Bayern Munich left themselves a huge task in a week after they were beaten 3-0 by Man City at the Etihad in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s side led the charge in a spectacular manner, with Rodri’s 25-yard stunner breaking the deadlock at a tense Etihad Stadium in the first half. After the break, scores from Bernardo Silva and – who else? – Erling Haaland gave City a comfortable lead heading into the second leg in Bavaria next week.
Yann Sommer – 7
Sommer put in a really solid performance, sweeping up nicely at times, despite a tense moment when Haaland nearly tackled him on the goal line. The Bayern custodian had nothing to do with the three goals, but he used his good instincts to keep Dias, Gundogan, and Rodri from making the scoreline even worse.
Benjamin Pavard – 5
Defensively, the Bayern right-back was also tense. The presence of Grealish on that flank did not make his task any easier, with De Bruyne also moving towards that wing to cause extra problems. Pavard showed some potential in the first leg, putting up some strong challenges when needed, but a booking exposes a vulnerability that City can exploit in the second game.
Matthijs De Ligt – 6
The Dutch defender’s task was to provide the muscle against the threat of Haaland and did his role successfully. A confident physical performance. Other defenders who were less composed than De Ligt let him down.
Dayot Upamecano – 4
In the first half, Bayern’s center-back was fearless in carrying the ball deep under pressure and was highly efficient in beating City’s first line of defense against the press. But he was warned after making a mistake that allowed Grealish in, with Haaland, Bernardo, and City refusing to let him off the hook again. That moment summed up the Frenchman’s awkward stretch following the interval.
Alphonso Davies – 6
When in full flight, Davies looked promise, and his pace via deep runs provided some space for Bayern. However, a shaky performance against Bernardo was summed up by an unnecessary booking early in the second half.
Joshua Kimmich – 8
It’s a joy to watch. Kimmich was everywhere in the middle of the pitch, rivaling Rodri. Some really nice passes deserved more, and the Bayern midfielder made two crucial first-half interventions to keep Bernardo and Gundogan out.
Leon Goretzka – 7
The hardworking engine next to Kimmich’s flare. By winning the ball and sprinting forward, the midfielder initiated a couple of solid attacks. Those in front of Goretzka may have let him down.
Leroy Sane – 7
The former Manchester City midfielder caused his team a slew of difficulties in the final third, finding pockets of space brilliantly and nearly winning the game at the opening of the second half. He’ll be aiming to make amends in the second leg.
Jamal Musiala – 4
The former Chelsea youth product played well but lacked experience in important games. Musiala was guilty of having the ball stuck under his feet in a few of attractive positions and could have done better with his major first-half chance. After little to no impact, he was rightfully hauled off for Mane.
Kingsley Coman – 6
The French winger held the line well, although he battled to keep up with Ake and was not as efficient as Sane. Coman carried the ball efficiently at times but was never in a position to score.
Serge Gnabry – 5
It’s easy to see why Thomas Tuchel cast Gnabry in the false nine roles. His link-up play was strong at times, notably a brilliant 60-yard spread out to Sane in the first half. However, the German attacker had little influence in the final third, and more of a presence was required.
Sadio Mane (for Musiala, 69) – 6
You get the impression that Mane’s knowledge of this opponent and environment was essential here. The former Liverpool forward would very certainly have done more than those who began.
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