Joshua Kimmich was once again the star man as Bayern Munich gunned down Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Bayern Munich extended their record of consecutive wins in the UEFA Champions League to 14 games after securing a 6-2 victory over Red Bull Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday.
Although the scoreline may suggest otherwise, it was a hard-fought win for Bayern Munich, who were completely rattled by the incredibly efficient counter-attacking game from Jesse Marsch’s Salzburg side, with Mergim Berisha notably finding the opener inside the fourth minute.
The Bavarians did bounce back, however, creating a plethora of chances and even coming from behind to seal a 2-1 at half-time, thanks to a goal from Robert Lewandowski from spot-kick and an own goal from Rasmus Kristensen.
In the second half, Bayern once again looked unsettled defensive as Salzburg deservedly levelled things in the 66th minute through substitute Masaya Okugawa. Unfortunately, the home side failed to take care of their vulnerable backline as Jerome Boateng eventually sealed the winner from a set-piece in the 79th minute.
14 wins in a row ?
More importantly: 3 wins in 3 ✅ #MiaSanMia #SALFCB #UCL pic.twitter.com/9Wxdd8G9bs
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) November 3, 2020
That was before substitute Leroy Sane, Robert Lewandowski and Lucas Hernandez added the final gloss to the scoreline with three excellent late goals. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over the Bayern Munich players following their huge win over their Austrian rivals.
Manuel Neuer: 8.5/10
Bayern Munich would have conceded a sizable number of goals had it not been for the heroics of their goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who once again continued his marvellous run of form in the UEFA Champions League. The German made three world-class saves, one of which came in a 1v1 situation early on in the second half.
Benjamin Pavard: 5/10
It was a disastrous defensive display from Benjamin Pavard, who struggled to deal with the dynamic presence of the Salzburg attackers. He lacked discipline and was exposed on multiple occasions whilst providing very little service going forward.
Jerome Boateng: 5.5/10
Jerome Boateng may have scored the winner for Bayern, it was nowhere near enough to justify his poor defensive performance. The German barely provided any assurance at the back and looked completely rattled in dealing with the Salzburg press.
David Alaba: 5/10
Despite all his pace and dynamism, Alaba brought very little to the table in the defensive department against Salzburg. He failed to keep check of his marker, with Dominic Szoboszlai, in particular, causing real problems at the back. Did make a few good tackles, but this was a sloppy display nonetheless.
Lucas Hernandez: 8.5/10
Lucas Hernandez's game by numbers against Salzburg:
◉ Most touches (103)
◉ Most total duels (19)
◉ Most tackles (5)
◉ Most take-ons completed (3)
◉ =Most fouls won (3)And he got on the scoresheet. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ltI4m4hes8
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 3, 2020
Lucas Hernandez did well to keep up with Bayern Munich’s offside trap while he also provided a lot of offensive support with his forays down the flanks. The Frenchman had a relatively better game when compared to his compatriot Pavard on the opposite flank. Scored a late goal as well.
Joshua Kimmich: 9/10
Despite all the adversity around him, Kimmich dominated the midfield with his remarkable work ethic and determination. He was the only one who seemed to have an answer for Salzburg’s inspiring press.
Kimmich was deeply involved in the proceedings as well, notably providing the cross that led to Boateng’s equaliser while creating the turnover that led to Sane’s late goal. In addition, the German international made a host of key tackles, interceptions and ball recoveries in the middle of the park.
Corentin Tolisso: 7/10
Tolisso produced a moment of magic to instigate a brilliant counter-attack and create a glorious opportunity for Serge Gnabry in the second half. However, that was just about the highlight of the Frenchman’s performance and Bayern Munich may have preferred a more defensive presence in the double pivot given Salzburg’s manic press.
Serge Gnabry: 8.5/10
Gnabry was a real threat for the Red Bull Salzburg defence throughout the course of the game. He looked dangerous whenever he had the ball, creating a number of goalscoring opportunities. But it was his lethal shooting that caught the attention tonight, though the German will consider himself to be unlucky to not find the back of the net.
Thomas Muller: 8/10
Thomas Muller was inspiring, as usual, always looking to motivate his teammates especially when Red Bull Salzburg were dominating the game. Moreover, the German was constantly on the lookout for spaces in the final third and looked intent on breaching the opposing backline. A hard-working display as ever.
Kingsley Coman: 7/10
Coman was a constant menace for the Salzburg defence throughout the game. He didn’t lack intent and ambition, causing a lot of problems for the defenders with his quick feet. Unfortunately, the Frenchman never really managed to complement his offensive work with productivity, notably missing a great opportunity in the second half, with his effort hitting the bar.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.5/10
Lewandowski produced a slightly selfish performance, which is understandable given that he had missed the weekend game against 1.FC Koln. The Pole looked too desperate to find the back of the net, but ultimately had to bank on a penalty to do so. He did, however, score from open play late in the game with an easy header.
?? Robert Lewandowski celebrates his 69th goal in 93 Champions League games ⚽️#UCL https://t.co/vzRGfBlxxv pic.twitter.com/A8nZZbGRXU
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 3, 2020
SUBSTITUTES
Leroy Sane: 8/10
Sane offered a lot of flair during the final phase of the game after replacing Coman. He danced his way around the Salzburg backline, before pulling out a marvellous finish that ended up as the best goal of the night.
Javi Martinez: 7.5/10
Javi Martinez offered a lot of stability in the Bayern Munich midfield and it was only after his introduction when the Bavarians started to dominate the game. Provided the assist for the Lewandowski goal late in the game.
Bouna Sarr: 6/10
Offered more protection to the backline after replacing Pavard during the late stages of the game.
Jamal Musiala: N/A
A late replacement for Muller. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Douglas Costa: N/A
A late replacement for Gnabry. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
