Robert Lewandowski scored a late goal as Bayern Munich edged out Augsburg 2-1 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
Bayern Munich somehow maintained their healthy lead at the top of the table by securing a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Augsburg in the Bavarians derby on Saturday. The result helped them retain their nine-point advantage over Borussia Dortmund at the top, with the team seemingly closing in on a record tenth successive Bundesliga triumph.
Despite the result, though, it was far from a positive performance from Bayern Munich. The Bavarians looked very mediocre, struggling to offer any real threat going forward up against an organised Augsburg defence that threatened to cause another upset.
Bayern failed to create any real goalscoring opportunity for the most part of the game, with Augsburg making it difficult for them to get through and make inroads into the penalty area. The visitors defended the threat from Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and others expertly, keeping them quiet for almost the entirety of the game.
However, an unfortunate handball late in the game led to a lucky penalty for Bayern Munich. It was the possible source of goalscoring opportunity for the hosts, with Lewandowski making no mistake in converting the spot-kick and giving Bayern a vital victory at the Allianz Arena. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their narrow win over Augsburg this weekend.
Manuel Neuer: 6/10
Manuel Neuer had a much quieter evening than the midweek game against Villarreal. He looked much more reassured between the sticks as well, notably making one crucial save in what was otherwise a quiet day at the office for the German international. He will be more than delighted with the clean sheet.
Benjamin Pavard: 7/10
Benjamin Pavard was asked to play at right-back as Julian Nagelsmann opted for a back four. The Frenchman fared decently, keeping things tidy at the back while making the occasional forays going forward.
Tanguy Nianzou: 7/10
Tanguy Nianzou’s errant backpass had nearly led to an early opening goal for Augsburg. But apart from that, the youngster looked good defensively. He thrived especially in aerial duels, with his imposing presence at the back proving to be crucial in dealing with the threat of Andre Hahn.
Yes Lewandowski won us the game, but please don’t sleep on Tanguy Nianzou what a player. pic.twitter.com/YZ5Gg0TVZw
— Al-Hassan ?? (@BavarianMunchV2) April 9, 2022
Dayot Upamecano: 7/10
Dayot Upamecano had a decent game as well, as he kept the likes of Hahn and Florian Niederlechner at bay. His return of form could be a positive for Nagelsmann, as he looks to brace himself for a future without Niklas Sule next season.
Omar Richards: 6.5/10
Omar Richards was given the nod ahead of Alphonso Davies at left-back. The former Reading starlet looked in good touch defensively, offering substantial effort for the central defenders. He was eventually subbed off around the hour mark, though.
Joshua Kimmich: 8/10
Joshua Kimmich was arguably the best outfield player for Bayern Munich this weekend. He offered excellent security on the ball while offering the creative essence in the final third. His proficiency from set-pieces was a particular bonus, with the midfielder crafting numerous opportunities.
Joshua Kimmich gets his Bundesliga win number 150 in his 196th appearance, equalling the Bundesliga record set by Arjen Robben for the fastest 150 wins. #FCBFCA pic.twitter.com/7uFX5129gC
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 9, 2022
Leon Goretzka: 6/10
Leon Goretzka was handed a start by Nagelsmann in order to influence the midfield with his physical prowess and aggression. While he did not lack any commitment either, the former Schalke prodigy was unable to offer the creativity Bayern required to make a difference in the final third.
Leroy Sane: 6/10
Leroy Sane had yet another poor game in the Bayern Munich frontline. He was barely involved in the game, struggling to offer any real creativity in the final third. His tendency to drift inside was not working either and made him far from predictable.
Thomas Muller: 6/10
Thomas Muller’s lack of form continues as it was yet another ordinary performance from an extraordinary number ten. The playmaker was not able to make those intelligent movements in the final third to bamboozle the Augsburg defenders.
Serge Gnabry: 6/10
Serge Gnabry was another Bayern Munich player who failed to live up to the expectations on the night. He was toothless in the attack and had notably mustered only 31 touches before making way for Jamal Musiala at half-time. It will be a surprise to see the German international start in the midweek encounter against Villarreal.
Robert Lewandowski: 7/10
Robert Lewandowski had a difficult game where he was devoid of service. He had to fight for every ball and though the Pole played his socks off, he was unable to break the shackles of the Augsburg defence. He was ultimately rewarded for his efforts when the referee awarded Bayern a late penalty to seal the tie.
32 goals in 29 appearances for Robert Lewandowski in the Bundesliga this season ?? pic.twitter.com/7tvYiJ6xm5
— GOAL (@goal) April 9, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Jamal Musiala: 6.5/10
Jamal Musiala replaced Gnabry at half-time in order to change the complexion of the tie. The youngster was willing to make things happen in the final third, which was a refreshing sight for the Bayern fans.
Alphonso Davies: 6/10
Alphonso Davies came on at around the hour mark in order to provide additional speed to Bayern’s offensive game. Unfortunately, the full-back still needs a bit of time before he can settle into the pace of football.
Marcel Sabitzer: 6/10
Marcel Sabitzer did not bring anything new to the game after coming on at around the hour mark. He kept things neat and tidy and did not offer much space for the opposition ball carriers.
Kingsley Coman: 6/10
Kingsley Coman was far livelier than Gnabry in this contest and certainly deserves to start against Villarreal.
Josip Stanisic: N/A
A late replacement for Muller. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
