A masterclass from Robert Lewandowski ensured Bayern Munich came out on top against Benfica to secure their passage to the Champions League Round of 16.
Robert Lewandowski was once again the hero as Bayern Munich put Benfica to the sword in their UEFA Champions League fixture at the Allianz Arena. The win secures the Bundesliga champions’ passage to the round of 16.
One of the few sides in the competition with a 100 per cent record this season, Bayern got off to an excellent start as Lewandowski put them ahead in the 26th minute. Serge Gnabry found the back of the net in the 32nd minute to give the home side a two-goal cushion.
Morato pulled one back for the visitors but Leroy Sane and Lewandowski scored again to ensure Bayern held a healthy lead. Darwin Nunez pulled another back for Benfica before Lewandowski grabbed his third of the night, ensuring all three points for his side.
A dominant performance by the Bundesliga champions has seen them become one of the first teams to qualify for the next round. As long as Lewandowski & co. keep the same level of performances, the German champions could go all the way in the competition. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how Bayern’s stars performed on the night.
6 – Bayern München have won the first four games of a Champions-League-season for the sixth time (and for the third time in a row), more than any other club. Perfect. #FCBSLB pic.twitter.com/yIfCz98EMk
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) November 2, 2021
Manuel Neuer: 7/10
The veteran goalkeeper had little chance of saving Benfica’s opener. However, he should have done better for their second goal. Overall, it was a comfortable performance for the German veteran who grabbed himself an excellent assist for Lewandowski’s third goal of the night.
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
The Frenchman was arguably Bayern’s least impressive player at the back on the night. He made a number of darting runs forward from the right-back position but lacked that killer edge to make the difference.
Dayot Upamecano: 7/10
Upamecano showed off his physicality well and held his own for most of the game. However, he should have read the danger better in the build-up to Benfica’s goals. Overall a rather fine display.
Tanguy Nianzou: 7/10
The 19-year-old made his Champions League debut on the night and was the more impressive of the Bayern centre-backs. He did not look out of place on the field and showed composure on the ball. Add to it his no-nonsense approach and aerial prowess and he could be a major player for the Bavarian outfit in the years to come.
Alphonso Davies: 8/10
The birthday boy had a performance to remember as he made several key actions throughout the match. Davies also provided the assist for Sane’s early second-half strike that restored Bayern’s two-goal cushion.
Joshua Kimmich: 9/10
A standout player on the night, the German not only anchored the midfield with ease but also functioned well as a deep-lying playmaker. Kimmich ran the show and had a key role to play in three of Bayern’s five goals on the night. His only drawback on the night was not getting on the scoresheet but then that would be fishing for reasons.
Joshua Kimmich #FCBSLB pic.twitter.com/Jdvk8pL8vo
— Football HQ (@iPicHQs) November 3, 2021
Leon Goretzka: 7/10
A dogged performance in midfield by the German international. Goretzka was everywhere on the night and even won his side a penalty that Lewandowski was unable to convert.
Serge Gnabry: 7/10
Gnabry was a difficult man for Benfica to handle and kept making dangerous runs into the box. His pace is a major asset and he used it to good effect. Also helped link-up play forward up the pitch and grabbed the Bavarians’ second goal of the night.
Kingsley Coman: 8/10
The Frenchman used his pace, footwork and directness to great effect. A stellar performance on the night was capped off by an assist for Lewandowski’s opener, which set the tone for what was to follow.
Robert Lewandowski: 9/10
Playing in his 100th Champions League game, Lewandowski showcased why he is considered to be amongst the greatest strikers in world football today. Scored a well-taken hat-trick with minimal effort and looked threatening all night. Would have been a near-flawless performance had it not been for a missed penalty.
⭐ ??ℕ ?? ?ℍ? ???ℂℍ ⭐ @lewy_official #FCBSLB #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/tL8eWlbt9g
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) November 2, 2021
Leroy Sane: 7/10
The German winger was an overwhelming force on the flank and showed good movement and work rate. He also displayed his awareness and made a number of darting runs that caused Benfica trouble. Scored Bayern’s third of the night to restore their two-goal cushion.
SUBSTITUTES
Jamal Musiala: 7/10
A 64th minute substitute for Coman, Musiala filled the void left by the Frenchman with ease. He did well in helping build-up play and linked well with both Kimmich and Gnabry to cause Benfica problems.
Omar Richards: 7/10
A shrewd move by Julian Nagelsmann to add more pace in defence. The 23-year-old Englishman looked impressive on the night and did just what was expected of him.
Thomas Muller: 7/10
Muller replaced Sane in the second half and continued from where his compatriot had left off. The German playmaker linked up well with the attackers and helped Bayern fashion numerous chances.
Marcel Sabitzer: 7/10
Sarr offered solidity at both ends of the pitch. The Austrian impressed going forward, making a number of good passes and was solid defensively, helping dent Benfica’s hopes of a consolation.
Bouna Sarr: N/A
Sarr had little to no time to make an impact.
