Joshua Kimmich ran the show as Bayern Munich secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.
Bayern Munich moved one step closer to securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League following a 4-1 triumph over Lazio at Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
The European champions were simply sublime, especially in the first half after they broke the deadlock within ten minutes thanks to a gift from Mateo Musacchio, with Robert Lewandowski pouncing on the error. They doubled their lead roughly 12 minutes later through youngster Jamal Musiala, who scored his first goal in the Champions League.
Lazio did cause problems for the Bavarian defence, particularly from the right flank as they looked to exploit the space left behind by the marauding Alphonso Davies. But, two more goals from Bayern Munich in the 42nd minute and in the 47th minute made their pressure almost redundant, although they did score through Joaquin Correa.
At the end of the day, the Italian side deserves credit for their attacking effort but will be hugely disappointed by the poor performance of their defenders. And here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over Bayern Munich players over their comfortable 4-1 victory over the Serie A outfit this midweek.
Manuel Neuer: 7/10
Manuwall Neuer, that’s it, that’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/WNAQyHYVnf
— Lynn (@fcblynn) February 23, 2021
Manuel Neuer didn’t have much to do despite all the chances Lazio created in this game. He couldn’t have done much to save Joaquin Correa’s goal either but was excellent in regards to his distribution and overall control on the ball. The Bayern Munich skipper will be disappointed to have missed out on the clean sheet, though.
Niklas Sule: 7/10
Niklas Sule operated at right-back, in the absence of Benjamin Pavard. The German international had a decent game, even showing some attacking intent going forward. His physicality and pace on the flanks made Bayern solid on the far side and it is indeed a positive performance from the club’s perspective.
Jerome Boateng: 7/10
Jerome Boateng had some nervy moments in the game when Lazio attacked on the counter. However, he used his experience well to keep Ciro Immobile at bay for the most part of the game – making up for his lack of pace with the ability to read the game. A decent display from the veteran centre-back.
David Alaba: 7/10
David Alaba may have done much better to apply pressure to Correa for the Lazio goal. It was the only real blip in an otherwise impressive defensive display. The Austrian international was also a vital cog in Bayern Munich’s build-up from the back, offering decent balls forward while his pace allowed him to feature in a high defensive role.
Alphonso Davies: 6.5/10
Alphonso Davies should have done much better defensively as Manuel Lazzari caused a lot of trouble for the Bayern Munich defence from the far side. The left-back was quite impressive going forward, as usual, notably sparking the attack that led to Musiala’s goal, but he certainly needs to improve on his defensive positioning.
Leon Goretzka: 8/10
A quietly effective performance from Leon Goretzka upon his return to the starting lineup. He offered the physicality as well as the aggression that were key in dealing with the likes of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Lucas Leiva in the middle of the park. Yet another impressive display from the midfielder, whose absence was clearly felt in the last few matches.
Joshua Kimmich: 9/10
38 – Following tonight's victory against Lazio, @FCBayernEN’s Joshua #Kimmich has won 38 of his first 50 Champions League games – the most wins by a player in the first 50 appearances in the competition's history. Winner. #LAZFCB #UCL pic.twitter.com/HrLJGfq7h4
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) February 23, 2021
Joshua Kimmich had a phenomenal game in the middle of the park for Bayern. The Bavarians did well to exploit the wide spaces using the wingers and it was the midfielder who was tasked with the responsibility of supplying those balls forward, into empty spaces. The method worked quite well for the away side and for Kimmich as well, who was rock solid in midfield.
Leroy Sane: 8/10
Leroy Sane continues to improve in 2021, providing a lot of flair and pace on the far side. He did well to run into empty spaces, often causing problems for the opposition backline with darting runs or crosses into the box. Also netted the third goal to effectively sealed the victory for the Bavarians, just before half-time.
Jamal Musiala: 7/10
Jamal Musiala had a dream start to the game when he scored the second goal with an excellent effort from the edge of the box. The Englishman, though, did lack a bit of consistency afterwards – something he really needs to improve upon. Overall, it was a decent display from the youngster, who has a bright future ahead either with Bayern or elsewhere.
Jamal Musiala is the youngest English player in Champions League history to score a goal in the #UCL
He turns 18 years old in three days. ? pic.twitter.com/HJQGvnwHuA
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 23, 2021
Kingsley Coman: 8/10
Kingsley Coman unleashed his pace against the Lazio backline, particularly in the lead up to the third goal. He was simply unstoppable at times, especially on the counter – making him a menace for the opposition backline. He was ultimately subbed off during the final phase of the game.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.5/10
Robert Lewandowski capitalised on an early mistake from Mateo Musacchio to score the all-important opener inside the first ten minutes. Afterwards, the Pole wasn’t as effective as he would have liked and was, at times, denied by Pepe Reina. It was a good performance nonetheless as the Bayern forward continues his majestic scoring tally this season.
72 – Robert Lewandowski has scored 72 UEFA Champions League goals, overtaking Raúl to go outright third behind Cristiano Ronaldo (134) and Lionel Messi (119). Predator. pic.twitter.com/cz9w0aKNo3
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2021
Substitutes
Javi Martinez: 6.5/10
Javi Martinez was brought in around the hour mark to offer more defensive solidity in the middle of the park. Covered the backline well, allowing Kimmich to become more expressive in the final third.
Lucas Hernandez: 6/10
Lucas Hernandez replaced Coman during the final phase of the game, allowing Davies to operate in a more attacking role. Had occasional problems with the Lazio players.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: N/A
A late replacement for Musiala. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Bouna Sarr: N/A
A late replacement for Sane. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
