Jamal Musiala was the star man as Bayern Munich ended their four-game winless run in the Bundesliga with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Defending champions Bayern Munich got back to winning ways with a thumping 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Friday night.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side had gone four games without a win and were keen to address the rot. And the Bayern Munich manager got a reaction from his players in the third minute itself when Leroy Sane latched onto Jamal Musiala’s pass to put the home side ahead.
Musiala turned from provider to scorer in the 17th minute, making the score 2-0 after a quick one-two with Thomas Muller. Bayer Leverkusen sought to fight back but could not find a way past Manuel Neuer, who made a stunning save to prevent Moussa Diaby in the 33rd minute.
Musiala once again was the key to unlocking the Leverkusen defence as he played in Sadio Mane to make it 3-0 before half-time. Mane made the scoreline 4-0 after a sustained period of Bayern pressure in the second half but saw his strike get chalked off by VAR.
Back to winning ways! ?
Read our match report from #FCBB04 ?
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) September 30, 2022
Given how opposition goalkeepers have had field days against Bayern of late, it is only fitting that Lukas Hradecky balanced out the act with a mistake or two. The Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper made a hash of a late backpass, and Thomas Muller took full advantage of it to make the score 4-0.
The win takes Bayern to the second spot, having played a game more than the teams around them. There were plenty of reasons for Bayern faithful to be optimistic about, and they will hope to keep the run going in the coming weeks. The Hard Tackle looks at how the Bayern Munich players fared on the night.
Manuel Neuer: 7/10
The German international returned to action after testing positive for coronavirus and was solid in the Bayern goal. Neuer made a strong save to stop Moussa Diaby in the first half and was at hand to prevent Robert Andrich in the second half. Neuer also communicated well with his defence and was assertive whenever he came out to collect crosses.
Benjamin Pavard: 7/10
It was a balanced outing for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, who ran up and down the flank on the night. Pavard proved to be a difficult man to pin down for the Bayer Leverkusen defence who came out second best on most occasions.
Dayot Upamecano: 7/10
The Frenchman was largely assertive and did not make many untoward errors. His indecision saw Andrich get into a scoring position in the first half, but it did not amount to anything. Upamecano was also denied an assist after Sadio Mane’s second strike was ruled out by VAR. He distributed the ball well and got forward when possible. Upamecano eventually made way for Noussair Mazraoui in the 81st minute.
Dayot Upamecano (1998) ?? numbers vs Leverkusen;
1 clearance
3 tackles
93% pass accuracy
5/6 ground duels
2/3 aerial duels
9/12 long balls
1/1 dribblesClean sheet and great performance ? pic.twitter.com/fioJi9880x
— The Next Wave (@_TheNextWave) September 30, 2022
Matthijs de Ligt: 6/10
Matthis de Ligt was largely the more cautious centre-back on the night and complimented the adventurous Upamecano to a tee. He kept things simple and was ready to mop up at the back when required. It was an unspectacular but solid outing by the Dutch international.
Alphonso Davies: 6/10
Davies overloaded the Bayern left flank and caused Leverkusen numerous problems with his forward forays. While Davies showed much intent, he lacked the final touch and did not quite make the most of his runs upfield.
Joshua Kimmich: 6/10
The German international was a cool presence in the middle of the pitch and kept things flowing. He recycled possession and did not have to push forward much thanks to the frontline’s form on the night. Kimmich also helped decide the flow of the game and did not relinquish control of the midfield all night.
Marcel Sabitzer: 7/10
The Austrian midfielder showed once again why he should get the nod over Leon Goretzka with an assured display in the middle of the park. Sabitzer was faultless defensively and mopped up in front of the back four. He also demanded the ball consistently and got forward often.
Leroy Sane: 7/10
He got Bayern off to a perfect start in the third minute with a well-taken goal and proved to be a thorn in Leverkusen’s foot all night. Sane linked up well with Thomas Muller and Jamala Musiala and found himself in dangerous positions consistently. He should have done better in the second half and could have had a brace had he been more clinical.
Thomas Muller: 7/10
An excellent performance where he linked all the elements of the Bayern Munich attack well. The only drawback on the night was the German veteran’s lack of personal cutting edge. While he took his goal well, Muller had plenty of other opportunities that he failed to take advantage of.
Jamal Musiala: 9/10
A simply stunning performance from the youngster, who continues to see his reputation go through the roof. Two goals and an assist in the first half all but settled the game, giving Bayern their first win in five league matches. His ability to seamlessly create and score is scary at times, and it is clear that the German is a superstar in the making.
Jamal Musiala was directly involved in every goal Bayern scored during his time on the pitch:
◎ 81 minutes
◎ 4 chances created
◎ 3 tackles made
◎ 2 take-ons completed
◎ 2 fouls won
◉ 2 assists
◉ 1 goalGenerational talent. ✨ pic.twitter.com/WfHBh73Mft
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 30, 2022
Sadio Mane: 7/10
A much-needed return to scoring ways for the Senegalese attacker, who has struggled of late. He also showed excellent movement on the night and got himself into some good positions. Mane could have had two on the night had VAR not chalked off his second-half strike.
SUBSTITUTES
Serge Gnabry: 6/10
Gnabry replaced Mane in the 65th minute but did not have the same impact.
Leon Goretzka: 6/10
Goretzka replaced Sabitzer in the 65th minute and will need to considerably up his game to displace the Austrian from the starting XI.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 6/10
Came on for Sane in the 74th minute with the game all but settled.
Ryan Gravenberch: N/A
An 81st-minute substitute for Musiala who got a splendid ovation.
Noussair Mazraoui: N/A
He replaced Upamecano late on and had little to do as Bayern saw out the game.
