Bayern Munich stumbled to a 2-2 draw with VfB Stuttgart with Robert Lewandowski drawing a blank.
Bayern Munich’s winless run continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw by VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena on Sunday. While it was a dead rubber for the hosts, the point means Stuttgart remain alive in the race for Bundesliga survival and a win on the final matchday could ensure top-flight status if Hertha Berlin fall to a defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
In what was a must-win encounter for Stuttgart, they showed incredible zest and aggression in dealing with Bayern Munich. They did not get bogged down by the stature of their opposition and played on the counter expertly while defending admirably.
Stuttgart were rewarded for their efforts when Tiago Tomas opened the scoring in the eighth minute of the game. Their lead didn’t last long as Bayern equalised in the 35th minute, thanks to Serge Gnabry before Thomas Muller produced a moment of brilliance to hand the hosts the advantage just before half-time.
Stuttgart, though, deserve credit for not giving up. They were willing to fight for the team and took the game to the champions by creating a plethora of goalscoring chances and making full use of Bayern’s individual errors. It was not a surprise at all to see the visitors equalise in the 52nd minute, thanks to Sasa Kalajdzic.
The Swabians had the opportunity to kill the tie but Philip Forster, Kalajdzic and Omar Marmoush all missed clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. Bayern Munich looked equally wasteful in front of goal, and here, at the Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Bavarians in their disappointing draw with Stuttgart this weekend.
Manuel Neuer: 6/10
Manuel Neuer wasn’t at his usual best in this hard-fought contest against Stuttgart. There were multiple instances where the Bayern Munich goalkeeper could have come out of his line to nullify scoring opportunities for the opposition. He did make a few saves but a majority of them were tame efforts from the Stuttgart attackers.
Benjamin Pavard: 6/10
Benjamin Pavard started the game well, looking solid on the right hand side of the backline. But he failed to retain his solidity over the course of the ninety minutes and was overwhelmed by the marauding runs of Borna Sosa.
Dayot Upamecano: 5/10
Dayot Upamecano had a poor game at the heart of the Bayern backline. He gave away possession way too cheaply on certain occasions and lacked his usual dominance in duels. He did register the assist for Thomas Muller’s goal just before half-time, though.
Tanguy Nianzou: 4/10
Love him but Nianzou is getting killed by Sasa Kalajdzic today.
Still plenty to learn for the young Frenchman.
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) May 8, 2022
Tanguy Nianzou had a horrid game defensively. He simply couldn’t keep up with Kalajdzic and was culpable for allowing Stuttgart multiple goalscoring opportunities. The youngster needs to improve his game tenfold if he is to become a first-team regular at Bayern following the departure of Niklas Sule this summer.
Alphonso Davies: 6.5/10
Alphonso Davies looked fired up and was quick to tell off Nianzou for his mistakes. He looked extremely dominant in possession and utilised his pace to offer spark going forward. In many ways, he was the only decent performer in the Bayern Munich backline, though the left-back was far from consistent in his actions.
Joshua Kimmich: 6.5/10
Joshua Kimmich had a difficult game in the middle of the park. With Stuttgart fighting fire with fire, it was difficult for the German international to dominate the proceedings. While his set-pieces looked dangerous, Kimmich didn’t have the desired impact on the proceedings, resulting in a lack of dominance from Bayern.
Currently debating with myself whether to be happy that Kimmich looks that worried/sad because he cares or to be worried because he represents the mood within the team that doesn‘t really care. pic.twitter.com/ic0rzcpYm3
— Maxi ?? (@FCB_Maxi_69) May 8, 2022
Leon Goretzka: 5.5/10
Leon Goretzka missed an excellent goalscoring opportunity early on in the proceedings. He wasn’t as useful as Kimmich in possession either and his lack of effectiveness allowed Stuttgart the opportunity to compete with the Bavarians in midfield.
Serge Gnabry: 7/10
Serge Gnabry did his job well, attacking the right flank and trying his best to exploit the space left behind by Sosa. What was particularly impressive about his performance was his willingness to make runs in behind the defence. It was rewarded with the all-important equaliser, though the winger faded in the second half.
Thomas Muller: 6/10
Thomas Muller might have produced a moment of brilliance by scoring the second goal. But overall, it was an underwhelming performance from the playmaker. He looked wasteful in the final third, notably missing a glaring opportunity from close range which hit the bar, while the German also offered very little creative spark in the final third.
This touch and finish by Thomas Muller ?? pic.twitter.com/htQGogcnew
— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) May 8, 2022
Kingsley Coman: 5.5/10
Kingsley Coman had a poor game given his lofty standards. The Frenchman wasn’t able to create too much danger on the left flank with his trickery and crosses. On the flip side, the speedster was handed out a straight red for a late challenge, which was symbolic of his performance on the night.
Robert Lewandowski: 6/10
It was a bad day at the office for Robert Lewandowski. He was defended quite well by Waldemar Anton, with the Pole lacking any clear cut opportunities to score. He worked hard for his team but lacked that support in the final third while his shooting was off the radar as well.
Substitutes
Niklas Sule: 6.5/10
Niklas Sule made his final appearance at the Allianz Arena as a Bayern Munich player. As far as his performance is concerned, the defender tried to keep track of the opponent and looked much better than Nianzou.
Marc Roca: 6/10
Marca Roca didn’t do much after coming on as a substitute in the second half. He tried to control possession and instigate Bayern’s dominance but to no avail.
Corentin Tolisso: 6/10
Corentin Tolisso made his final appearance at the Allianz Arena as well, with the Frenchman set to leave the club at the end of the season and become a free agent.
Marcel Sabitzer: N/A
A late replacement for Muller. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: N/A
A late replacement for Muller. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
