Kingsley Coman and Ibrahima Konate shone brightly as Bayern Munich played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with RB Leipzig.
Bayern Munich retained their place at the top of the Bundesliga table after playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw with RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
As expected, it was a tightly contested fixture and the game’s characteristic was reflected in the first half. Bayern Munich did dominate possession but RB Leipzig were clearly the better side, looking sharp on the counter and causing problems for the home team.
The east German giants deservedly took an early lead in the 19th minute through Christopher Nkunku but were pegged back by a goal from substitute Jamal Musiala against the run of play. Bayern Munich looked more comfortable in possession after the game, notably scoring their second goal through an excellent passage of play in the 34th minute.
However, a slight loss of concentration just after the Thomas Muller goal saw RB Leipzig immediately restore parity through Justin Kluivert in the 36th minute as the first-half ended 2-2.
While the visitors surprisingly pulled ahead once again early in the second half, it was Bayern Munich who dominated the game after the restart. They looked much more comfortable in possession as Julian Nagelsmann’s men adopted a more conservative approach. it didn’t pay well for Die Roten Bullen as FCB equalised again through Muller in the 75th minute.
Unfortunately, the record German champions were unable to continue their momentum and find the late winner, but it was a scintillating game nonetheless. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over both these Bundesliga giants in this truly exhilarating match-up at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich
Manuel Neuer: 6.5/10
Manuel Neuer will be disappointed to have conceded three goals this evening, especially the first one from Nkunku. The German’s overall positioning was excellent otherwise as he most notably took care of a host of long balls from the opposition.
When things go wrong for Manuel Neuer, they go very wrong.
Christopher Nkunku made FC Bayern pay, staying calm to put Leipzig ahead. #FCBRBL pic.twitter.com/0zZJ9wmgY8
— Jack Grimse (@JackGrimse) December 5, 2020
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
Benjamin Pavard was exposed multiple times by Nkunku during the first 45 minutes of the game. Also didn’t provide much going forward aside from a lethal attempt on goal that was saved by Peter Gulacsi. He did, however, improve in the second half.
Jerome Boateng: 5/10
Jerome Boateng was far from his best this evening, completely getting outfoxed by Forsberg and other Leipzig attackers. It was his lack of marking that led to RBL’s third goal of the night.
Niklas Sule: 5/10
Niklas Sule didn’t provide much solidity either as the German international continued his poor start to the campaign. He was rattled by the early pressure from Leipzig, though he did have a much more comfortable second half.
David Alaba: 5.5/10
David Alaba was another Bayern defender who struggled to cope with the Leipzig pressure. The Austrian, who is linked with a move to Chelsea, didn’t quite impose his dominance on the left flank, though he was assigned a deeper role than usual.
Javi Martinez: N/A
Deputising for the injured Joshua Kimmich and Corentin Tolisso, Javi Martinez’s night was cut short due to a groin injury that forced him to come off early in the game. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
And another injury… Javi Martínez looks like he won't be able to continue. Musiala is getting ready to come on. #FCBRBL
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) December 5, 2020
Leon Goretzka: 6/10
Leon Goretzka had a quiet game, as has been as the norm this season. The German struggled to impose his authority against the likes of Marcel Sabitzer and Tyler Adams in the middle of the park.
Leroy Sane: 5/10
It was a poor performance from Leroy Sane, who didn’t really make an impact in the final third. He was often isolated by the Leipzig defenders as he made way for Serge Gnabry around the hour-mark.
Thomas Muller: 7/10
It was a classic Thomas Muller performance this evening. The German forward didn’t enjoy too many touches on the ball but was at the right place at the right time to score two goals and help his team seal a point.
Kingsley Coman: 8/10
Kingsley Coman was by far the best player for Bayern Munich in this game. The Frenchman was greatly involved in two of the three goals and was the only player who looked like threatening the Leipzig backline.
Robert Lewandowski: 6/10
It was an unproductive evening for Robert Lewandowski who was completely isolated by the two Leipzig centre-backs. The striker, as a result, found it difficult to get involved in the proceedings.
Substitutes
Jamal Musiala: 7.5/10
Musiala replaced the injured Martinez early on in the game and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Bayern as the youngster netted the first equaliser for the home team. He looked quite promising whenever he had the ball and looked menacing in the final third.
