A disastrous week ended on a strong note for Bayern Munich. The defending Bundesliga champions bounced back from 5-0 defeat against Monchengladbach with a 5-2 league win against Union Berlin. Here is how the players fared on Saturday in Berlin.
Manager Rating:
Julian Nagelsmann — 8/10
Nagelsmann got the lineup spot on against Union Berlin. He showed great awareness to switch Die Roten to a system very similar to back three when Union was on the ascendency in the second half. The timing of substitutes was also correct to help Bayern to impose themselves on the home side.
Player Ratings:
GK, Manuel Neuer — 6/10
Neuer couldn’t get a clean sheet on Saturday, but he could have hardly done anything to stop Union Berlin’s two goals. He did brilliantly by coming off the line whenever the home side got behind Bayern’s backline.
DEF, Josip Stanisic — 7/10
Stanisic fared well for the majority of his stay on the pitch. He made a poor back pass in the second half, but fortunately, it didn’t harm Bayern. It was another steady outing for the young Croatian defender.
DEF, Niklas Sule — 7/10
Sule provided much more composure at the back after the midweek annihilation. He was far from flawless as he could have done better for Berlin’s second goal. However, Sule’s return brought much more calmness at the back. He is by far the key center-back for Nagelsmann.
DEF, Lucas Hernandez — 6/10
The French defender had a mixed outing against Union Berlin. Hernandez did lose his man on a few occasions when Union Berlin was dominating possession in the second half, but he made some vital interceptions to stop dangerous moves from the home side.
DEF, Alphonso Davies — 7/10
Davies managed to dominate the left flank on his own. Since Sane was playing more centrally, Davies was given the task to contribute more while going forward. He did a fine job at both ends of the pitch.
MID, Joshua Kimmich —7 /10
Kimmich was much better compared to the midweek game. The German midfielder was positionally better to stop Union Berlin to block counter-attack. On the ball, he helped in maintaining a good tempo to dictate the game in the center of the park.
MID, Corentin Tolisso — 6/10
Tolisso was tidy on the ball, but he just didn’t provide enough while going forward as Leon Goretzka does with those late runs. It was a decent performance, but not the one which will give Nagelsmann a selection headache.
FWD, Kingsley Coman — 7/10
Since Sane was occupying central positions, Coman was tasked with providing width on the right flank. The French winger didn’t disappoint as he managed to put in a shift on Saturday. His hard work paid off as he scored a brilliant goal to give Bayern back a three-goal cushion in the second half.
FWD, Thomas Muller — 10/10
Muller was hurting after the defeat against Monchengladbach. The German forward bounced back from a disappointing performance in the best possible way. He was relentless throughout the game in terms of pressing. On the ball, Muller was calm and precise as he managed to get three assists to his name. He rounded off a brilliant game with a fine finish. It was a complete performance from the experienced German forward.
FWD, Leroy Sane — 7/10
Similar to other forwards, Sane also redeemed himself on Saturday. He was linking up play beautifully in central areas and showed great composure for the goal in the first half.
ST, Robert Lewandowski — 8/10
Lewandowski was also back amongst goals on Saturday. The Polish striker calmly converted from the spot to give an early lead to visitors. Lewandowski quickly doubled his and team’s tally before half an hour mark to give Bayern the ideal start to the game. He did have a few half chances in the second half to get the hattrick. Nevertheless, it was a fine performance from the Bundesliga’s top scorer.
Substitutes:
FWD, Jamal Musiala — 7/10
Musiala was electric on the left flank when he came on for Sane in the second half. Some great touches and dribbles from the youngster as Die Roten coasted to the victory.
MID, Marcel Sabitzer — 6/10
Sabitzer slotted in the center of the park and kept the play ticking for Bayern.
DEF, Benjamin Pavard — 6.5/10
Pavard slotted on the right side of the defense and helped Die Roten to see out the game.
DEF, Dayot Upamecano —7.5/10
Upamecano looked like a man with a point to prove after coming on the pitch for Hernandez in the second half. His marauding run helped in setting up the goal for Muller to seal the victory.
FWD, Serge Gnabry— 6/10
Gnabry came on for the final third of the game and held the width well on the right flank.