Player ratings from Bayern Munich’s 5-2 comeback victory over Mainz.
The first fixture of 2021 for Bayern Munich was an exciting and goal-filled match. After trailing 2-0 at halftime, Die Roten battled back in the second to score five unanswered goals to record a 5-2 victory. With four different players scoring for Bayern it was a complete team performance to come back and earn all three points at the Allianz Arena. Here are the player ratings from Bayern’s victory.
Manager
Hansi Flick-7/10
It was a rough start to the match for Flick and Bayern. The high backline was exposed on multiple occasions and the defensive struggles continue as they have registered just two clean sheets so far this season. With that being said, Flick’s changes in the second half made an impact on the final result of the match. Switching Joshua Kimmich to the right-back role and bringing on Leon Goretzka and Niklas Süle at halftime proved to be crucial moves. Süle ended up scoring a key third goal for Bayern and Kimmich thrived at right back. It may have not been the best performance from Bayern but Flick made the necessary changes to get the victory.
Player Ratings
GK, Manuel Neuer-8/10
Neuer certainly was influential in holding Mainz to two goals. The visitors had plenty of opportunities to score but the Bayern goalkeeper was able to make five saves to help lead Die Roten to victory. His five saves move his season total in the Bundesliga up to 40 saves. He currently ranks ninth in the German top flight in this statistical category.
CB, Jerome Boateng-6/10
The controversial VAR decision on the push on Boateng by Jonathan Burkardt was the main event of the match involving Boateng. It led to the opening goal of the match and should have been called back for the foul. The Bayern center back would finish with one interception and one clearance in terms of defensive actions. Flick brought on Süle at halftime to replace Boateng so it ended up being a rather short appearance for Boateng.
CB, David Alaba-6/10
Alaba anchored the backline and played the entire match. He finished with two interceptions and completed 92% of his passes.
RB, Benjamin Pavard-6/10
It was a short appearance for Pavard in this match as he was replaced at halftime. The Frenchman had two interceptions and one clearance in the 45 minutes he played. Pavard did have a well-placed pass in the first half when his long pass found Robert Lewandowski who set up Leroy Sane with Bayern’s first real scoring opportunity of the match.
LB, Alphonso Davies-7/10
Davies had a strong performance at left-back for Bayern. He caused an own goal in the second half but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. A well-struck shot in the 78th minute was another highlight of his performance as he nearly scored a fantastic goal from outside the penalty area. Davies finished with one key pass, three tackles, three interceptions, and two clearances.
MID, Joshua Kimmich-9/10
In his first appearance in the starting 11 since November, Kimmich produced a superb performance to help lead Bayern to victory. He finished with one goal and one assist, along with three key passes. Kimmich provides much more security to the defense since his positioning is on the money on most occasions. Along with good positioning, Kimmich’s ability to pick up passes in the final third makes Kimmich a complete midfielder. He also did a fine job in the second half when Flick decided to move him in the right-back position. There’s no question Bayern benefit from having their star midfielder back in the starting lineup.
MID, Corentin Tolisso-7/10
Tolissio had multiple chances to score in the first half but was unable to find the back of the net. This was the one blemish in his performance as he ended up leading the way in tackles with seven recorded in the victory. It was an overall strong performance from the midfielder as he made his 11th appearance in the starting 11 for Bayern this season. The French midfielder will not be a first-choice midfielder under Flick, but he will still have a big role to play as the season progresses.
RW, Leroy Sane-7/10
It was a much-needed goal for Sane as he registered his first goal in the Bundesliga since matchday seven. The winger dispatched a long-range effort past the Mainz goalkeeper for his fourth goal of the season in the Bundesliga. Sane is yet to get a consistent run in the starting XI this season, so the goal against Mainz will be huge for his confidence. Die Roten will be hoping that Sane now kicks on and discovers his best form during the second half of the season.
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LW, Serge Gnabry, 7/10
Gnabry may have not registered an official goal or an assist in the match, but he was certainly involved in the scoring. The German winger drew the penalty kick that led to Lewandowski’s successful penalty kick conversion and he also provided the pass to Lewandowski, who then set up Kimmich for Bayern’s first goal.
CAM, Thomas Müller-7/10
Müller led the way for Bayern in terms of key passes as he registered four against Mainz. He finished with one assist as he set up Lewandowski’s second goal of the match. The attacking midfielder won the header off the corner kick that led to Süle’s goal, which proved to a crucial moment.
ST, Robert Lewandowski-9/10
Another multi-goal performance from Lewandowski helped guide Bayern to all three points. The Polish striker has three consecutive performances of two goals in the Bundesliga and has a total of six multi-goal performances in the Bundesliga this season. He remains on pace to score over 40 goals this season.
Sub, Niklas Süle-8/10
Süle scored his first Bundesliga goal of the season in this match as the defender produced a well-struck volley that was deflected past the goalkeeper. The center back made an impact on defense as well as he registered two tackles, one interception, and one clearance.
Sub, Leon Goretzka-7/10
Goretzka entered this match at halftime to replace Pavard as Kimmich switched to right back. The midfielder completed 95% of his passes along with one interception and one clearance.
Sub, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting-6/10
A brief appearance for Choupo-Moting saw him only register two touches. He replaced Müller in the 87th minute and didn’t have a whole lot to do as the victory was already sealed.
Sub, Jamal Musiala-6/10
Musiala replaced Gnabry as he left the pitch with an injury in the 76th minute. The 17-year-old went on to complete 90% of his passes along with one tackle.
Sub, Douglas Costa-6/10
Costa joined Choupo-Moting as a late substitute in the 87th minute as he replaced Tolisso. He would finish with one tackle and complete 83% of his passes.