Robert Lewandowski, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry shone as Bayern Munich thrashed 1. FC Koln 5-1 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.
It was a fairly quiet first half but Bayern Munich showed their clinical nature in front of goal to take a two-goal lead heading into the half-time break. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put the record champions in front in the 16th minute, nodding home Leon Goretzka’s cross.
Robert Lewandowski then made it 2-0 a little after the half-hour mark, capitalising on a poor pass by a Koln midfielder, slotting past Timo Horn after a neat exchange with Goretzka. Four minutes into the second half, the visitors pulled a goal back through Ellyes Skhiri after some sloppy defending by FC Bayern.
Lewandowski, though, restored the Bavarians’ two-goal cushion, with a fine hit from the edge of the box after being found by substitute Thomas Muller. The visitors came agonisingly close to scoring a second after Dominic Drexler nicked the ball off of Manuel Neuer but his effort from a tight angle bounced off the post.
With less than ten minutes left, Serge Gnabry put the result beyond doubt by getting on the end of a Lucas Hernandez cross to put the ball into the net before the FC Bayern substitute added his second of the night, heading home a Goretzka cross to heap further misery on Koln. Here’s how we rated the performances of Hansi Flick’s men in a thumping 5-1 win.
Manuel Neuer: 5/10
Made a decent stop to deny Jan Thielmann late in the game but almost gifted Koln a way back into the contest at 3-2 when he charged out of his box to collect the ball but was beaten by Drexler, who failed to put the ball into the back of an open net. Not tested a great deal apart from that.
Niklas Sule: 7.5/10
Made some good runs forward especially in the first period and played some teasing crosses into the box, one of which was headed wide by Lewandowski. Had missed narrowly with his own shot just before that. Didn’t have much to do defensively with Koln not threatening. Finished the game with three key passes and a couple of dribbles.
Jerome Boateng: 6/10
Fairly solid apart from the mix-up leading to the goal. Did well to cut out crosses as he won four aerial duels, while also making a crucial interception to stop Elvis Rexhbecaj’s through-pass in the second half.
David Alaba: 6/10
Much like his partner, solid on the evening apart from the confusion leading up to Koln’s goal early in the second period. Produced a crucial block to stop Ondrej Duda’s attempt a little later, while making a couple of important clearances. Distribution from the back was precise.
Alphonso Davies: 7/10
Alphonso Davies completed eight take-ons against Koln, the most he has ever completed in a single Bundesliga game and most by any Bayern player this season.
Meep, meep! ? pic.twitter.com/tcA8H6GXNS
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 27, 2021
Couldn’t stop Skhiri from running past him and scoring soon after the half-time break. Had a couple more iffy moments defensively in the second half but did reasonably well, making five tackles. Positive outlet going forward as always, as he made a game-high eight dribbles.
Joshua Kimmich: 7/10
Went about his defensive duties in an alert manner ensuring that Koln didn’t create much on the counter. On the ball, the German international was always proactive, trying to create openings with his threaded passes. Finished the game with two interceptions and two key passes.
Leon Garetzka: 9/10
Stole the show against Koln with the German midfielder having a hand in three of Bayern Munich’s goals on the evening. Good cross to set up Choupo-Moting for the opener before playing a neat one-two to assist Lewandowski for his first of the game. Then delivered another sumptuous cross for Gnabry to score the fifth goal for his team. Stung the palms of Timo Horn in between as well.
Man of the match: Leon Goretzka
3 assists
63 touches
2 shots (1 on target)
3 key passes
86.7% pass accuracy
2 dribbles completed
2 interceptions
2/2 long balls
9/10 rating[WS] pic.twitter.com/KeWUrxKsMP
— Sextuple winners ?????? (@iMiaSanMia) February 27, 2021
Leroy Sane: 7/10
May not have scored or assisted a goal on the night but was still a lively presence. Called Horn into action within ten minutes and then played a role in the opener for Bayern. Continued to pose a threat with his pace and movement and also went on to play a part in his team’s fourth goal of the game.
Jamal Musiala: 6/10
Getting another start in the No. 10 role, the talented teenager showed glimpses of his ability but wasn’t able to back it up with quality end product. There’s plenty of talent there but still needs a bit more polishing.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 7/10
A bright outing from Choupo-Moting who looked in tune with his teammates on the evening, linking up effectively in the final third. Got his team up and running with a good header – his first league goal of the campaign.
Robert Lewandowski: 8.5/10
Robert Lewandowski has scored his 28th Bundesliga goal of the season, in just 23 appearances.
He has more goals than seven Bundesliga TEAMS this term. pic.twitter.com/5lDmuyCimj
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 27, 2021
The Player to Watch in our match preview, Lewandowski continued his pursuit of Gerd Muller’s historic record as he added two more goals to his kitty for the season. Did well to pounce on a mistake from Skhiri before a neat exchange with Goretzka was followed by his opener. Impressive turn and shot for his second of the evening. Top-class as usual.
SUBSTITUTES
Thomas Muller: 7/10
On for Musiala in the 64th minute. Made an immediate impact after coming on as he set Lewandowski up for the third goal. Positive return to action for the seasoned campaigner.
Serge Gnabry: 8/10
Replaced Choupo-Moting in the 64th minute. Marked his return from injury with two well-taken late goals to kill off the game. Bayern will be pleased to see him back in action.
Lucas Hernandez: 7/10
Came on for Davies with less than 20 minutes left. Good cross into the box leading to Gnabry’s first goal of the evening.
Tiago Dantas: N/A
On for Sane in the 87th minute. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Javi Martinez: N/A
Replaced Kimmich in the 87th minute. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
