Bayern Munich dazzle against Barcelona- Player Ratings

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Thiago Alcantara, Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich and Lionel Messi, Barcelona. (Photo by RAFAEL MARCHANTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Midfield domination by Bayern Munich

MID, Thiago Alcantara — 9/10

Flick decided to continue with Thiago in the holding midfield role. Against his former side, Thiago showed what they were missing. The Spaniard dictated the tempo of the game with his expansive passing, switching the play effortlessly by playing long diagonal passes. Whenever Barcelona tried to press aggressively in the final third, Thiago was beating the press through his dribbling and cute feints. As Die Roten went for the kill, Thiago got forward to support the attack and played some sublime passes in the box. His chip pass in the build-up of Coutinho’s second goal was a thing of beauty. It was a midfield masterclass from Thiago.

MID, Leon Goretzka — 9/10

Along with Thiago, Leon Goretzka also excelled against the Spanish side. The German midfielder was the aggressive midfielder in the setup, initiating the press from the center of the park. Goretzka was also making dangerous runs in the final third to unsettle Barcelona’s defense. His physical prowess helped Die Roten to win duels in the midfield. The German is also showing improvement with his passing range as he kept things ticking the center of the pitch. His delicate chip to set Gnabry free for the third goal was delightful. An action-packed performance from Goretzka.