Niklas Sule was the star performer as Bayern Munich register a 2-0 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow in the UEFA Champions League.
Bayern Munich ended their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign on a positive note by securing a 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow, thus finishing top of Group A with 16 points on the board.
Undisputed favourites heading into this game, the Bavarians were the dominant side throughout the game as they attained the lion’s share of possession. They did, however, have problems breaking the shackles of the Lokomotiv backline, who were once again willing to sit deep as the first-half ended goalless.
Things did open up more after the restart, with Bayern starting to create more clear cut opportunities. But, Lokomotiv were unlucky to concede the first goal in the 63rd minute as Niklas Sule’s thumping header stemmed from a corner that should have been a goal kick. It nevertheless opened the gates for the hosts, who hunted for the second goal during the final phase of the game.
The European champions finally found their breakthrough in the 80th minute with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting finding the back of the net. And here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their relatively comfortable 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday.
Manuel Neuer: 6.5/10
Manuel Neuer didn’t have to do too much as Lokomotiv produced very little going forward. He most notably palmed away a first-half effort from Maciej Rybus. It was, therefore, a quiet evening for the Bayern ‘keeper, who will brace himself for tougher challenges as the Bavarians enter the Round of 16.
Manuel Neuer extends the longest win streaks in #UCL history, to 16 games pic.twitter.com/W2QC6qX2mQ
— Bayern Gladiator ?? (@BayernGladiator) December 9, 2020
Bouna Sarr: 7.5/10
Starting ahead of Benjamin Pavard, Bouna Sarr was a solid outlet for Bayern Munich on the right flank. He marched forward whenever it was necessary, offering offensive support to his teammates while also providing himself as a passing option.
Jerome Boateng: 7/10
It was a surprise to see Jerome Boateng starting ahead of Chris Richards in this dead rubber. But he will be happy with the game-time nonetheless, especially against a Lokomotiv attack that provided very little trouble for the veteran centre-back.
Niklas Sule: 8.5/10
Niklas Sule was quite involved in Bayern Munich’s build-up play, threading a host of laser passes from the back. He was also a menace for the Lokomotiv defenders in set-pieces, notably winning two key headed duels with the second one finding the back of the net for Bayern’s opener. It was a top-notch display from the German, who has had a disappointing campaign so far.
Alphonso Davies: 8/10
It was refreshing to see Alphonso Davies back from injury and the Canadian showed exactly what Bayern Munich were missing by producing a lively display on the left flank. Indeed, he made a plethora of darting runs forward, unsettling the Lokomotiv backline while his crosses also caused trouble for the opposition.
Back skipping past defenders! Alphonso Davies ⚡️#UCL pic.twitter.com/4EqYNuEI89
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 9, 2020
Leon Goretzka: 7.5/10
Following a poor performance against RB Leipzig, Leon Goretzka was under pressure to perform this midweek. And he didn’t disappoint either as he emerged as a leading figure in the Bayern Munich midfield. The German instigated the approach play for the home team while providing no room for the opposition to dominate them on the counter.
Marc Roca: 7/10
Marc Roca returned to the starting lineup after serving his suspension against Atletico Madrid last week. The Spaniard sat deep in the number six slot, acting as the transition player for FC Bayern. He kept things neat and tidy for the hosts in the middle of the park.
Leroy Sane: 8/10
Following a string of ineffective performances throughout the season, Leroy Sane was under pressure as well. However, the German will be more than happy with his display against Lokomotiv as he was a lively figure in the opposition half throughout the course of the game.
The ex-Schalke starlet offered trickery, pace and inventiveness in the final third, often keeping the opposition defenders guessing with his clever movements. It was not consistent by any means but a promising one nonetheless for him and indeed, the Bayern fans.
5/6 ✔️
(Almost) perfect group stage! #inSané @FCBayern pic.twitter.com/OA1nBHVe5O— Leroy Sané (@leroy_sane) December 9, 2020
Thomas Muller: 6/10
Thomas Muller had a relatively poor game against Lokomotiv this midweek. The German had the best chance of the first half but his effort from close range went wide. He was then effectively replaced at half-time as Hansi Flick opted to avoid any potential injury for his star playmaker.
Douglas Costa: 8/10
Douglas Costa was another winger who impressed for FC Bayern Munich this midweek. The Brazilian speedster caused problems with his quick feet and a lethal left foot that kept the opposing defenders guessing. Ultimately, it was his cross that led to Sule’s opener in the second half.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 8/10
Filling in for Robert Lewandowski, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put in a great shift in the number nine role. He was willing to work hard for his team, notably making a lot of incisive movements. He also deserves credit for a fantastic finish that led to Bayern’s second goal of the night.
Substitutes
Serge Gnabry: 7.5/10
Replaced Muller at half-time and offered much more energy and trickery in the Bayern Munich attack. His added pressure was key in breaking the shackles of the Lokomotiv defence.
Jamal Musiala: 6.5/10
It was surprising to see Jamal Musiala failing to start the game. He did appear as a second-half sub nonetheless and offered more creative influence in the final third.
Chris Richards: 6.5/10
Replaced the ageing Boateng midday through the first-half and settled in alongside Sule just fine.
Lucas Hernandez: 6.5/10
Lucas Hernandez replaced Davies during the final phase of the game and it will be interesting to see how these two compete for the left-back position in the coming weeks.
Angelo Stiller: N/A
The youngster made his third competitive appearance for Bayern after replacing Sane with just five minutes remaining on the clock. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
