Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Joshua Kimmich were on target as Bayern Munich defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 to inch closer towards the Bundesliga title.
Bayern Munich were off to a dream start as they were in the lead just seven minutes in as Eric Maxim-Choupo Moting pounced on the rebound after Thomas Muller’s initial effort had been saved by the Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper. Six minutes later, the reigning champions were two goals up, as Joshua Kimmich’s powerful strike from the edge of the box ended up in the bottom corner.
While there were no more goals added to the scoreline, Die Roten never really lost control of the game and continued to pose a threat each time they went forward. In fact Choupo-Moting managed to put the ball into the back of the net in the second half but the goal was chalked off for offside by the officials.
In the end, it did not matter, though, as Hansi Flick’s men finished comfortable winners as Leverkusen hardly came close apart from Karim Bellarabi’s effort that hit the woodwork. And with RB Leipzig suffering a shock loss to Koln earlier on Tuesday, Bayern Munich now have a near-unassailable ten-point lead at the top with just four games left.
Here’s how we rated the performances of the record champions as they take a step towards another Bundesliga title.
Manuel Neuer: 7/10
Had to make a straightforward stop from Patrik Schick in the first half. Tested little after that, until late in the game when he kept out Nadiem Amiri and Karim Bellarabi to preserve his clean sheet.
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
Had the task of keeping a lid on the dangerous Leon Bailey, which he managed to, to a large extent. But the defensive responsibilities meant he was not able to make any notable contributions flying forward on the right side.
Jerome Boateng: 6/10
There were a few occasions when he was caught out by the pace of Bailey. But, he held his ground and played a role in Bayern not conceding any goals on the night, making an interception and two clearances. On point with his distribution.
Lucas Hernandez: 6.5/10
Strong in the air, solid on the ground, the Frenchman finished the game with three aerial duels won, two interceptions and clearances each. Positioning was spot on most of the time to thwart the visitors’ attacks.
Alphonso Davies: 7/10
A strong, all-round display from the Canadian, who got forward well, completing five dribbles while used his pace intelligently to track back and cut down a number of Leverkusen’s attempted counters. Finished with two tackles, two interceptions and three clearances. The only gripe with his performance on the night was the lack of quality end product in the attacking third.
Joshua Kimmich: 8/10
TOOOOOOOOOOOOR KIMMICH! pic.twitter.com/bmgk4A3EXp
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 20, 2021
Ran the game from his deep-lying playmaker role. Sprayed smart passes forward, chose his moments to get himself forward as well, one of which resulted in him scoring a thunderous goal to make it 2-0. Had another shot saved soon after and played a brilliant pass to Choupo-Moting in the lead-up to the goal that was ruled out for offside. Made three tackles to go along with his one key pass.
David Alaba: 8/10
Anchoring the midfield for Bayern Munich, the Austrian, who is set to be on his way out soon, was solid in his defensive duties throughout, as he ran around making important interventions. Also had an influence in the attacking phases, playing a key role in the build-up to the first goal while also having a couple of shots saved by Lukas Hradecky. Ended the game with four key passes – second most on the night.
Kingsley Coman: 6/10
Looked a threat each time he got on the ball and went on to create as many as four chances. However, there were quite a few occasions when he wasted his crosses while shooting was rather poor as well, which eats into his rating.
Thomas Muller: 6.5/10
Not quite at his free-flowing best on the night but that did not stop him from trying. Always looking to drive the team forward, Muller executed some neat link-up play in the final third and was responsible for the opening goal as it was his shot that was saved before Choupo-Moting pounced.
Jamal Musiala: 7.5/10
Jamal Musiala against Bayer 04:
82 Minutes Played
71 Touches
34 Passes
2 Key Passes
1 Succesful Long Ball
6 Succesful Dribbles
12 Duels Won
4 Interceptions
3 TacklesBayerns Best Winger at the Moment ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Fh5UdWEciw
— m i k e y ? (@unprivatermikey) April 20, 2021
Coming on the back of an MOTM performance, the youngster continued in his merry ways, showing why exactly he’s held in such high regard. The game was littered with him exhibiting some slick footwork, easy-on-the-eye movement, combined with sharp exchanges with those around him – with the one with Choupo-Moting leading to saved shot standing out particularly.
Completed the game with impressive numbers of six dribbles (the most), two key passes, four interceptions (highest) and three tackles, showing his all-round contributions.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 7.5/10
Got the ball rolling for Bayern Munich, with a good volleyed effort after Muller’s shot was parried. Had another similar chance later in the first half but sent his effort wide. Did score again in the second half, but had strayed marginally offside. May not be the most fancied player among the fans but adds value to the team as he also managed to complete a game-high five key passes.
Props to Choupo-Moting, proved to be a reliable player ?? pic.twitter.com/3jpSQSqvHt
— LeoulPrince ? (@LeoulPrince7) April 20, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Tanguy Nianzou: 6/10
On for Boateng in the 63rd minute. Fairly solid for his half-hour appearance.
Leroy Sane: 5/10
Brought on for Coman, the ex-Manchester City star wasted a great opportunity to make it 3-0 when he fired over the bar from eight yards out.
Leon Goretzka: 6/10
Came on to replace Muller in the 63rd minute. Made some good runs, got into decent positions. But doesn’t look to be back to full fitness yet.
Bouna Sarr: N/A
Replaced Pavard with less than ten minutes left.
Christopher Scott: N/A
On for Musiala in the 82nd minute.