Jamal Musiala has now scored three goals in just 150 minutes of league action for Bayern this season.
Some record from the 17-year-old Englishman. ✨ pic.twitter.com/QUZ7zmV0tK
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 5, 2020
Serge Gnabry: 6.5/10
Serge Gnabry didn’t make a telling impact after coming on for Sane just after the hour-mark. But he was certainly better than the ex-Man City winger, who has had a quiet season so far.
Douglas Costa: N/A
A late replacement for star man Coman. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Chris Richards: N/A
A late replacement for Boateng. Kept things neat and tidy at the back, but didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
RB Leipzig
Peter Gulacsi: 6/10
Gulacsi made just one notable save to deny Pavard’s remarkable effort in the first half. The Hungarian international couldn’t have done anything to save any of Bayern’s three goals.
Nordi Mukiele: 7/10
Nordi Mukiele found it a little difficult to deal with Kingsley Coman during the early stages of the game but became solid as the match progressed. A key component in the Leipzig defence.
Ibrahima Konate: 8/10
Ibrahima Konate was a rock at the back for RB Leipzig this evening. His imposing presence combined with his discipline made life difficult for Lewandowski.
I'm so sick and tired of the narrative of this game being Lewandowski vs Upamecano, when Konate is the better CB lol
— Bayern Fan TV – YouTube (@TheBayernFanTV) December 5, 2020
Dayot Upamecano: 7.5/10
Dayot Upamecano was nutmegged by Lewandowski in the first half, with the move leading to the opener. However, the centre-back made amends with a commendable defensive display, despite conceding three goals.
Angelino: 7/10
It may not have been the easiest of games for Angelino, but the left-back showed amazing maturity and kept things tidy at the back. His defensive positioning, in particular, was more than decent, though the Spaniard may have done a little better with his long balls.
Amadou Haidara: 7/10
Amadou Haidara was a menace for Bayern Munich in the middle of the park. His aggression and tenacity revved Leipzig’s high-powered game, but the midfielder’s influence faded in the second half.
Marcel Sabitzer: 7/10
Marcel Sabitzer was a vital cog in Leipzig’s second line of press. The Austrian international offered aggression and recovered balls in midfield, making it difficult for Bayern to dominate the middle of the park.
Tyler Adams: 7/10
It was a game of two halves for Tyler Adams. The USMNT star was an inspiration for RB Leipzig in the first-half, winning a number of balls in midfield and instigating counter-attacks. Unfortunately, he was equally awful in the second half, notably losing possession numerous times.
Justin Kluivert: 7/10
Justin Kluivert made life difficult for David Alaba on the left flank with his pace and trickery and was on target to make it 2-2 for Leipzig. His influence dried up after the restart though.
Emil Forsberg: 7.5/10
Emil Forsberg put in a great shift in the false nine role, deceiving the Bayern Munich defenders with his smart movements and link-up play. Scored the third goal for Leipzig before making way for Yussuf Poulsen around the hour-mark.
so yeah it’s a 433 in poss and 4231 out of poss w Kluivert/Forsberg alternating as the 9 https://t.co/2hMBp72uTB
— Abel Meszaros (@BundesPL) December 5, 2020
Christopher Nkunku: 7/10
Christopher Nkunku was one of Leipzig’s best players in the first half but much like his attacking teammates, the Frenchman found it difficult to get involved in the game after the restart.
Substitutes
Yussuf Poulsen: 5/10
Brought very little to the table after replacing Forsberg around the hour-mark. He looked very predictable and his physical presence didn’t make any impact.
Kevin Kampl: 6/10
Kevin Kampl offered freshness in the Leipzig midfield after replacing Sabitzer around the 72nd minute. It wasn’t enough to see out their slender one-goal lead, however.
Dani Olmo: 5/10
Dani Olmo struggled to greatly influence the game during the final phase of the game. He was quickly closed down by Bayern’s high press.
Willi Orban: 6.5/10
Willi Orban’s introduction in the 78th minute added more balance to the Leipzig defence, helping them prevent the opposition from scoring the fourth goal.
Alexander Sorloth: 6/10
Operated as a target man after replacing Haidara during the final phase of the game.
