Bayern Munich sealed a narrow win over FC Augsburg in the Bavarian derby despite poor performances from the entire camp.
Bayern Munich sustained their four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table with a narrow 1-0 win over FC Augsburg in the Bavarian derby on Wednesday.
It was a sizzling start to the game for the away side, who predictably dominated the game right from the beginning. Their attackers created a host of opportunities throughout the course of the first-half, to the point when it was rather disappointing to see them heading into half-time with just a one-goal advantage. It was scored by Robert Lewandowski from the penalty spot after the referee penalised Rani Khedira’s challenge on Lucas Hernandez.
However, an inspiring performance from FC Augsburg in the second half levelled the playing field, with the hosts showing remarkable determination and fighting spirit to get back into the contest. It made things difficult for Bayern Munich to sustain their dominance as they conceded a penalty around the 75th minute.
But, a pinch of luck saw substitute Alfred Finnbogason miss the spot-kick while another sub in Florian Niederlechner missed a couple of chances. Hansi Flick’s men ultimately held on for a narrow win after being the second-best team in the second half. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their performance in this Bavarian derby this midweek.
Manuel Neuer: 6/10
It was a welcome clean sheet for Manuel Neuer, but also a lucky one as the German international was saved by a missed penalty from Finnbogason. Even when Augsburg dominated the game in the second half, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper wasn’t tested enough, much due to the own futility of the FCA attackers.
Bayern's been sitting on this tweet since October 24th. https://t.co/m44BXCRWa0
— Marc 三连冠 (@einNeuerKahn) January 20, 2021
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
Benjamin Pavard had a solid first-half as he aided the two centre-backs in defensive phases. However, the right-back struggled under pressure after the interval, often looking tentative in dealing with the Augsburg wide players during the late stages of the game. Conceded the penalty as well, with a handball.
Jerome Boateng: 6.5/10
It is hard to decipher Jerome Boateng’s performance in the Bayern Munich backline this evening. The centre-back had his difficulties keeping up with the incisive runs of the FCA attackers but looked solid at times as well. Could certainly use a better partner though.
David Alaba: 6.5/10
It was yet another mediocre defensive display from David Alaba. The Austrian international initially looked strong when the opposition was barely able to provide any threat. But, he struggled under pressure, though he deserves credit for remaining strong during the late stages of the game, denying the opposition space and time on the ball.
Lucas Hernandez: 7/10
Lucas Hernandez was quite influential down the left flank during the early stages of the game. He delivered a few brilliant crosses and even won the penalty that led to the winner from Lewandowski. He was limited to a more defensive role in the second half, as he struggled to cope with the threat of Daniel Caligiuri.
Leon Goretzka: 6.5/10
Leon Goretzka was quite useful for Bayern Munich with his incisive forward passes. His presence in the middle of the park was, in fact, vital in his team’s dominance in the first half. Failed to replicate that performance during the second period of the game, though.
Joshua Kimmich: 6.5/10
Just like the last match, Joshua Kimmich once again found it difficult to dominate the midfield due to the immense pressure from the opposition. He had a relatively easier first-half, but it was followed by a turbulent second-half when he was often overrun by the FCA midfielders.
Serge Gnabry: 7.5/10
Serge Gnabry was simply a menace for the FC Augsburg defence during the first half. His pace, trickery and crosses caused all kinds of trouble for the opposition. In fact, he was the architect behind most of Bayern Munich’s chances early on in the game and was unlucky not to bag at least one assist. Taken off midway through the second half.
Thomas Muller: 7/10
Thomas Muller initially had a brilliant start to the game. The German forward’s intelligent movements made it difficult for Augsburg defenders to maintain a solid shape, but to their credit, they fought back well in this game. As a result, Muller was mostly a bystander in the second 45 minutes.
Kingsley Coman: 7/10
Kingsley Coman caused a few problems with his mazy runs down the left-hand channel. However, the Frenchman lacked the quality in his final balls, though his individual brilliance, at times, was astounding.
Robert Lewandowski: 6/10
Robert Lewandowski scored his 22nd goal of this Bundesliga season by converting an early penalty. But that was the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing display in front of goal for the Polish international. He missed a host of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, that could have proved to be costly for the visitors. Taken off midway through the second half.
Robert Lewandowski now has 22 goals to his name, extending the record he set last matchday for most goals in the first half of a season ?⚽#FCAFCB 0-1 pic.twitter.com/B6bmgNu9EM
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) January 20, 2021
Substitutes
Corentin Tolisso: 6/10
Corentin Tolisso failed to create much after coming on for Lewandowski around the 67-minute mark.
Leroy Sane: 6/10
Leroy Sane showed his pace after replacing Gnabry midway through the second half. But it didn’t do him any favours against an Augsburg side who looked inspired.
Jamal Musiala: N/A
Provided a pinch of creativity that was missing from the Bayern camp in the second half. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Javi Martinez: N/A
Javi Martinez’s late defensive efforts were crucial in denying Augsburg a potential equaliser. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
