Grades: A Bayern star goes underground

In their narrow victory in the Champions League against Benfica Lisbon, FC Bayern stood out primarily for their defensive stability. In the front there is light and shadow. The SPORT1 individual review.

Completely new sides of FC Bayern: Unlike many this season, one game took place without any major spectacle. In the 1-0 (0-0) win against Benfica Lisbon on the fourth matchday of the Champions League, the German record champions impressed above all with their stability in defense and did not allow a single shot on goal by their opponents from Portugal.

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In particular, the central defense, which has been repeatedly criticized recently, stood out. Not all players were convincing on the offensive. The Bayern stars in the individual review.

MANUEL NEWER: It was a very relaxed evening for the 38-year-old in the first half. Was even able to easily stop a long ball from Benfica with his thigh and pass it to his teammate. But it got Davies into trouble in the 42nd minute. However, the Canadian was stopped using unfair means and the situation didn’t get any further dangerous. He didn’t have to stand out much in the second half either – also because the defense in front of him was strong and didn’t allow a single Benfica shot on goal. SPORT1-Note: 3

KONRAD LAIMER: Was preferred over Guerreiro in the right-back position. Not only did he play a good defensive role, but he also kept finding his way to the baseline. As always, a model student in terms of will and willingness to run, but without the big influence in the second half. SPORT1-Note: 3

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MINJAE KIM: Played a serious game in the first half of the game, won numerous duels and was able to shine with many a vertical pass to the front. Pavlidis didn’t let himself be fooled in the 66th minute, kept his nerve and made a remarkable clearance. Strong in man-to-man duels, he lived up to his nickname “Monster”. SPORT1-Note: 1,5

DAYOT UPAMECANO: Played exactly the game that coach Vincent Kompany demands: stand tall and press extremely early. The Frenchman did this brilliantly in the first half – also because the Portuguese’s offensive attempts were extremely harmless. Even after the break, when the guests became more active, he kept the overview and the defensive line together. SPORT1-Note: 2

ALPHONSO DAVIES: Started the game well and had no problems defensively. Effortless on offense and with good individual actions, but also with careless mistakes. Especially when Bayern wanted to follow up, his actions seemed hasty. As a result, I wasn’t really able to convince offensively. SPORT1-Note: 3,5

JOSHUA KIMMICH: He repeatedly let himself fall back very far, especially in the build-up game, and organized Bayern’s game in the middle without any problems. But he also lacked ideas moving forward. He regularly exchanged ideas with Vincent Kompany and lived up to his role as an extension of the coach. SPORT1-Note: 3

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JOAO PALHINHA: In the first 45 minutes, he was always robust in the duels and was often found very far up front. Basically had little to do defensively, but didn’t use this fact to gain offensive momentum, instead hiding a little. After taking the lead, he got back into the game better and nipped the Benfica professionals’ harmless attempts in the bud. SPORT1-Note: 3

MICHAEL OLISE: Tried to be tricky at the start, but wasn’t nearly as present in the first half as you’d expect from him. Had a few good passes up his sleeve (including to Musiala), but nothing notable came out of it. At last he was a high-flyer, but he lost more and more from minute to minute and then finally disappeared. Was substituted in the 56th minute. SPORT1-Note: 5

SERGE GNABRY: Moved into the starting line-up a little surprisingly. To do this, Kingsley Coman, who had been in a brilliant performance recently, had to sit on the bench. Stayed under the radar for a long time, then switched sides with Olise and was able to fire a powerful shot in the 38th minute, but Trubin parried it. However, not much more came from the national player. SPORT1-Note: 4

JAMAL MUSIALA: Was always wanted in the offensive center and was the linchpin of Bayern’s game from the start. He regularly failed due to the sheer number of guests, some of whom attacked him in groups of three. Took himself a longer creative break, but remained brave and actually scored again with his head (67th minute). Was substituted in stoppage time and received a standing ovation. SPORT1-Note: 2

HARRY KANE: Worked diligently, but didn’t really get a chance for a long time. Only fired his first shot at the opponent’s goal in the 32nd minute, but it was harmless. Became a dribbling artist for a short time in the 54th minute and was able to finish. However, he put the ball next to the box. Was able to get a good header before Bayern’s opening goal and set up Musiala’s goal. Overall, I’ve had more glamorous evenings in the Bayern uniform. SPORT1-Note: 2,5

LEROY SANÉ: Came on for Michael Olise in the 56th minute and had a good opportunity three minutes later. Another five minutes later he received applause from coach Kompany for a remarkable long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area. The rest of the game was a real asset and had some good moves. With him, Bayern became significantly more dangerous overall. This recommended a return to the starting eleven. SPORT1-Note: 2

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KINGSLEY COMAN: Came on for Gnabry in the 72nd minute and brought a lot of momentum with him. Couldn’t quite match the good performances of previous games, but by no means fell behind. Should have been more consistent on the counterattack in the 90th minute. There was more to it. SPORT1-Note: 3

THOMAS MÜLLER: Came on for Musiala in stoppage time and helped keep the result over time. SPORT1 grade: no rating