In the opening game of 2022, a COVID stricken FC Bayern Munich hosted Borussia Monchengladbach. After having nine first-team players out of play due to the virus, Bayern showed no true match for Monchengladbach as the away team really took control of the first game of the year. However, Bayern still had some shining stars in this lack-luster performance. Here are my top three player performances for Bayern in their 2-1 loss to Monchengladbach.
Benjamin Pavard
Throughout a hectic defensive performance, Benjamin Pavard was the sole reason that this score was held to only two. His biggest highlight was a goal-line clearance that took place right before half-time, which if not for this, Monchengladbach would have gone into the break with a two-goal lead. Pavard also had two consecutive, very solid blocked shots around the 60th minute. If not for Benjamin Pavard’s class performance, this game could’ve been a goal-fest for the visitors.
Thomas Muller
If Bayern could have been a bit more clinical in the final third, this would be a completely different ending because Thomas Muller was a powerhouse in midfield today. Most of Bayern’s first-half possession probably came from Muller himself.
Along with the assist, he had three very crucial passes which set up perfect goal-scoring opportunities. Two of those fell to Jamal Musiala in which he was unable to finish, and the third found Robert Lewandowski for Bayern’s lone goal. Muller also had two shots which seemed rather unlucky to not find the back of the net, including a goal-line clearance from Monchengladbach’s Matthias Ginter. This was not Muller’s best performance, but still one of the standout players of this game.
Robert Lewandowski
After watching this game, no word can describe Robert Lewandowski’s performance better than “unlucky”. Lewandowski started this game very hot with an absolute masterclass of a goal in the 18th minute. From this point on, nothing could fall in his favor.
Right before half-time, after a brilliant piece of skill to beat the defender, Lewandowski fired off a near-impossible shot from the baseline which nearly went in off the post, but bounce back into play. Again in the 61st minute, a beautiful chip shot from the striker floated right over the keeper but unfortunately dinked off of the crossbar.
Regardless, I would still name Robert Lewandowski the Man of the Match based on the fact he was Bayern’s main swing of offense- great performance overall.
Bayern Munich will be looking to turn things around in their next Bundesliga match on Jan. 15th against FC Koln. The Bavarians will be trying to cap their first win of this new calendar year.