Robert Lewandowski equalled Gerd Muller’s legendary 40-goal record, scoring in Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw with SC Freiburg on Saturday.
SC Freiburg clung on to their hopes of securing a European spot by the end of the season, after holding Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw at the Schwarzwald Stadion on Saturday.
Although it was the Bavarians that dominated the possession, creating a plethora of chances, the game was mostly about Robert Lewandowski. The forward was coming into this game with 39 goals to his name and was only one short of matching Gerd Muller’s record of 40 goals in a Bundesliga season.
The Pole matched that record in the 26th minute when Bayern were given a somewhat controversial penalty. Freiburg, though, responded very quickly, levelling things within a few minutes as the two sides heading into half-time with the scoreline reading 1-1.
The Rekordmeister upped the ante after the restart, restoring their lead through Leroy Sane in the 53rd minute. They created more and more clear-cut opportunities, but some poor finishing from Lewandowski and others allowed Freiburg to make a late push for the equaliser.
Ultimately, it was their Christian Gunter, who found the equaliser in the 81st minute through an excellent counter-attack. It was enough to seal a point for his side, and here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players following their draw with SC Freiburg this weekend.
Alexander Nubel: 6.5/10
Alexander Nubel was given a rare start ahead of Manuel Neuer in this final away game of the season. The former Schalke shot-stopper had to remain alert against the sharp attacking Freiburg side. He was beaten twice, though, and he could have done a little bit better in keeping out the low, albeit explosive effort on goal from Gunter late on.
Nubel conceding his first bundesliga goal with a Bayern jersey ??? a day full of firsts I see
— igor ➐ (@TomSFitz) May 15, 2021
Niklas Sule: 6.5/10
Niklas Sule had problems in the right-back position. He struggled in dealing with the threat of Vincenzo Grifo on certain occasions. Although the defender was not completely overrun by the opposition attackers, he certainly wasn’t one of Bayern’s best defenders. But then again, very few can blame him, as the centre-back was returning from a long injury layoff.
Jerome Boateng: 7/10
In one of his last games for Bayern Munich, Jerome Boateng had difficulties dealing with the threat of Freiburg attackers at times, especially on the counter. The veteran centre-back, though, was mostly solid, using his experience and positional sense to keep things neat and tidy at the back.
Lucas Hernandez: 7/10
Lucas Hernandez is seemingly becoming a key player for Bayern Munich, as he produced yet another impressive defensive effort against Freiburg. He was combative in his defending, fending off the threat from Ermedin Demirovic. Had one or two sloppy moments here at there, but it was mostly a solid performance at the heart of the four-man backline.
Alphonso Davies: 7/10
Alphonso Davies had a fairly decent afternoon up against SC Freiburg. He had occasional problems in dealing with Ronald Sallai, but his pace was always an asset for Bayern Munich. Offensively, the Canadian international made a few incisive runs, but he was involved too much, as far as the chance creation is concerned.
Joshua Kimmich: 7.5/10
Joshua Kimmich bossed the midfield as usual, with his combative approach paying off well in the second line of press. The German international made multiple ball recoveries while also controlling the game with his passing and ball distribution. His forward passes led to multiple chances as well, especially for Lewandowski.
David Alaba: 7/10
David Alaba also had an impressive game in the middle of the park for the Bavarians. The versatile star showcased his pace at times, especially in his defensive recoveries. He was a threat from long-range as well, forcing Mark Flekken to remain alert throughout the course of the game. A decent outing in his last away game for FC Bayern.
Leroy Sane: 8/10
Leroy Sane looked in good touch right from the beginning. He was determined to make an impression after enduring a somewhat difficult season at the Allianz Arena. And sure enough, the former Manchester City winger caused all sorts of problems for the Freiburg, using his pace, trickery and ability to beat defenders.
Sane was useful especially impressive in the second half, as he set up an excellent goal for Serge Gnabry that was ruled out by VAR. Moments later, the winger scored himself with a stunning strike to restore Bayern’s lead.
Thomas Muller: 7.5/10
Thomas Muller had an impressive outing against the Freiburg defence. The veteran forward worked hard, making incisive movements in the final third and drifting wide when necessary. He produced multiple crosses from such wider positions, creating a plethora of opportunities while also bagging the assist for Sane’s goal in the second half.
Serge Gnabry: 6/10
Serge Gnabry was not as impressive as Sane on the opposite flank, which is certainly a cause for concern, not just for him but also for the club. The former Arsenal starlet has not been consistent at all this season and can consider himself extremely lucky if he gets favoured ahead of Marco Reus in the upcoming Euros this summer.
Robert Lewandowski: 8.5/10
Robert Lewandowski was the undisputed Man of the Match for Bayern Munich, even though the 40th goal came via penalty. He looked in inspiring touch, in terms of work rate, off the ball movements and link-up play with teammates. He received a guard of honour when he matched Gerd Muller’s record, with the forward also paying a tribute to the legend with his t-shirt.
I achieved a goal that once seemed impossible to imagine #Lewy40 ⚽ I'm so unbelievably proud to make history for @FCBayern, and to play a part in creating the stories that fans will tell their children – following in the footsteps of legends like Gerd Müller #RL9 #4EverGerd ?? pic.twitter.com/G7EYWz88dn
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) May 15, 2021
It was quite a wasteful evening, though, for Lewandowski, who squandered multiple clear-cut scoring opportunities in the second half. He will be disappointed not to have broken der Bomber‘s record.
SUBSTITUTES
Marc Roca: 6/10
Marc Roca received a rare opportunity when he came on for Hernandez around the hour mark. He kept things neat and tidy in central midfield, alongside Kimmich.
Corentin Tolisso: 6/10
Corentin Tolisso made a welcome return to the pitch, replacing Muller around the hour mark. Tried to offer creativity, but was not quite effective.
Kingsley Coman: 6/10
Kingsley Coman offered some attacking flair to the game after coming on for Sane during the final phase of the game.
Bouna Sarr: 5/10
Bouna Sarr was a more natural replacement for Sule at right-back, but it was unsurprising to see him fail to keep up with Gunter for the late equaliser.
