Bayern Munich: Top three performers in gritty win against Barcelona
By Isaac Rivers
In the second matchday of the Champions League group stage, Bayern Munich came up good against an old foe- FC Barcelona. After coming off three straight draws in their worst Bundesliga start since 2010, Bayern was set to face a high-flying Barcelona. Despite harboring Bundesliga woes, Bayern still managed to come away victorious by delivering a mixed performance. Here are Bayern’s top performers in their 2-0 win against Barcelona.
Leroy Sane
Just when the attack starts to feel flat, Leroy Sane always steps up to the challenge of leading the team to victory. In a slow start, Sane looked to be the only shining light in offense throughout the first half. His darting runs up the right sideline were unmatched by the Barcelona fullbacks, which oftentimes led to acres of space in the final third.
The game picked up pace in the second half seeing two Bayern goals in nine minutes– the second of which was scored by Sane himself. An impressive run through the center of the pitch saw Sane beat three Barcelona defenders, skillfully dribbling past one after another. After creating a one-on-one with the keeper, Sane chipped the ball right into the back of the net.
Now with two goals in two Champions League matches, Sane is shaping up to have a huge European season. It was not a consistent but effective performance from Sane.
Lucas Hernandez
Lucas Hernandez has been the one man who has been so crucial to Bayern’s offense and defense, week in and week out this season. Not only has he led Bayern to two straight Champions League clean sheets, but he has also contributed massively in offensive play.
Against Barcelona, Lucas Hernandez played like he was 20 feet tall, especially when he contested duels against ex-teammate Robert Lewandowski. Hernandez was the main reason that Barcelona only managed a shot accuracy of 22%, an incredible stat against one of the world’s most clinical strikers.
Opening the game’s scoring in the 50th minute, Hernandez impressed offensively yet again. Coming from a Kimmich corner, Hernandez nodded the ball into the back of the net, which motivated his side to grab another just four minutes later. An 11/10 performance for Lucas Hernandez.
Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala was the boss of midfield in this matchup against Barcelona. Even though Bayern only had 46% possession, Musiala still had complete control over the pace of the game. Just about every offensive drive started with a successful run from Musiala. This was also the farthest back we have seen Musiala play in some time, allowing him to make a couple of brilliant defensive plays.
In the 54th minute, Musiala played the crucial ball to Sane to top this performance off with an assist. From the center of the park, Musiala played an inch-perfect through ball, splitting two Barcelona defenders to find the feet of Sane. The cleanest assist Bayern has had all tournament thus far.
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With all contributions in offense, defense, bossing the midfield, and grabbing an assist, the youngster Jamal Musiala rightfully earns today’s Man of the Match against Barcelona.
After clinching victory in a match they were heavily favored against, Bayern will be looking to end their terrible streak of draws in the Bundesliga against Augsburg on Sept. 17.