Bayern Munich cruise to 5-1 victory over Gladbach

For the second consecutive Bundesliga matchday, Bayern Munich comeback from a 1-0 deficit to grab a heavy victory over their opponents.

Manager grade

Jupp Heynckes — B

Heynckes deployed a heavily rotated squad, something that has become a common theme for Bayern Munich this season. His players weren’t 100 percent motivated from the kick-off, but they quickly grew into the match after going down a goal. With the news of Niko Kovac taking over from him next season, the days of Heynckes leading the Bavarians are coming to a swift end.

Player grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — C+

There was hardly anything he could do to save Josep Drmic’s precise goal. His distribution was good enough, though, and he generally did what was expected of him.

DEF, David Alaba — A

A man of the match performance from David Alaba on his return from a brief injury spell. The Austrian was a consistent threat all day on the left flank. He scored Bayern’s fourth goal with a superb right-footed strike from outside the box that anyone would be proud of.

DEF, Mats Hummels — C+

A tad bit out of control in defense, Hummels was slightly overshadowed by his center-back partner.

DEF, Niklas Sule — B

After being largely at fault for Glabach’s opener, Sule stepped up and did some great work in the center of defense. His slick pass found Thomas Muller before the raumdeuter created Bayern’s first goal.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — B-

Not as entirely impressive as his Austrian teammate on the opposite flank, Kimmich nevertheless played well. His fine cross set up Robert Lewandowski for the Pole’s late goal. It’s important for Kimmich to find some good form, as he has a big match-up ahead of him when Bayern Munich face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.

MID, Sebastian Rudy — B-

A quiet, composed performance from Sebastian Rudy. He was (almost surprisingly) not particularly poor, but he did little of note. Overall, a solid game from the holding midfielder.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — B

Coco started off the match quite poor, but he rectified that with his performance throughout the second half. Some excellent work from the Frenchman on the right flank led to an assist for the player on Bayern’s third goal.

MID, Thiago — A

Thiago’s performance was highly reminiscent of last season, when the Spaniard dominated nearly every match in which he played. His passing crisp, vision excellent, Thiago controlled the match from the center of the park. Was in the right place to grab a goal after Yann Sommer deflected a Sandro Wagner shot right into the Spaniard’s path.

FWD, Juan Bernat — C+

By no means a natural left-winger, Bernat did what he could in Franck Ribery’s place. His final ball could have been a little bit better, but he didn’t hinder the Bavarian attack, so he gets points for that.

FWD, Sandro Wagner — B+

“The best German striker” pulled his teammate back from a 0-1 deficit to a 2-1 lead within the space of five minutes. Wagner’s presence in the box was immense, and — though he wasted a few good chances — his determination was crucial in Bayern’s comeback. Two deserved goals for the back-up striker.

FWD, Thomas Muller — B

The Bavarian toiled industriously in the first-half, even when many of his teammates didn’t seem up for the task. His hard-work was finally rewarded with a well-deserved assist after his precise cutback to teamamate Sandro Wagner. Muller doubled his creative tally just moments later, lofting a left-footed cross into the box for his compatriot to head home.

Next: Bayern Munich got their best possible semi-final draw in Real Madrid

Subs

FWD, James Rodriguez — B-

Four key passes and a shot fired off the post in his 45 minutes of play, James took over from Thomas Muller excellently in the second half.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — B+

Came in and grabbed a goal, what more could you ask for from the Polish goalscorer?

DEF, Rafinha — N/A

No grade for the Brazilian, who took over from David Alaba late in the match.

Bayern Munich cruise to 5-1 victory over Gladbach — Player grades