Bayern Munich grind out a dull 0-0 draw with Sevilla to win 2-1 on aggregate and advance to the Champions League semi-finals.
Manager grade
Jupp Heynckes — B-
Bayern Munich are headed to the Champions League semi-finals once again. He did what neither Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti could do, lead this team past Spanish opposition. This Sevilla side may not have been the most intimidating of opponents, but Bayern got the win and are through. That’s what matters.
Player grades
GK, Sven Ulreich — C+
Barely tested in goal, Sven Ulreich kept an important clean sheet, helping his side through to the next round. With Manuel Neuer back in training, it will be interesting to see who starts in goal for Bayern’s semi-final matches.
DEF, Rafinha — B
The Brazilian full-back, filling in for David Alaba on the left side of defense, was excellent on the night. Rafinha made several important, potentially goal-saving tackles to keep his side level with their visitors. Toiled industriously and never looked like giving up. What more can you ask from a 32-year-old back-up?
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DEF, Mats Hummels — B-
Solid defensively, good in his distribution. A typical game from Bayern’s classy center-back.
DEF, Jerome Boateng — B-
Like Hummels, Boateng did his job in defense and contributed to the attack and midfield with his passing.
DEF, Joshua Kimmich — B
A constant threat down the right flank, Kimmich’s crosses didn’t prove the difference against a tough Sevilla defense.
MID, Javi Martinez — C+
Perhaps not up to his usually high standards in defensive midfield, Javi Martinez nevertheless was hard-working in midfield to break up any potential threat from Sevilla’s attack.
MID, Franck Ribery — C+
The in-form Frenchman couldn’t provide the same spark today as in recent weeks. He worked hard every second he was on the pitch (hence his early exit), but his hard work never yielded an results. Had Bayern’s best chance of the first-half, but his powerful shot went straight at Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria.
MID, James Rodriguez — C
Usually the difference maker for Bayern Munich this season, even James Rodriguez couldn’t create the spark to ignite Bayern Munich. He did, however, put in an impressive defensive shift. The Colombian looked a bit tired, though, so expect him to be benched over the weekend.
MID, Thomas Muller — C
Like so many others, Muller wasn’t quite up to his usual standards. Once again like so many others, he continually ran up and down the pitch for the full 90 minutes.
MID, Arjen Robben — B
If anyone looked like they would be the difference maker for Bayern Munich tonight, it was Arjen Robben. The Dutchman was die Roten’s most potent attacking outlet for the majority of the match and came very close to opening the scoring on multiple occasions.
FWD, Robert Lewandowski — C
For the second Champions League match in a row, Robert Lewandowski failed to be influential for the Bavarians. However, it’s difficult to judge the Pole too harshly. He took a real beating from Sevilla’s aggressive defense and midfield. Expect him to be given a little extra rest over the weekend.
Next: Bayern Munich to sign Jann-Fiete Arp if Hamburg are relegated
Subs
MID, Thiago — C+
Thiago brought some great dribbling and passing with him when he entered the pitch, but the birthday boy didn’t have enough to nudge Bayern toward a goal.
FWD, Sandro Wagner — N/A
Should have been awarded a penalty late in the match when pulled down by Jesus Navas. Wagner replaced Lewandowski as Sevilla’s personal punching bag.
DEF, Niklas Sule — N/A
A small cameo from the giant defender warrants no grade.