Bayern Munich player ratings as they thrashed FC Augsburg 5-2 in the final game of the season on Saturday with Robert Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman starring.
With the Bundesliga title all wrapped up, this game was all about Robert Lewandowski and his hunt to break Gerd Muller’s record along with a farewell for three modern icons for Bayern Munich in David Alaba, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez, as well as manager Hansi Flick.
And, the Rekordmeister seemed to be in the mood from the get-go as an own goal from Jeffrey Gouweleeuw got them underway just nine minutes in. Midway through the first half, Bayern were two goals to the good as Serge Gnabry tapped home a rebound after Robert Lewandowski had two shots saved and Kingsley Coman had struck the post from the initial follow-up.
Augsburg goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz continued to keep the hosts’ attackers at bay but could do little about Joshua Kimmich’s stunning strike from long rage in the 33rd minute to make it 3-0. Ten minutes later, Die Roten found their fourth of the net, with Coman netting the ball with a driven effort after a fine run from the left.
Bayern continued to dominate the proceedings in the second half as well but it was Augsburg who scored the first goal after the restart with Andre Hahn nodding home in the 66th minute before he turned provider for Florian Niederlechner who made it 4-2 five minutes later. There were no late comebacks for the visitors, though, although it did look like Lewandowski could be set to finish tied with Muller’s record tally of 40 goals in a season.
However, in the last minute of normal time, the Polish goal-machine pounced on a spill by the excellent Gikiewicz to slot it home and wheel away in celebrations, as the record champions signed off on the season with indomitable style. Here are our player ratings for the Bayern Munich stars after a dominating display at the Allianz Arena.
Manuel Neuer: 8/10
The captain’s wait to become the goalkeeper with most number of clean sheets in Bundesliga history continued, although he did everything in his power to make it happen on Saturday.
Pulled off a fine save to stop Daniel Caligiuri, then stopped a penalty in the first half and was alert to deal with any threat by charging out of his line in typical fashion. Distribution on point as usual, too. Not a lot he could have done about the two goals that he ended up shipping in as the defence switched off somewhat.
Benjamin Pavard: 7/10
A largely solid display from the Frenchman, who kept things tight on his side for the most part while also getting forward on occasions to keep the visitors pinned down. Slight lapse of concentration in the lead-up to the second goal for Augsburg, though. Made one key pass, won three aerial duels and two tackles.
Jerome Boateng: 8/10
The end of an era ?
Jerome Boateng says goodbye on an emotional day for Bayern Munich ❤️
10 trophy-laden years with the German giants! pic.twitter.com/vyitSB9A66
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 22, 2021
In his final game for Bayern Munich, the veteran defender showed his excellent game-reading abilities to position himself in such a way that he was able to cut down attacks from counters or long balls effectively throughout. Offered composure on the ball and precision in his distribution. Taken off at the hour mark in what was am emotionally charged send-off. A modern great for Bayern without a doubt.
Lucas Hernandez: 7/10
Giving away the penalty was the only blot on the copybook for Hernandez as he put in an assured display at the heart of the Bayern defence. Pushed upfield to nip attacks in the bud by winning the ball while also made a few driving runs into the opposition half as well. Completed three dribbles and won three aerial duels on the night.
Alphonso Davies: 7.5/10
A menace down the left-hand side as the Canadian constantly got forward displaying great attacking verve throughout as he completed one key pass and a game-high five dribbles. His pace was key to Bayern being able to cut out attempts at counters from their visitors, although he did give away the free-kick leading to the first goal for Augsburg.
Joshua Kimmich: 9/10
This goal by Kimmichpic.twitter.com/CTJf7abxts
— adarsh (@adarshfcb) May 22, 2021
A stunning display from Bayern Munich’s midfield metronome, who just makes everything look so easy and effortless. Oozed class and quality on the ball as he constantly played passes out wide to set the wingers on their way or made defence-splitting passes to catch Augsburg off-guard. The standout moment, though, came in the first half as he produced a sensational strike from 25 yards out – a strike that had pace, power, swerve, leaving no chance for Gikieiwicz.
David Alaba: 8.5/10
In what was his final game for Bayern Munich, the Austrian ace signed off in typical fashion, putting a display full of energy, intensity and purpose. Popped up everywhere on the pitch to cut out attacks, made penetrative runs forward when on the ball, created chances and even came close to scoring once or twice himself. Got the assist for the fourth goal, played two key passes. Great way to sign things off.
Kingsley Coman: 9/10
The Frenchman, along with his wing-partner Serge Gnabry, looked in deadly mood from the off, causing the Augsburg defence all sorts of problems with his movement and directness. Hit the post, which led to Gnabry’s goal for 2-0, then got the assist for Kimmich’s strike before he found the back of the net himself with a powerful hit to make it 4-0. Created a number of chances, completed 96% of his passes and was a thorn in the side for the visitors all game long.
KINGSLEY COMAN SENT IT ? pic.twitter.com/55mbRsTuLh
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 22, 2021
Thomas Muller: 7/10
A selfless display from Muller, who may not have scored or assisted a goal on Saturday but was always looking to carve out opportunities for his attacking partners. His movement in the final third caused some problems to the visiting team while he also managed to produce one key pass.
Serge Gnabry: 8/10
Like Coman, Gnabry was lively from the off, as he forced the opening goal with his cross into a dangerous area. Was at hand to turn home the follow-up after the Frenchman had hit the woodwork, to make it 2-0. Posed a threat with his speed and agility, although there were times when he could have been more accurate with his passes.
Robert Lewandowski: 9/10
Coming into the game, the spotlight was all on Lewandowski and whether he can break Gerd Muller’s record of 40 goals in a single league season. And, from the off, the Polish superstar meant business, constantly getting into dangerous positions and having a go at the goal, only for Gikiewicz to keep on denying him on numerous occasions throughout with some stunning saves.
41 GOALS.
Robert Lewandowski has broken the record for most goals in a single Bundesliga season.
In the 90th minute in the final match of the season. pic.twitter.com/1uE6Sbhutn
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 22, 2021
However, he kept at it and pounced on a spill by the Augsburg goalkeeper to finally get his goal in the 90th minute. Also created chances for his teammates throughout, making a game-high three key passes. What a player!
SUBSTITUTES
Javi Martinez: 7/10
Replaced Boateng and got to play the final thirty minutes in his last game for Die Roten. Partly at fault for the second goal for Augsburg, but solid otherwise. May not always get the limelight he deserves, but the Spaniard has been an absolute champion player for Bayern Munich.
Leroy Sane: 7/10
On for Gnabry in the 61st minute. Looked lively, sent in some threatening crosses and it was his shot that was saved by Gikiewicz, resulting in Lewandowski’s goal late on.
Jamal Musiala: 6.5/10
Came on for Coman for the final half hour. Did not see a lot of the ball but completed most of his passes and created a chance as well.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: N/A
On for Muller with a little over 15 minutes left. Lively and had a chance which he failed to take.
Corentin Tolisso: N/A
Replaced Alaba for the final 15 minutes or so. Played one key pass and made some purposeful runs forward.
