Bayern Munich returned to winning ways away from home in the Bundesliga with a 2-0 win away to TSG Hoffenheim
German giants Bayern Munich returned to winning ways on the road with a 2-0 win over TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday night.
Die Roten started the game slowly but improved as it went on. Jamal Musiala turned the tide in the 17th minute with a well-taken finish to fire the visitors into the lead. Hoffenheim to their credit fought hard but could not find a way past Sven Ulreich.
Oliver Baumann was equally impressive in the other goal and made several saves in the first half to keep the scoreline respectable. Eric Choupo-Moting continued his fine run of form to score Bayern’s second in the 38th minute.
44 – After 44 Bundesliga games as FC Bayern coach, Julian #Nagelsmann has exactly the same record as Niko #Kovac, who was in charge for the Bavarians for exactly 44 Bundesliga games (each with 29 wins, 9 draws, 6 defeats). Memories. #TSGFCB pic.twitter.com/PgqAZTmd6q
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 21, 2022
The second goal proved decisive and brought about a swagger to Bayern’s gameplay. Both sides failed to keep up the same pace post-half-time and were largely passive. This worked in Bayern’s favour as they comfortably saw out a much-needed away win.
The Hard Tackle looks at how the Bayern Munich players fared on the night.
Sven Ulreich: 8/10
The Bayern backup goalkeeper was an excellent stand-in for Manuel Neuer and proved to be a reliable last line of defence. He made several smart saves on the night and looked assured whenever tested. The save in particular from Georginio Rutter in the 40th minute was sensational. Ulreich is unfortunate that Neuer’s return will consign him once more unto the bench.
Benjamin Pavard: 7/10
The Frenchman was solid if unspectacular on the night. He defended well and also got forward whenever possible. Pavard held his own and looked comfortable when pressed.
Dayot Upamecano: 7/10
The French star largely impressed at the heart of the defence and arguably was Bayern’s best central defender on the night. There were more pros than cons as he continues to improve in a Bayern shirt. Upamecano earned himself a needless yellow card with a silly tackle early in the second half.
Matthijs De Ligt: 7/10
The Dutchman continues his consistent run of form since arriving at the Allianz Arena and served more of the same on the night. He did not put a foot wrong on the night and kept things simple when needed.
Heading home with three points in the bag! 🔴⚪️ #FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/7M1fOnJhPe
— Matthijs de Ligt (@mdeligt_04) October 22, 2022
Alphonso Davies: 7/10
The Bayern left-back is a sight to watch when in full flow and gets forward regularly on the night. He was defensively solid and used his pace to great effect. Davies will have sterner tests this season but he did not put a target on his back at the PreZero Arena.
Joshua Kimmich: 7/10
The German international linked up well with Leon Goretzka and kept things flowing in the middle of the park. He was calm in possession and kept the ball ticking. Kimmich was also solid defensively and broke up Hoffenheim’s counters. He also earned himself a yellow card for a challenge on Christoph Baumgartner.
Leon Goretzka: 7/10
The midfielder was the standout presence in the middle of the park and was good both going forward and as part of the double anchor. He also earned himself an assist in a performance that has been his best since his return from injury. With games coming thick and fast, Julian Nagelsmann will be glad to have his German ace firing on all cylinders.
Kingsley Coman: 6/10
Coman lasted 60minutes but never quite got going. Having just returned from an injury layoff, the time on the field will have accelerated the Frenchman’s match fitness. He was replaced by Sadio Mane after the hour mark.
Jamal Musiala: 8/10
9 – With 9 goals in 16 games in all competitions this season, Jamal #Musiala has already topped his record from last season (8 in 40 games). No other teenager in the top-5-leagues has scored as many goals this season as Musiala. Wonderkid. #TSGFCB pic.twitter.com/UGcTD2eleG
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 22, 2022
The youngster continues to make a case as to why future Bayern and German teams should be built around him. He took his goal well and was a constant menace to the Hoffenheim defence. The sky is the limit for the 19-year-old.
Serge Gnabry: 7/10
The winger has struggled for form and game time this season. He, however, impressed on the night and caused Hoffenheim problems with his runs. Gnabry also earned himself an assist and can use the performance as a springboard to stake a claim for a regular spot in the playing XI.
Eric Choupo-Moting: 8/10
The striker grabbed a couple of goals midweek against Augsburg and was on the scoresheet once again on the night. His good run of form will give Julian Nagelsmann an alternative to the inconsistent Sadio Mane. Choupo-Moting isn’t just good on the ball but his hold-up play, in particular, was excellent. His ability to lead the line while not compromising on his finishing ability is a powerful combo.
Serge Gnabry on Choupo-Moting's form: "It's the hair. Since he dyed his hair, things have been going well for him (laughs)" [@kerry_hau] pic.twitter.com/6jcIqZK0SQ
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 22, 2022
Substitutes
Sadio Mane: 6/10
He replaced Coman after the hour mark but never quite got into the game. With the game all but settled, the Senegalese ace had no reason to go the extra mile.
Marcel Sabitzer: 6/10
He replaced the excellent Goretzka and did what was expected of him in midfield.
Mathys Tel: 6/10
He replaced the outstanding Choupo-Moting and made a couple of promising runs into space.
Noussair Mazraoui: NA
He was a late replacement for Gnabry as Bayern prepared to see out the game.