then grabbed the assist for Bayern’s third after some excellent hustle to keep the ball in play. He remains a massively important player for the club, winning his first (of many, hopefully) Bundesliga trophy.
FWD, Juan Bernat — B
After a dreadful display against Sevilla midweek, it was great to see Juan Bernat playing so full of confidence and tenacity. Playing as a left winger, Bernat wasn’t asked to defend as much and given more offensive freedom. He made several impressive dribbles and contributed a few key passes, even picking up the assist for James’ goal with a deft touch. A viable long-term option at left wing? Probably not. Nevertheless, this will no doubt be a huge confidence boost for the Spaniard.
FWD, Sandro Wagner — C+
Sandro Wagner always gives 100%, and today was not an exception. However, the big German left a little to be desired leading the Bavarian line for most of the match, despite scoring with a well-taken header late in the match.
FWD, Arjen Robben — B-
Kept mostly quiet for the majority of the first-half, that certainly wasn’t the case in the second. The Dutchman was extremely active and capped off his energetic display with a well-deserved goal.
Next: Julian Nagelsmann might just be Bayern Munich's next manager
Subs
MID, Javi Martinez — C+
Replaced James Rodriguez in the 63rd minute, and put in a typical hard-working shift in defensive midfield.
FWD, Franck Ribery — N/A
The birthday boy wasn’t on the pitch long enough to warrant a grade in the match that won him his eighth Bundesliga title.
FWD, Thomas Muller — N/A
Only his seventh Bundesliga title, Muller’s cameo hardly made a difference on match preceedings.