A Leon Goretzka inspired Bayern Munich held off Freiburg to win 2-1 to go into the international break as Bundesliga table-toppers.
German international Leon Goretzka was the star man of the day as Bayern Munich saw off a spirited Freiburg side 2-1 at home.
Goals from Goretzka and Robert Lewandowski were just rewards for Die Roten, who were dominant on the day. Freiburg, the last unbeaten team in the Bundesliga this term, had no response to Julian Nagelsmann’s side and succumbed to their first defeat in the league this season.
Both sides cancelled out each other in the first half. Goretzka’s opener, however, broke the camel’s back, and Bayern gradually grabbed control of the game. The Bundesliga champions showed the excellent presence of mind to control possession in the second half and were worthy winners.
Lewandowski steered in Alphonso Davies’ cutback in the second half for Bayern’s 100th goal this calendar year. Substitute Corentin Tolisso looked to have made the score 3-0 with an exquisite finish. Unfortunately, Eric Maxim Chupo-Moting was offside in the buildup, giving VAR no choice but to cancel the strike.
Freiburg got themselves a late consolation thanks to Janik Haberer, who capitalised on Tanguy Nianzou’s defending. However, it came too little too late, and Bayern held on for a well-deserved win.
The visitors went into the game, having conceded just seven goals in their first ten games. Bayern, at the same time, had scored 38 times in their ten matches. It was a game that pitted the league’s best attack against the best defence; it was the former that came out trumps. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the Bayern Munich players performed on the day.
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— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 6, 2021
Manuel Neuer (6/10)
The veteran goalkeeper was alert when needed and stood up to Freiburg, who just refused to lie down. He made an incredible stop late on in the game but was unable to keep a clean sheet. Little the German could have done about Janik Haberer’s injury-time consolation.
Niklas Sule (6/10)
Defensively solid, the giant of a defender held his own and was very robust at the back. A largely solid yet unspectacular performance by the 26-year-old centre-back.
Dayot Upamecano (7/10)
He was impressive both on and off the ball. The Frenchman was amongst Bayern’s finest players on the day and used his abilities to the maximum. His excellent reading of the game was apparent as Freiburg failed to find a way past him. Even when he was caught out, Upamecano made use of his pace to bail him out.
Lucas Hernandez (7/10)
The French international was another colossus at the back for the German champions. He not only held his own at the back but stepped out of defence well to kickstart attacks. Hernandez also made several key interceptions and was dominant in the air.
Alphonso Davies (7/10)
The young Canadian was an overwhelming force on the flank. He tested the Freiburg goalkeeper a couple of times but could not find a way through. Made an excellent assist for Lewandowski’s goal. The strike put the game beyond doubt.
Joshua Kimmich (7/10)
The German international continued from where he left off against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. While the performance did not reach the same levels as the one in midweek, it was enough to make the difference against Freiburg. He impressed once again with his distribution and playmaking abilities. A key player for Bayern, and it is clear to see why.
Leon Goretzka (9/10)
Bayern’s standout player on the day. It is not every day that a player can outperform Kimmich in midfield. A dynamic and physical presence in midfield, the German ace took no prisoners in an all-round performance. He hardly put a foot wrong and was all over the pitch and alsp opened Bayern’s goal tally. The strike helped shift momentum in the home side’s favour, something they never relinquished.
Bayern beat 3️⃣rd-placed Freiburg to remain ? of the Bundesliga ? pic.twitter.com/XrR6h7qZqw
— 433 (@433) November 6, 2021
Thomas Muller (7/10)
The veteran made use of his experience and exquisite reading of the game to dart in and out. Muller was difficult to keep track of and constantly found avenues to pass or space to run into. Grabbed himself an assist for Goretzka’s opener.
Kingsley Coman (6/10)
The Frenchman showed excellent footwork and was a constant threat down the flank. He, however, lacked the end product and saw several promising moves come to nothing.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10)
A rather unusual outing for the Polish international who was largely quiet in front of the goal. He linked up well with those around him and kept the Freiburg defence on their toes. However, normal service resumed in the second half when Lewandowski steered in what turned out to be the winner.
9⃣?? #LewanGOALski#FCBSCF #MiaSanMia @lewy_official pic.twitter.com/THnZwInm5j
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 6, 2021
Leroy Sane (6/10)
The former Manchester City man was a constant threat on his flank and time and again cut through the Freiburg rearguard. He created numerous openings but saw the final ball let him down on multiple occasions.
Substitutes
Serge Gnabry (6/10)
He replaced Coman in the second half and did what he does best – run into spaces. He, however, failed to fashion anything of note and did what was expected of him on the field.
Jamal Musiala (6/10)
Replaced the excellent Thomas Muller in the 71st minute and continued from where he left off against Benfica. Not a vintage performance by any term, but showcased his excellent reading of the game.
Noch knapp 3 Minuten! @JamalMusiala
♦️ #FCBSCF I 2-0 I 87' ♦️ pic.twitter.com/1KQmBobBaj
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 6, 2021
Corentin Tolisso ( 6/10)
Replaced Goretzka in the 71st minute and enjoyed a good run out. He almost scored an incredible gall only for VAR to rule it out for offside. Good cameo off the bench.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (6/10)
He was responsible for Tolisso’s incredible effort getting ruled out for offside. It was his standout moment as there wasn’t much time for him to make an impact.
Tanguy Nianzou (5/10)
The youngster should have done better for Freiburg’s consolation goal. His uncertainty was in stark contrast to the confident defending showcased by Lucas Hernandez. The Frenchman was offered a much-needed breather, but the one who replaced him was not of the same skill set. He will learn, but for now, the error did not cost Bayern much.
