Jamal Musiala’s brace wraps up a narrow Bayern Munich victory over Wolfsburg, with the youngster now extending his tally to six goals for the season.
Bayern Munich move one step closer towards securing the Meisterschale after edging out Wolfsburg 3-2 on Saturday. It was an excellent result for the league leaders, who now extend their lead at the top to seven points, although they were dealt with the shocking news of Hansi Flick’s exit at the end of the season.
The Bavarians initially had a blistering start to the game, with Jamal Musiala scoring the opener inside the 15th minute. It was followed by an absolute gift from Koen Casteels as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting doubled their lead in the 24th minute.
Wolfsburg, though, remained competent, especially on the counter and were duly rewarded when Wout Weghorst pulled one back in the 35th minute, although it was quickly cancelled out by Musiala’s second goal of the evening as Bayern had a 3-1 advantage at half-time.
In the second half, it was Wolfsburg who were the better side, appearing quite solid at the back while providing a threat going forward. As a result, they pulled another back just ten minutes after the restart through Maximilian Philipp, although that was the only real time the Wolves were able to find the back of the net as Bavarians someone saw out their slender one-goal advantage at the end.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over these Bayern Munich players in their narrow victory over VfL Wolfsburg this weekend.
Manuel Neuer: 5/10
It was a bad day at the office for Manuel Neuer, who could have done a lot better to deny Weghorst’s first goal as he was beaten at his far-post. Couldn’t have done much for the second goal, but there was somewhat a lack of accountability in the goalkeeper’s performance that involved a lot of yelling and shouting.
Hansi Flick has decided to leave Bayern Münich! He won’t be the manager next season. Flick has just announced his official decision, also communicated to board and players. Nagelsmann will be the main target as new Bayern manager – not easy negotiation with RB Leipzig. ? #Bayern
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 17, 2021
Benjamin Pavard: 6.5/10
Benjamin Pavard had a relatively quiet game on the right hand side of the Bayern Munich defence. He wasn’t dealt with much problems by Victor Sa on the flanks, but had to cope with a lot of press after the restart. Not the best of performances but certainly not the worst performer by the Bavarians.
Jerome Boateng: 6.5/10
Jerome Boateng certainly had his problems dealing with the dynamic and physically astute Wolfsburg attackers. The veteran, though, was always up for the challenge, although he could have done better in denying Wolves certain goalscoring opportunities, especially during the early parts of the game.
Lucas Hernandez: 6.5/10
Lucas Hernandez certainly wasn’t as influential as he was in the second half against PSG. He got bullied at times by marauding Ridle Baku, but the Frenchman did well to keep his composure and help Bayern see out their lead during the final phase of the game.
Alphonso Davies: 7.5/10
Alphonso Davies was certainly the pick of the Bayern Munich defenders in their win over Wolfsburg. The left-back exhibited excellent pace and dribbling skills to take on the opposition defenders and cause havoc with his forays down the flanks. He was somewhat culpable for the second goal, as he lost his marker Philipp. A minor dent in an otherwise impressive display.
These two. ?@JamalMusiala ? @AlphonsoDavies#WOBFCB pic.twitter.com/hfC3CGKBUY
— ?? FC Bayern US ?? (@FCBayernUS) April 17, 2021
David Alaba: 7/10
David Alaba was deployed in midfield once again in light of Bayern’s injury crisis in the middle of the park. The Austrian international did not disappoint either, remaining rock-solid in the middle. He also made numerous runs forward, even being involved in certain attacking moments.
Joshua Kimmich: 7/10
Joshua Kimmich had the additional responsibility in midfield, in the absence of Leon Goretzka. He was largely impressive, although things were always a little difficult up against the likes of Xaver Schlager and Yannick Gerhardt. The midfielder did deliver a few useful forward passes while keeping things neat and tidy in possession.
Leroy Sane: 6/10
Leroy Sane had a mixed game against Wolfsburg on the far side. The former Man City star deserves credit for making incisive runs on the flanks but his end product was beyond awful. As indeed, Sane missed quite a few scoring opportunities and things were never really clicking for him.
Thomas Muller: 8/10
Thomas Muller had an influence in the game as he was involved in key attacking moments for the away side. The veteran forward was pretty much the lone spark for the Bayern attack in the second half where he created multiple opportunities and was always on the lookout for defensive mistakes.
Jamal Musiala: 8.5/10
Jamal Musiala was one of the two best players for Bayern Munich in this crucial win against Wolfsburg. He netted two brilliant goals in the first half, becoming the youngest player to score six goals. In addition, the German was a menace with his trickery, pace and ability to carry the ball across the final third.
Most goals scored by a teenager in Europe's top five leagues this season:
?? Arnaud Kalimuendo (7)
?? Jamal Musiala (5)
??????? Bukayo Saka (5)Special talent. ✨ pic.twitter.com/oPd9C7WK4M
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 17, 2021
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 6.5/10
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting deserves credit for converting the easy chance gifted to him by Casteels. The forward did not provide much of an impact otherwise, mainly just wallowing around the final third in search of an opportunity. Bayern fans must be itching for the return of Robert Lewandowski.
Substitutes
Kingsley Coman: 6.5/10
Kingsley Coman replaced the star man Musiala during the final phase of the game to add some freshness in the Bayern Munich attack. He wasn’t able to restore the club’s two-goal cushion, however.
Javi Martinez: N/A
A late replacement for Sane. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Tanguy Nianzou: N/A
Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
