Jamal Musiala was one of the few positives as Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon.
Given the injuries as well as the big game against PSG looming, Hansi Flick fielded a much-changed Bayern Munich side against Union Berlin. Naturally, the record champions looked a bit rusty and lacked that bit of spark to unlock the visitors’ stubborn rearguard. In fact, the best chance in the first half fell to Union Berlin with Marios Bulter sending a free header straight to Manuel Neuer.
Bayern Munich came out with more purpose after the half-time break and managed to find the breakthrough in the 68th minute through the brilliant Jamal Musiala. As the game wore on, Die Roten grew visibly tired, allowing Union Berlin a way back and the visitors made the most, with Marcus Ingvartsen in the 85th minute to ensure the spoils were shared on the day.
Bayern’s draw, coupled with RB Leipzig’s thumping win over Werder Bremen means the gap between the two teams is now reduced to five points with six games left to be played. Here’s how we rated the performances of Hansi Flick’s men on a disappointing afternoon at the Allianz Arena.
Manuel Neuer: 6/10
Didn’t have a whole lot to do in goal given as Union Berlin didn’t threaten a great deal going forward. Made a straightforward stop in the first period. Not much he could have done about the equaliser.
Bouna Sarr: 6.5/10
Handed a rare start, the summer signing gave a decent account of himself. Looked purposeful when getting forward although the end product wasn’t always up to the mark. Defended fairly well against Keita Endo.
Jerome Boateng: 7/10
A solid game from the veteran defender who made some important interventions to thwart the hosts while making good use of the ball when in possession. Taken off a little after the hour mark though with an eye on the PSG clash.
Javi Martinez: 7/10
Even though there were a few moments when he came off as nervy, the Spaniard put in a largely assured display at the heart of the Bayern Munich defence. Made a tackle, two clearances and three interceptions while also looking calm and composed with the ball at his feet.
Josip Stanisic: 6/10
Josip Stanisic appreciation tweet?? pic.twitter.com/GlcdXgT8pD
— JK⁶ (@MiaSanSane) April 10, 2021
Making his first-team debut for Bayern Munich, the 21-year-old had a fairly decent outing. Got forward with confidence, defended well for large parts, winning five aerial duels while making a couple of tackles and interceptions each. Could have done a bit better for the equalising goal, however.
Joshua Kimmich: 6/10
Not the best of the game from Bayern Munich’s key midfielder. Played a couple of eye-catching key passes but wasn’t able to impose himself and dictate the proceedings as he usually does. Grew tired as the game went on.
Thomas Muller: 7/10
Started in a deeper role than usual which limited his impact in the final third early on but grew in stature as the game wore on. Pressed the opposition with intent, looked to create openings when on the ball, playing a game-high four key passes. Got the assist for Musiala’s goal in the second half. He, too, like the rest of the team, seemed to tire out with time.
Jamal Musiala: 8/10
Musiala is technically so elite. Unreal pic.twitter.com/tmIF5kxrLy
— Taísto (@TaistoFCB) April 10, 2021
Showed why he is regarded as one of the greatest young talents in Europe. Lively and purposeful in an otherwise dour first period for Bayern Munich and looked the likeliest to make things happen. Neat touch to evade a challenge before scoring the goal in the second half. Completed the most number of dribbles (6), made one key pass.
Tiago Dantas: 6/10
The 20-year-old was handed a huge opportunity on Saturday and while he didn’t exactly make the most of it, he didn’t underwhelm either. Made a few good runs and played in one key pass, while generally being progressive with his distribution. But wasn’t able to produce any game-changing moments.
Kinglsey Coman: 5/10
Starting out on the left flank, the Frenchman failed to didn’t do much of note apart from a couple of dribbles before being taken off at half-time due to a niggle. Bayern Munich will be hoping it is nothing too serious.
Kingsley Coman is likely to be available for Tuesday's game despite his injury today [BamS] pic.twitter.com/NKqOhU6Z14
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 10, 2021
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 5/10
Failed to offer any sort of goal threat during his time on the field. Lasted close to an hour but did not attempt a single shot on target nor he made any key pass. Bayern Munich are seriously missing Robert Lewandowski.
SUBSTITUTES
Leroy Sane: 6.5/10
On for Coman after the half-time break. Livened things up with his movement and pace, completing three dribbles and playing two key passes.
David Alaba: 6/10
Sent on in place of Choupo-Moting before the hour mark, allowing Thomas Muller to move upfield. Added some energy but wasn’t able to make much of a difference.
Christopher Scott: 5/10
Came on for Dantas in the 66th minute. Didn’t get involved a great deal.
Benjamin Pavard: 5/10
Replaced Boateng for the last 25 minutes. Had a few nervy moments in what was an unconvincing cameo at centre-back.
Tanguy Nianzou: N/A
On for Musiala for the final fifteen minutes. Booked.
