Bayern Munich battled their way to a 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin on Friday. Die Roten scored their lone goal in the 21st minute as Kingsley Coman benefited from a deflection. Hertha Berlin nearly leveled the match late in the match as Matheus Cunha put his effort just wide of the net. The result gives Bayern their 15th victory of the Bundesliga season as they will remain atop the table by a healthy margin for yet another week. Here are the player ratings from Bayern’s narrow win.
Manager Rating
Hansi Flick-7/10
Flick used the rare 4-1-4-1 formation in this match. According to Football Reference, the last time Bayern used this formation it resulted in a 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg. Much like the Wolfsburg match, Bayern had to fight their way to all three points as Hertha Berlin did well to keep themselves in the match. Overall, it was a hard-fought victory from Die Roten on a snowy night. After two comfortable victories against Hoffenheim and Schalke, these types of matches are bound to happen, and Flick successfully navigated Bayern to all three points.
Player Ratings
GK, Manuel Neuer-9/10
Right from the start of the match, Neuer was called into action. He made a great save in the third minute to deny Hertha Berlin the opening goal of the match. There were also a few of his signature sweeper-keeper style clearances. He nearly set up a goal for Robert Lewandowski in the 45th minute with one of his clearances. Neuer went on to make a total of seven saves as he earns his fifth clean sheet of the Bundesliga season.
CB, David Alaba-7/10
Alaba performed very well in this match as he anchored the backline. The Austrian center back led Bayern with five clearances. He also registered one tackle, two aerial duels won, and two clearances. Offensively, Alaba helped set up a scoring opportunity in the 29th minute with a well-placed pass to Lucas Hernandez which led to a shot from Coman.
CB, Niklas Sule-6/10
Sule returned to the starting 11 after being utilized as a substitute against Hoffenheim. The German had the highest pass completion percentage out of all the Bayern players in the starting 11. He would finish with two tackles and one blocked shot.
RB, Benjamin Pavard-7/10
After a strong performance against Hoffenheim, Pavard had another good outing against Hertha Berlin. The right-back led Bayern in tackles with three and also led in interceptions with three. Offensively, Pavard registered three key passes. The French defender continues to show the good form which should benefit Bayern entering the FIFA Club World Cup.
LB, Lucas Hernandez-6/10
Hernandez has now been involved in all three of Bayern’s clean sheets in 2021. He finished the match with two tackles, two interceptions, and two clearances. Overall, it was a hard-working performance from Hernandez who continues to give Bayern strong minutes as either a substitute or a starter.