Robert Lewandowski produced yet another stunning goal as Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich sealed their place at the top of Group E in the UEFA Champions League with a narrow 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kyiv. The three points helped them maintain their hundred percent record in the competition and gain some vital confidence ahead of a crucial league encounter against Arminia Bielefeld on the weekend.
Coming on the back of a shock 2-1 defeat to FC Augsburg and facing off the pitch problems surrounding the vaccination status of a few of the star players, Bayern Munich understandably weren’t at their very best and looked rather nervous at certain points in the game. However, a phenomenal overhead kick from Robert Lewandowski helped them secure an early breakthrough.
The goal was vital in helping the Bavarians stay on top of the game, despite failing to create too many goalscoring opportunities. They were even handed the second goal just before half-time, with Kingsley Coman finding the target.
However, the visitors were far from impressive in the second half, as Dynamo Kyiv pushed forward in a bid to claw their way back into the game. They succeeded in the 70th minute, with Denys Garmash beating Manuel Neuer in goal. But the hosts simply weren’t clinical enough to take full advantage of their opportunities, ultimately falling to another defeat.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rank the Bayern Munich players in their narrow victory over Dynamo Kyiv this midweek.
Manuel Neuer: 5/10
It was a shoddy performance from Manuel Neuer, who looked nervy and had issues with his ball-handling and clearances. He scuffed the ball multiple times throughout the course of the game and was rather easily beaten by Garmash in the second half. Not the most polished performance from the Bayern Munich legend.
Manuel Neuer completely missed the ball ?
(via @CBSSportsGolazo) pic.twitter.com/CW05g27vG5
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 23, 2021
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
Benjamin Pavard didn’t have a great night in the Bayern Munich backline despite the win. He was often a weak link in the defence, struggling to cope with the opposition attackers when they were piling forward. His lack of form can be concerning for coach Julian Nagelsmann, especially at a time when he does not have many alternatives.
Tanguy Nianzou: 7/10
Tanguy Nianzou gave a good account of himself in this rare start for Bayern Munich. He looked confident at the back and excelled, especially in one-on-one situations. Unfortunately, the youngster picked up a late knock, and he will be hoping that it isn’t too serious, having had issues with injuries throughout his early career so far.
Lucas Hernandez: 6.5/10
Lucas Hernandez had a decent game at the heart of the Bayern Munich backline. But Nagelsmann took no risks with the Frenchman, subbing him off at half-time, as he looks to keep him fresh for the upcoming games against Arminia Bielefeld and Borussia Dortmund.
Alphonso Davies: 6.5/10
Returning to the side at the expense of Omar Richards, Alphonso Davies restored that dynamic presence on the far side of the Bayern Munich defence. His constant support out wide was pivotal in helping the Bavarians retain their dominance in the proceedings. However, the Canadian may also have been slightly culpable for not picking up Garmash out wide, as he was caught out far forward.
Leon Goretzka: 7.5/10
Leon Goretzka produced a solid shift in central midfield. His leadership and aggression were vital for Bayern in the absence of Joshua Kimmich. From a sporting perspective, the former Schalke prodigy used his box-to-box qualities to make life difficult for the Dynamo midfielders while also notably making a goal-saving tackle to deny the opposition a late equaliser.
That’s the kind of scene that makes me appreciate Goretzka so much. Final minutes of a cold, snowy away game in a competition you’ve already progressed in and he pushes to make that tackle to keep Bayern ahead. Big fan.
— Jonathan Harding (@JonBloggs66) November 23, 2021
Corentin Tolisso: 6.5/10
Starting ahead of Marcel Sabitzer, Corentin Tolisso had a decent game in the middle of the park. He offered creativity whenever it was required, excelling especially with his forward balls. Unfortunately, his influence faded as the game progressed.
Kingsley Coman: 7/10
Kingsley Coman offered the pace and trickery out wide, notably scoring the crucial second goal just before half-time. He was a useful attacking outlet for Bayern Munich, especially in the absence of Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala.
Thomas Muller: 7/10
Thomas Muller made an impression once again with his intelligence and positional sense in the final third. His ability to distract the opposition defenders is such an asset for Bayern Munich, although the German did have a rather quiet second half.
Leroy Sane: 6/10
It was yet another quiet display from Leroy Sane, considering the lofty standards he had set for himself earlier in the season. The former Manchester City winger looked lively when on the ball but simply wasn’t involved enough to truly make a difference in the final third.
Robert Lewandowski: 8/10
Robert Lewandowski once again showcased his quality to the world by scoring an outrageous goal in the 14th minute. The Pole remains the top scorer in the competition this season and continues on his merry ways of scoring goals for fun. He did have a quiet second half, but the goal truly served as a statement ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony next week.
Lewandowski could definitely do it on a cold, windy night in Stoke… ??pic.twitter.com/UZ6vbdmfkf
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 23, 2021
Substitutes
Bouna Sarr: 6/10
Bouna Sarr didn’t look all that bad after coming on for Lucas at the start of the second half. The Frenchman operated at right-back, and although he didn’t exactly keep things tidy, it was enough to help Bayern see out the slender lead.
Marc Roca: 6/10
Marc Roca made his first appearance this season by coming on for Coman in the second half. Didn’t make a noticeable impression but certainly deserves more chances in the senior team.
Malik Tilman: N/A
A late replacement for Nianzou. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Omar Richards: N/A
A late replacement for Sane Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
