Robert Lewandowski’s only goal was not enough as Villarreal secured a 2-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
The UEFA Champions League produced yet another massive upset as Bayern Munich were eliminated at the hands of Villarreal, thanks to a 1-1 draw in the second leg. The Spanish team were heading into this game on the back of a 1-0 win in the first leg, and a draw was enough to help them advance 2-1 on aggregate.
With a win paramount, Bayern Munich were on top throughout the entirety of the game. They dominated possession and produced attacking forays down the final third in an attempt to level the scoreline on aggregate. However, a rather dismal first-half performance saw them create very few chances in the final third, with Robert Lewandowski appearing to be a mere bystander.
In fact, it was Villarreal who were given a couple of opportunities to get in front, but they were unable to make full use of it. They were duly punished as well, with Bayern Munich producing a much better second-half performance. They kept up the intense pressure and were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Lewandowski’s attempt from the edge of the penalty area beat Geronimo Rulli in goal.
Bayern Munich were close to sealing the tie later in the second half, but Thomas Muller missed a couple of glorious goalscoring opportunities. The German’s missed chances did not go unpunished as a quick counter-attack from Villarreal led to a goal from Samuel Chukwueze in the dying embers of the game.
The late goal was enough to seal the tie for Villarreal as there was no time left for the hosts to make a comeback. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bayern Munich players in their disappointing result against the Yellow Submarine this midweek.
Manuel Neuer: 6/10
Manuel Neuer had very little to do all game as Villarreal mustered only one shot on target. Unfortunately for him, that only effort found the back of the net, with the goalkeeper being unable to keep out Chukwueze’s precise attempt on goal. Neuer will be very disappointed with his performances over the two legs.
The way Neuer makes our plays go faster, he's so important even for the attack ?
— Scarlet (@escarlettes_) April 12, 2022
Benjamin Pavard: 6.5/10
Benjamin Pavard looked quite comfortable operating on the right side of the back three. He was assured in possession and kept check of the Villarreal forwards quite well, including the dangerous Arnaut Danjuma.
Dayot Upamecano: 6.5/10
Dayot Upamecano missed an excellent opportunity to score for Bayern Munich, but his effort was off target. Defensively, the centre-back fared well for the most part, aside from the occasional moment of collapse.
Lucas Hernandez: 7/10
Lucas Hernandez was by far the best performing Bayern Munich defender on the night. Operating on the left side of the back three, the Frenchman forayed forward several times, looking dangerous with his ability to link up with players in the final third. Defensively, he denied Villarreal a crucial counter-attacking opportunity and had the beating of Giovani Lo Celso and Juan Foyth for the most part.
JN taking out Lucas Hernández when we need to defend the most ……
— L.Prince ? (@LeroyPrince77) April 12, 2022
Joshua Kimmich: 6.5/10
Joshua Kimmich performed well in the anchoring role in midfield. He distributed possession quite well while using his proficiency from set-pieces to offer dangerous balls into the box. The German international looks much more dominant alongside Leon Goretzka, and this was no exception.
Leon Goretzka: 7/10
Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to deploy Leon Goretzka was worth taking the risk. The former Schalke starlet offered aggression, drive and commitment in the middle of the park, things Bayern were missing in the first leg. He even created a few good opportunities for his team, but he was not helped by the support around him.
Leroy Sane: 6/10
Leroy Sane operated in the awkward right wing-back position. It was not a comfortable game for the German winger at all, as he struggled to get to grips with the new position. That said, the former Manchester City forward did create a couple of great opportunities for Upamecano and Muller.
Thomas Muller: 5/10
Thomas Muller had a terrible outing against the Villarreal. Despite registering the assist for Lewandowski’s goal, the playmaker looked anonymous for a large part of the game. Most importantly, he missed a couple of glaring opportunities to put his team in front in the second half.
You know they call me Tho"Miss" Muller pic.twitter.com/wPvZbBdkxi
— Retaliator (@TheMessiforever) April 13, 2022
Jamal Musiala: 5/10
Jamal Musiala had an underwhelming game for Bayern Munich. He was not able to fully utilise his skill on the ball, while credit should be given to the Villarreal defence as well for offering him very little time and space in the final third.
Kingsley Coman: 7.5/10
Kingsley Coman was the undisputed star performer for Bayern Munich in this match, as predicted in our preview. The explosive winger caused all sorts of problems for the Villarreal backline with his pace, trickery and ability to produce dangerous balls into the box. Unfortunately, he was not helped out by his teammates at all.
Robert Lewandowski: 6.5/10
Robert Lewandowski was completely anonymous during the first half, failing to get himself involved in the proceedings. But he showcased his true self in the second half, notably bagging the opener with a stunning effort from the edge of the penalty area. Unfortunately for the Pole, he was not handed any other goalscoring opportunities on the night.
Albiol on Lewandowski: "Normally, strikers at this level are among the best in Europe and you have to measure yourself at this level. He demanded that I was at my best and very focused for 90 minutes." pic.twitter.com/G0WPmsCEbm
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 12, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Serge Gnabry: N/A
A late replacement for Musiala. Should have been brought on much earlier as he could have impacted the game with his aggression and drive.
Alphonso Davies: N/A
Lost Chukwueze in the build-up to the Villarreal equaliser late in the game, though in his defence, the goal was scored within a minute after his introduction.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: N/A
A late replacement for Muller. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
