Injuries galore as Bayern Munich fall 2-1 to Real Madrid

Despite being the better team for the majority of the match, injuries and wasted chances see Bayern Munich fall 2-1 to European rivals Real Madrid.

Manager grade

Jupp Heynckes — A

Heynckes opted to start Arjen Robben over Thiago, a decision that proved insignificant, as the Dutchman left the field with injury just minutes into the match. Robben was but the first of several injuries for Bayern Munich that put a damper on their game. Jupp did the best with what was available for him, developed a solid plan to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet and was not responsible for the wasted chances that kept his side from winning this match.

Player grades

GK, Sven Ulreich — B

Ulreich could do nothing about Marcelo’s superb strike or Asensio’s goal after his defense left him completely exposed. He later made a good save to keep out Karim Benzema and was quick off his line on several occasions to scoop up the ball. Perhaps kept his team within a decent chance of turning this tie around in Madrid.

DEF, Rafinha — C-

The Brazilian was really good for most of the match, but he loses points for making a terrible mistake which led to Real Madrid’s second goal. But one crucial mistake can mar an otherwise solid game.

DEF, Mats Hummels — B

Not at all to blame for either of Real Madrid’s goals, Hummels was calm and collected as usual in central defense. Kept Cristiano Ronaldo at bay and deserves credit for that impressive feat.

DEF, Jerome Boateng — C+

Solid if not spectacular in his time on the pitch, Jerome Boateng did well enough to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet. The Berlin-born defender left the field holding his groin added to Bayern’s injury woes in the 33rd minute. It’d be great if it this injury was nothing major, but history isn’t on his side.

DEF, Joshua Kimmich — B+

Bayern’s young right-back put his team ahead early with a finely taken goal. He was excellent on the right flank, both offensively and defensively, showing he can not only hold his own against the best, but even be a crucial player for the Bavarians in their biggest games.

MID, Javi Martinez — B-

Javi Martinez did his job expertly in defensive midfield. He was cool in possession and crisp with his passing. He left the match late in the second half with an apparent injury, but it doesn’t look nearly as serious as Boateng’s or Robben’s.

MID, Franck Ribery — C

Like his partner on the left flank, Rafinha, Ribery played a great game but was poor when it mattered most. Clear on goal after an excellent move from James and Thiago, Ribery’s touch completely let him down and he blew what should have been an easy goal. Other than that, Ribery was a massive threat on the left flank and Bayern’s most effective attacking player.

MID, James Rodriguez — B+

James was typically Bayern’s best player in the middle of the pitch. His exceptional vision and passing was on full display, as was his defensive work rate and tenacity. James played Kimmich in on goal perfectly for the right-back’s opener. He did his part as creator for Bayern Munich, but the Colombian was ultimately let down by his teammates.

MID, Thomas Muller — C

It was not at all a good game from Bayern’s stand-in captain. Muller toiled industriously, but his hard work proved fruitless. Much more will be expected from him when these two sides meet again next week.

MID, Arjen Robben — N/A

The Dutchman left the match with injury less than five minutes into play. It didn’t look good, but hopefully it’s nothing serious.

FWD, Robert Lewandowski — D

Robert Lewandowski had chances and he blew them. The Pole should have scored a few goals against Real Madrid’s shaky defense. This may seem a bit harsh, but Lewandowski is literally in the team for one reason: to score goals. He had the opportunity to do just that and let his team down on multiple occasions. Poor from the Polish international.

Next: Bayern Munich monitor young duo in preparation for the future

Subs

MID, Thiago — C+

Came in early for the injured Arjen Robben, Thiago wasn’t exactly at his best in the first half. He looked rusty after coming in, his passing in particular was not impressive. Thiago eventually grew into the match and should have left it with at least one assist. Other than some uncharacteristically misplaced passes, Thiago’s distribution was crisp. There’s still a nagging feeling that he should provide more, though, especially in such an important match.

DEF, Niklas Sule — B

Thrown into the fray after 33 minutes, Sule — like Kimmich — showed he can do it against the best. He impressed with his speed and hardly let a Galactico get the better of him.

MID, Corentin Tolisso — B

The Frenchman came in late and immediately added to Bayern’s attack. He created a few chances, most notably playing Robert Lewandowski clean through on goal. It will be interesting to see if he gets more minutes in the second leg next week.

Injuries galore as Bayern Munich fall 2-1 to Real Madrid — Player grades