Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs Union Berlin: 8/10 for De Ligt, Upamecano struggles to a 3/10

Union Berlin star Frederick Ronnow channelled his inner Yan Sommer to leave Bayern Munich frustrated for a second straight Bundesliga tie.

The Bavarians have held the upper hand in this rivalry and showcased just why by putting their opponents on the back foot. Die Roten did not just enjoy the lion’s share of the possession but also had 21 attempts on goal, of which six were on target. Despite playing at home, Berlin were keen to defend deep and put in a solid rearguard action to stymie the visitors’ stacked attacking lineup.

If Yan Sommer proved to be an insurmountable opponent last time out, Bayern were given a sense of deja vu with Frederick R0nnow playing his heart out in the Berlin goal. The 30-year-old was beaten once on the night but otherwise left Bayern frustrated. His last-minute save from Sadio Mane, in particular, will have annoyed the defending champions to no end.

Despite starting on the front foot, Bayern found themselves a goal behind in the 13th minute when Sheraldo Becker volleyed in Christopher Trimmel’s cross past Manuel Neuer. A stunned Bayern responded in kind and were soon level courtesy of Joshua Kimmich.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side carved out several opportunities, but it was just not their day. Berlin rode their luck at times and their excellent defence and goalkeeper came up trumps when needed. Given how both sets of players gave it their all, a draw is a fair result.

The Hard Tackle looks at how the Bayern players fared on the night.

Manuel Neuer: 7/10

The German veteran could do little to keep out Becker’s early opener. He had little o do otherwise, and the game was largely played in the Berlin half of the pitch. Neuer remained alert and rose to the challenge to deny Jamie Leweling in the 75th minute. Given how Rannow was playing on the night, the German veteran might have just saved Bayern a point.

Alphonso Davies: 6/10

The Canadian enjoyed attacking down the left and was involved in a largely one-way battle against Trimmel. His end product was, however, lacking, and the forward forays did not pay off as expected. He made way for Leon Goretzka late in the second half.

Matthijs De Ligt: 8/10

The Dutchman was the standout defender for Die Roten on the night and appears to have settled well into life in Germany. He was called into action on several occasions as Berlin gave Dayot Upamecano the runaround. Thankfully De Ligt was at hand to respond and act decisively.

Dayot Upamecano: 3/10

If he continues to put in this kind of performance, the Frenchman will have little joy in getting the nod over Lucas Hernandez in the Bayern starting XI. He was the obvious weak link in the visitors’ defence, and his erratic passing only added to Bayern’s frustrations.

Benjamin Pavard: 6/10

The French ace was given the license to attack, and duly took it. He worked hard and made several moves upfield. Despite his best efforts, Pavard lacked the killer instinct on the night, and it showed.

Marcel Sabitzer: 7/10

The Austrian star was a dominant presence in the middle of the park and linked up well with those around him. Sabitzer did not just recycle the ball well but also made use of his passing ability to carve out openings. Bayern won the battle in midfield but were unable to find a way past Ronnow for a second time on the night.

Joshua Kimmich: 7/10

The German international was Bayern’s saviour on the night and caused the Berlin midfield and defence several problems. It took some inspired goalkeeping and resolute defending to keep the Bayern star quiet in the second half.

Leroy Sane: 5/10

The former Manchester City star failed to take advantage of the opportunity and was lacklustre on the night. He also failed to beat Ronnow just before the break, squandering a massive opportunity that could have settled the game for good.

Jamal Musiala: 7/10

The youngster only recently returned from an adductor injury but did not appear to have been away. His vision and game intelligence belies the tender age, and a bright future lies ahead of the Bayern star. Musiala was involved in several excellent moves, but it ultimately fell short.

Kingsley Coman: 7/10

He was the pick of Bayern’s attackers on the night, and his direct running caused Berlin several problems. However, just like his teammates, Coman lacked the killer instinct on the night and failed to make the most of his opportunities.

Sadio Mane: 5/10

It was probably the former Liverpool star’s quietest night out in a Bayern jersey. He was expertly manned out of the game and had little say in the proceedings. Mane had a golden chance to steal all three points late on, but Ronnow once again made it clear that it was not Die Roten’s night.

Substitutes

Ryan Gravenberch: 6/10

He replaced Kimmich after the hour mark and immediately got himself into the referee’s book for a tackle on Julian Ryerson. While the Dutchman was assured in possession, he failed to show anything akin to forcing open the resolute Berlin wall.

Thomas Muller: 6/10

The veteran replaced Musiala in the second half as Nagelsmann rang in the changes. While Muller did effect a change in intensity, his luck did not shine bright enough for the tie to swing Bayern’s way.

Serge Gnabry: 5/10

The German international has failed to find the back of the net against Berlin, and that run continues. He came on for Coman but failed to match the Frenchman’s intensity and direct threat.

Leon Goretzka: 6/10

A much-awaited return from injury for the German star who was unable to provide an impetus to Bayern’s drive for a winner.