Manuel Neuer endured a difficult night as Bayern Munich bowed out of the DFB Pokal with a shock defeat to Holstein Kiel.
Bayern Munich get knocked out of the DFB Pokal by a second division team for the first time in 20 years, following their defeat against Holstein Kiel in the penalty shootout on Wednesday.
It was a surprising result for every football fan, given the fact that Bayern had lined up one of the strongest starting eleven in a bid to secure a straightforward victory. A series of early pressure even led to a breakthrough in the 14th minute when Serge Gnabry tapped in from close range. However, Kiel astonishingly managed to restore their lead in the 37th minute through Fin Bartels.
The Bavarians did respond strongly, though, and were able to restore their lead early in the second half through Leroy Sane. But, a late goal from Hauke Wahl out of nowhere as the game went straight to extra time. Neither side were able to find the breakthrough in the additional 30 minutes, with Kiel remaining quite resilient at the back. It eventually led to the penalty shootout.
Both the sides were able to find the back of the net, including the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Douglas Costa. Unfortunately for Bayern, new signing Marc Roca’s attempt was saved by Ioannis Gelios, with Bartels making no mistake in converting the subsequent penalty for Kiel.
It was enough to seal the victory for Uwe Werner’s men and here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their tragic knockout blow at the Holstein-Stadion this midweek.
Manuel Neuer: 3/10
Manuel Neuer had a dreadful evening against Holstein Kiel this midweek. Although the German international did not have much to do during normal time as the opposition only mustered three shots on target, he failed to save even a single penalty during the shootout. In addition, the goalkeeper could have a little better in keeping out at least one of the two goals in normal time.
?? Bundesliga second division side Holstein Kiel have just knocked out Bayern Munich of the DFB Pokal, scoring all six of their spot kicks past Manuel Neuer ? pic.twitter.com/F5k9t3VFEs
— Photos of Football (@photosofootball) January 13, 2021
Bouna Sarr: 6/10
Bouna Sarr came into the starting eleven at the expense of Benjamin Pavard. Unfortunately for Hansi Flick, the right-back looked extremely out of touch, at times. He was, however, one of the better performers for Bayern as he did make amends for his occasional troubles with good overall defending. Taken off late in the game.
Niklas Sule: 6.5/10
Niklas Sule was impressive during the certain stages of the game, especially in the build-up. His laser passes, in particular, were a joy to watch.
However, it does not vindicate an otherwise horrendous defensive display that was on show against Holstein Kiel. His schoolboy-like defending allowed the opposition to find the back of the net rather easily, and it appears evident that the former Hoffenheim is not cut for playing with such a high line.
Lucas Hernandez: 7/10
Lucas Hernandez was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dire defensive display from Bayern. The Frenchman looked quite composed with the ball, distributing possession well and keeping things tidy at the back. His tackles were also spot on, as he barely allowed the opposition to get the better of him. He should get the nod ahead of Sule or David Alaba in the next game.
Lucas Hernández vs Holstein Kiel
120 minutes played
4 clearances
2 interceptions
1 tackle
4/7 ground duels won
3/5 aerial duels won
7/16 long balls
1/2 dribblings
132 touches
106 passes completed (90.6% accuracy)#KSVFCB pic.twitter.com/agHuS5CcAr— J (@PrimeHernxndez) January 13, 2021
Alphonso Davies: 4/10
Alphonso Davies has never been the same since returning from his injury layoff this season. It was once again evident in this game, as the left-back struggled to properly influence the game from the flanks. His attacking forays were often underwhelming, failing to do much to unsettle the Kiel defensive line.
Corentin Tolisso: 5/10
Corentin Tolisso played a key role in the middle of the park, instigating the build-up play and becoming a link between the midfield and the attack. However, he is certainly not an ideal fit in the holding midfield role, as he cannot hold the ball for long.
Joshua Kimmich: 5.5/10
It was one of those rare games where Joshua Kimmich simply could not influence the game enough. The midfielder was better than Tolisso in terms of overall play. In fact, he helped his team dominate Kiel for the majority of the game, but it didn’t translate into much going forward, much to the futility of the attackers.
Jamal Musiala: 6/10
Jamal Musiala had a relatively good game when compared to his teammates. The youngster constantly switched positions, keeping the opposing defence guessing all the time. In addition, his close control and ability to squeeze out of tight spaces gave Bayern a cutting edge in the final third, though it was not enough to create consistent scoring opportunities.
Today Musiala has (again) confirmed beyond any reasonable doubt that it’s ridiculous if Costa plays ahead of him
— Taísto (@TaistoFCB) January 13, 2021
Thomas Muller: 4/10
Thomas Muller missed an excellent opportunity to score shortly after Kiel’s equaliser as his close-range effort failed to find the target. It was symbolic of his wasteful performance in front of goal this midweek.
Leroy Sane: 5/10
Leroy Sane showed flashes of his brilliance, at times, notably scoring the free-kick to restore Bayern Munich’s early in the second half. However, the former Manchester City star simply could not provide the creativity his side were lacking for the majority of the game.
Serge Gnabry: 6/10
Serge Gnabry was a menace for the Holstein Kiel defence for the large parts of the game. He also deserves credit for his composed finish to find the early breakthrough. But, the Germam international should have done much more to provide the penetration going forward, as Bayern struggled without the absence of Robert Lewandowski.
SUBSTITUTES
Robert Lewandowski: 5/10
Speaking of Lewandowski, the Pole was introduced during the final phase of the game to add that productivity in the Bayern Munich attack. Unfortunately by then, the Kiel defence had already settled itself and defending him rather well, even during the extra-time.
Douglas Costa: 5/10
Douglas Costa failed to provide anything to the table after replacing Sane during the final 15 minutes. The Brazilian did well to convert his spot-kick in the shootout, though.
Benjamin Pavard: 5/10
A late replacement for Sarr, who looked tired. Benjamin Pavard did not fare all too well either, and it will be interesting to see who gets the nod in the next game.
Marc Roca: 5.5/10
Marc Roca orchestrated the game well after coming on for the tiring Gnabry late in the game. The Spaniard, unfortunately, missed the penalty that led to Bayern’s defeat.
David Alaba: N/A
A late replacement for Tolisso.
