Robert Lewandowski bagged a hat-trick as Bayern Munich secured the Bundesliga title with an emphatic 6-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.
Bayern Munich secure their ninth consecutive Bundesliga title with a comprehensive 6-0 over Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. It was an emphatic result that got them back to winning ways.
The Bavarians, though, had won the title even before the game, thanks to Borussia Dortmund’s win over RB Leipzig. The result got them off the leash, as they played their natural game, dominating right from the beginning, with Robert Lewandowski scoring the opener inside the first two minutes.
Bayern continued their dominance in the proceedings, scoring three more goals and heading into half-time with an astounding 4-0 lead. Things didn’t change after the restart either, with Lewandowski completing his hat-trick in the 65th minute through a penalty before Leroy Sane applied the final gloss in the scoreline.
Gladbach, in response, could offer very little going forward, but some diligent defending in the second half did minimise the damage, even preventing Lewandowski from scoring another.
Here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their thumping 6-0 win over the Foals this weekend.
Manuel Neuer: 6/10
Manuel Neuer had absolutely nothing to do as Borussia Monchengladbach failed to offer any threat going forward. Although the Foals did amass 14 shots on goal, only three of them found the target, meaning it was a rather quiet game for the Bayern Munich goalkeeper and a welcome clean sheet as well.
Benjamin Pavard: 8/10
Benjamin Pavard defended diligently throughout the course of the game. He looked rock solid at the back that should definitely appease Julian Nagelsmann, as he looks forward to using him in a back-three next season. Pavard made an impression going forward as well, offering a lot of excellent forward passes.
Benjamin Pavard appreciation tweet, he's turned his season around in the last 2 months.??? pic.twitter.com/6ZkZZdhHUw
— Srineevas²⁶ (@srineevasfcb) May 8, 2021
Jerome Boateng: 7.5/10
Jerome Boateng looked strong at the heart of the four-man backline. His experience, coupled with his imposing presence at the back made it difficult for Breel Embolo. It was the first of his last three games for Bayern Munich, so the veteran centre-back remains a guaranteed starter for the Bavarians in these remaining fixtures.
Lucas Hernandez: 7.5/10
Lucas Hernandez’s pace and mobility was the answer to the dynamism of Marcus Thuram. Although the Frenchman did find difficulties, at times, dealing with his countryman, he recovered nicely. His work ethic and aggression were also a bonus for Hansi Flick’s men and the former Atletico Madrid defender will, no doubt, play a vital role under Nagelsmann.
Alphonso Davies: 8.5/10
Alphonso Davies looked brilliant right from the get go. His pace, aggression and darting runs down the flank caused all kinds of problems for the Gladbach defenders. It even led to most of Bayern’s attacking chances, though the fullback did not manage to register an assist for any of the goals. His return to form will be a huge positive for the club nonetheless.
Another one for Phonzie ?#MiaSanMeister @AlphonsoDavies pic.twitter.com/jLOSAoIos3
— ?CHAMPIONS? (@FCBayernEN) May 8, 2021
Joshua Kimmich: 8/10
Joshua Kimmich controlled the play, as usual, offering the assurance in possession while expertly evading Gladbach’s second line of press. He looked comfortable in possession as well, as he dictated the play with his crisp passing and ball distribution. It was a vital aspect of Bayern’s dominance in the proceedings.
David Alaba: 8/10
David Alaba looked comfortable in the midfield role, alongside Kimmich. The Austrian international offered the extra work-rate that became useful in dealing with the Gladbach press. His positional sense also gave Bayern the upper hand, with the defender notably registering the assist for Lewandowski’s early opener.
Kingsley Coman: 9/10
Kingsley Coman was a menace for the Gladbach defence with pace and trickery down the flanks. The Frenchman took on players at will, causing all sorts of problems for the opposition and creating most of Bayern’s chances in the first half. He capped off his performance with a goal just before half-time.
Kingsley Coman has won the league title in every season of his senior career:
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?? 2020/21 ?He's just 24 years old. pic.twitter.com/KcDWeAM63X
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 8, 2021
Thomas Muller: 9/10
Thomas Muller was another Bayern Munich striker that dominated the final third. While he might not have produced the flair, skill and pace of Coman, the German used his positional sense and experience to not only craft goalscoring opportunities for Lewandowski, but also score one himself, in the 23rd minute. A masterful attacking display from the veteran forward.
Jamal Musiala: 7.5/10
Jamal Musiala was not as impressive as Coman or Muller, as far as Bayern’s creative department is concerned. However, the Englishman fared well going forward, creating some early opportunities, including the pass that led to Muller’s second goal. His youthful exuberance on the far side was always a bonus for the Bavarians.
Robert Lewandowski: 10/10
Robert Lewandowski was the undisputed Man of the Match in this thumping win for Bayern Munich. The forward was a menace for the Gladbach defenders, right from the beginning. His lethal goalscoring prowess, coupled with his work rate, positional sense and determination to find the back of the net was too much for the opposition to handle.
As a result, the Pole scored three goals – extending his season tally to 39 meaning he is now just a goal away from matching Gerd Muller’s “impossible” record of 40 goals in a Bundesliga campaign. He also registered the assist for Coman’s goal just before half-time.
You know what….forget the EUROs, forget the Champions League…give Lewandowski the Ballon d'Or he deserves.
— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) May 8, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Leroy Sane: 8/10
Leroy Sane replaced Coman around the hour mark, to add freshness to the Bayern Munich attack. He looked bright, desperate to impress the onlookers, and was rewarded with a goal late in the game.
Serge Gnabry: 7/10
Serge Gnabry added more pressure to the Gladbach defence after Musiala around the hour mark. Unlike Sane, though, the German did not manage to find the back of the net.
Leon Goretkza: N/A
Leon Goretzka’s game was cut short as the midfielder picked up a niggle just ten minutes after coming on.
Javi Martinez: 6/10
Javi Martinez replaced the injured Goretzka, offering some experience in the middle of the park.
Tanguy Nianzou: 2/10
Made a welcome appearance after a long injury layoff. Unfortunately, he picked up a red card with a poorly timed tackle.
