Robert Lewandowski saved Bayern Munich’s blushes as the Bavarians endured a disappointing 1-1 draw with Union Berlin on Saturday.
It was a difficult night for Bayern Munich, who were held to a dull draw versus the increasingly impressive Union Berlin. The 1-1 draw reduced Bayern’s two-point lead at the top of the table to zero and now they are level with RB Leipzig at 24 points each. Bayern started the game very slowly which ultimately saw them chase the game from the 4th minute itself.
Union Berlin exploited Bayern’s suspect highline with a long ball to Taiwo Awoniyi, who tested Manuel Neuer well. The German goalkeeper was up to the task. However, Grischa Promel scored with a fantastic near-post header from the resulting corner that was taken by captain, Christopher Trimmel.
Union continued to take advantage of Bayern’s highline as Awoniyi came close to doubling their lead yet again. It was an extremely poor first-half performance by the league leaders. Hansi Flick’s words were definitely the need of the hour, for Bayern Munich looked far better in the second half.
Bayern’s equaliser was inspired by a Kingsley Coman masterclass. The Frenchman picked up the ball on the left flank and dribbled past a number of players before setting it up on a plate for their star striker, Robert Lewandowski, who made no mistake and slot the ball past Union’s keeper.
Bayern continued to test Andreas Luthe in goal, with Leroy Sane coming the closest with a header from point-blank range. Luthe did very well to keep them at bay and earn Union a hard-fought point. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Hansi Flick’s men following a 1-1 draw with Union Berlin.
Just a point ?
?⚪ #FCUFCB 1-1 pic.twitter.com/6F1om247Ar
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 12, 2020
Manuel Neuer: 8/10
Bayern’s defence has been woeful on several occasions this season and it has been Neuer who has rescued them time and time again. That was the case on Saturday too, as Neuer came to the rescue numerous times. The Bayern captain made 4 important saves in the first half and was the reason why Bayern were still in the game and able to come back later in the game.
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
Pavard was the better of the lot in Bayern’s defence. He nullified all threats that were posed on his flank, finishing with 2 interceptions and a crucial tackle. It would have been an even better performance if he offered more while going forward.
Jerome Boateng: 5/10
Time and time again questions are asked about Boateng’s position as a starter in Bayern Munich’s high line. Awoniyi did extremely well to exploit Boateng’s weaknesses as the veteran German had an extremely difficult night. As bad as Boateng was defensively, his distribution was on point for the Bavarians.
David Alaba: 5/10
Alaba started the game very poorly and was caught out on several occasions. Alaba lost the ball a total of 20 times, which for a centre-back is concerning. Not the best of nights for the man who looks to be on the move.
Alphonso Davies: 5/10
It was only Davies’s second start since returning from injury but the Canadian failed to emulate his performance from midweek. It did seem like Davies was rushed in and perhaps, a start for Lucas Hernandez would have done them better.
Leon Goretzka: 7/10
Goretzka played with immense responsibility in the absence of Joshua Kimmich and Javi Martinez as the anchor in midfield. Goretzka’s numbers spoke for themselves as he won 10 duels. Goretzka had a very busy game, but was unfortunately subbed off in the 76th minute with an injury. Bayern would be hoping that it is a very minor issue as Goretzka’s loss would make life extremely hard for Flick.
Jamal Musiala: 6.5/10
The young 17-year-old midfielder played a more advanced role on the left-hand side. Musiala only lost the ball 5 times, which is extremely commendable for a midfielder. It was a responsible and confident performance by the youngster, who is increasingly gaining Flick’s trust.
Kingsley Coman: 8/10
Coman was yet again one of Bayern’s best players on the pitch and registered the assist for their only goal. He also completed 4 successful dribbles and played 4 key passes. Coman has proven to be a vital cog for Flick this season and continues to impress
❤ this man. ? pic.twitter.com/fc5qOdMxcy
— ?? FC Bayern US ?? (@FCBayernUS) December 12, 2020
Thomas Muller: 6/10
From the standards set by Muller himself in the game versus Leipzig, the German was far less effective this time out against Union Berlin. While he registered 2 key passes and a shot on target, Muller also lost the ball 18 times and was marshalled very well by the opposition. It was not the best of performances by Bayern’s star orchestrator.
Serge Gnabry: 6/10
After a hat-trick on the opening day of the season, Gnabry has only scored 1 goal in the 10 matches since. His recent goal drought continues, which remains a concern for Bayern Munich. Gnabry came close to scoring at the cusp of half-time, but was extremely wasteful – losing the ball 23 times.
Robert Lewandowski: 8/10
The reliable Lewandowski was at it again, pulling Bayern out of a slump with a crucial goal that helped them earn a point in a very difficult encounter. The Polish striker scored from his only shot on target, which makes one think why he failed to test Luthe more often. Lewandowski also worked tremendously hard off the ball, winning 6 out of his 8 ground duels.
Robert Lewandowski has now scored 28 goals in just 24 Bundesliga games for Bayern in 2020.
Ridiculous. ? pic.twitter.com/jdQPQjKiBv
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 12, 2020
SUBSTITUTES
Leroy Sane: 7/10
Sane was a breath of fresh air for Bayern Munich as he replaced Musiala at the hour mark to bring more firepower to a Bayern side who looked hungry for the win. Sane came close to scoring from a well-worked header that was saved tremendously by Union Berlin keeper, Luthe.
Corentin Tolisso: 6/10
The Frenchman came on in the last 15 minutes after returning from injury. Tolisso registered 20 touches in that short span of time but also committed 7 fouls, which probably warranted a booking.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
