Robert Lewandowski equalled another Gerd Muller record as Bayern Munich swept aside Union Berlin 4-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points after securing a thumping 4-0 victory over Union Berlin. They will be hoping for Borussia Dortmund to drop points against 1.FC Koln on Sunday, a result that could more or less help the Bavarians move one step closer towards securing the league title.
Heading into this game on the back of back to back league draws with Bayer Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich were looking for a strong response. They found it through an exceptional first-half performance that saw Kingsley Coman, Tanguy Nianzou, and Robert Lewandowski register their names on the scoresheet.
Union Berlin had some great opportunities to score, but they were unable to make the most of it. And after conceding three goals in the first half, it was all about limiting the losses for Urs Fischer’s side in the second half as they approached the game with a more defensive mindset.
Despite conceding an early goal from Lewandowski, Die Eisernen somehow managed to keep it together for the remainder of the proceedings, with Bayern being able to score only four goals.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their resounding 4-0 victory over Union Berlin this weekend.
Manuel Neuer: 7/10
Manuel Neuer made a vital save to deny Robin Knoche an early equaliser. He was always alert to the danger and responded well whenever he was called upon. Didn’t have a whole lot to do, but his reliable presence in between the sticks can always be a bonus for Bayern Munich.
Welcome to another episode of “how did Neuer end up here” pic.twitter.com/WWKrIBE8IB
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) March 19, 2022
Josip Stanisic: 7/10
Replacing Benjamin Pavard at right-back, Josip Stanisic didn’t perform badly at right-back. He held back from making any offensive forays down the flank, but it amounted to very little to no defensive errors. His composure helped Bayern Munich keep a clean sheet.
Tanguy Nianzou: 7/10
Tanguy Nianzou bagged his first Bundesliga goal when he latched on to a corner from Joshua Kimmich. Apart from the goal, the youngster made a solid impression in defence, though he did struggle to deal with the pace of the Union Berlin attacker at times. He needs to improve in order to become a first-team regular at Bayern.
Dayot Upamecano: 6.5/10
Dayot Upamecano was asked to spearhead the backline in the absence of Niklas Sule. The former RB Leipzig starlet, though, looked troubled right from the start, especially when dealing with the threat of Sheraldo Becker and Taiwo Awoniyi. He had a more stable second half, but the defender is nowhere close to the levels he had shown last season.
Lucas Hernandez: 8/10
Lucas Hernandez was by far the most impressive defensive performer for Bayern Munich in this win over Union Berlin. Operating on the left hand side, the Frenchman was always alert to the danger and defended diligently. He offered decent movement going forward as well, rounding up a perfect evening.
Lucas Hernandez today:
90 minutes played
113 touches
94 passes (91.3% acc.)
1 assist
3 key passes
2 clearances
1 clearance off the line8.0 + Motm on SofaScore ✅
Best CB in the league ? pic.twitter.com/IZgtZrUSIX— Max (@clinicalleroy) March 19, 2022
Joshua Kimmich: 7/10
Joshua Kimmich wasn’t the most influential player on the pitch for FC Bayern. The midfielder lacked the usual vigour about him, which is hardly a surprise as he continues to feature as the lone midfielder in Julian Nagelsmann’s system. Nevertheless, he still bagged an assist for the Nianzou goal with a wonderful cross.
Leroy Sane: 7/10
It wasn’t the usual dominant performance from Leroy Sane. Despite starting on the right, the winger played his natural game by drifting in centrally in an attempt to offer creativity. Although Bayern scored four goals, Sane was not at the top of his game, particularly when it came to beating players and offering that spark going forward.
Jamal Musiala: 8/10
Jamal Musiala was deployed alongside Kimmich in central midfield. But the youngster operated a bit further forward, and the move certainly paid off. The youngster was often the creator-in-chief for FC Bayern, particularly thanks to his immense control in possession and the ability to drift past defenders or wriggle through tight spaces. He is certainly the future of the Bavarian creative unit.
Musiala was absolutely incredible. Hes turning into a machine man. What a gem Jamal is, love him?
— #INDIGO (@ikonicfcb75) March 20, 2022
Thomas Muller: 7.5/10
After a few bad games, Thomas Muller pulled off an impressive display in the attacking third. He made useful and intelligent runs in the attack, thus opening up more space for his teammates. He excelled in one-on-one duels as well, capping off a hard-working display.
Kingsley Coman: 8.5/10
Kingsley Coman was one of the most dangerous players for Bayern Munich, as he dominated the flanks with his pace and trickery. Not to mention, the Frenchman scored the all-important opener – a stunning strike from outside of the box. His return to form could be critical in helping Bayern get over the line during the remainder of the campaign.
Robert Lewandowski: 9/10
Robert Lewandowski was at his usual best against Union. He wasn’t starved of service and linked up brilliantly with his teammates in the final third. His ability to sniff goalscoring opportunities meant it was increasingly difficult for Union to keep a tight watch on him, as he bagged two goals to equal Gerd Muller’s record of scoring 30+ goals in five consecutive seasons.
Lewandowski with another historical record.
30 goals in the 5th consecutive season. Only Gerd Muller did this before.— The Football Index ? ⚽ (@TheFootballInd) March 19, 2022
Substitutes
Marcel Sabitzer:
Marcel Sabitzer was introduced around the hour mark in light of Musiala’s yellow card. He was unimpressive but solid enough to see out the Bayern Munich victory.
Serge Gnabry:
Serge Gnabry made a solid impression after coming on midway through the second half. He was energetic and linked up well with teammates.
Marc Roca:
A late replacement for Sane. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Corentin Tolisso:
A late replacement for Kimmich. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting:
A late replacement for Muller. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
