Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs Hertha Berlin: 9/10 for Choupo-Moting; Neuer, Musiala shine with 8

The Bayern juggernaut moved to the top of the Bundesliga—even if only for 24 hours—with a scrappy 3-2 win over Hertha in Berlin.

Bayern Munich continued their recent dominance in the Bundesliga with a fourth straight win. The latest victory came at Olympiastadion against Hertha Berlin, as a brace from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and another goal for the club’s top scorer Jamal Musiala helped them take all three points back to Munich.

As the scoreline suggests, Die Roten had to work hard for the victory against Hertha Berlin in front of a raucous crowd and an intense atmosphere, and were under the cosh in some periods during the game, with the hosts looking effective on the break.

Despite some early scares here and there, it took just twelve minutes for Bayern to take the lead, as Jamal Musiala put a composed finish past Hertha goalkeeper Christensen after some good work and selflessness displayed by Sadio Mane.

Bayern had the lion’s share of possession and many great openings, but it took nearly half an hour to double the lead. And it was none other than in-form Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who found the left bottom with a real poacher’s finish after a deflected Leon Goretzka attempt. The Cameroonian was celebrating once again seconds later, poking home a third goal for the visitors.

The home side looked well beaten at 3-0 down, but Dodi Lukebakio and Davie Selke pulled two back in what was a chaotic end to the half to bring the game back to life.

Lukebakio, who is the hosts’ top-scorer with seven goals and loves scoring against the Bavarians, smashed a peach of a volley past Manuel Neuer before the German veteran was sent the wrong way from the spot by Davie Selke to make it 3-2.

Four goals in six minutes of action really spiced up the atmosphere in Berlin, and the volume started exploding as the hosts looked to be buzzing around sniffing for a third goal before heading into the interval, but the equaliser never came. On the flip side, Bayern thought they had found the Fantastic Four early in the second half, but the offside flag spotted Alphonso Davies’ early run.

Both sides threw the kitchen sink forward in search of a decisive goal late in the second half. Neither team could hit that sucker punch, as Hertha Berlin were beaten, lifting Bayern ahead of their local rivals Union atop the Bundesliga, with the latter in action against Bayer Leverkusen tomorrow.

Manuel Neuer: 8/10

On his return after successfully recovering from skin cancer, the experienced Neuer was called into action more than expected, or say, he had one of those rare busy evenings in between the sticks for the Bavarian juggernaut. He made some impressive saves as, despite Bayern dominating the stat sheet, Hertha looked to threaten at regular intervals through their physical, pacy forwards.

The German international was sharp off his line to prevent danger and was up to the challenge from Selke’s powerful goal-bound shot. A full-length dive from the German keeper was also required to keep Hertha at bay. Could not have done anything about the two goals conceded.

Noussair Mazraoui: 6/10

Mazraoui played really well in the inverted full-back role to help in the build-up with over 85 touches. The right-back showed excellent vision to jump into challenges and stop Hertha’s buzzing forwards in their tracks. Mazraoui made two interceptions, three tackles, and four clearances. That said, Lukebakio had great joy down his flank and was causing all sorts of problems.

Dayot Upamecano: 6.5/10

Upamecano is undoubtedly one of the world’s best ball-playing centre backs, and his role in Bayern’s build-up play is massive, he has shone in all areas of ball progression, from passing to long passing to carrying to dribbling. 

Having said that, he also has his shortcomings and always looks to be on the edge. He struggled with Hertha’s long balls early on and was in a wrestling battle with Selke, but as soon as he looked to have adapted to the pace of the game and things were under control, he almost let Lukebakio through on goal after the Belgian nipped the ball from him, but luckily the referee blew the whistle for a foul.

Made a desperate last-ditch tackle to deny the Belgian on the break, and the referee adjudged that a fair challenge, but one inch here and there, and that was a straight red for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he could have just outpaced the winger. He was also the subject of a stoppage-time penalty shout after he handled the ball inside the box.

Benjamin Pavard: 6.5/10

After a strong performance against Inter Milan, Pavard build on that with another good outing against Hertha Berlin in a not-so-familiar centre-back role, albeit he was caught committing a silly foul by VAR for the penalty incident.

He led Bayern in clearances with a whopping eight, really mopping up things, and also led in interceptions with two. He was involved in the build-up phase a lot, boasting 98 touches. The Frenchman continues to show good form, which should benefit France as it enters the FIFA Club World Cup.

Alphonso Davies: 7/10

The Canada international had more than a decent outing. He constantly made runs up and down the flanks and made sure Bayern are on the attack most of the time, limiting the threat of Marco Richter and Jonjoe Kenny on the left. Won seven of his nine contested ground duels while completing all five of his attempted dribbles, a match-high.

Taken off with what seemed to be a hamstring injury. A real concern for Bayern going forward, and an even bigger miss for Canada with him now a big doubt for the upcoming 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Joshua Kimmich: 7/10

As alluded to above, it was a chaotic and inconsistent game throughout and wasn’t helped by the fact that Kimmich didn’t have the best of the games, as he was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and lost the ball a match-high 24 times, but he put in a decent enough performance and was even able to make a couple of tackles. The issue is that he is a very attack-oriented, high-tempo midfielder and, at times, struggles on the defensive side of things.

Leon Goretzka: 7/10

 While the rest of the team was dogmatic in attack and left open spaces in back and in the middle of the park, Goretzka covered for them and ran every blade of grass. He was comfortable picking up the ball and recycling it when necessary. He also showed the quality of his passing, with two key passes, one of which one really deserved an assist.

Serge Gnabry: 6/10

Kimmich had a poor day in the office as the German international recorded just one shot recorded, and even that was off-target. That said, it was his cross from Mane’s pass that Hertha tried and failed to clear before Choupo-Moting put it away for 3-0. Otherwise, a couple of more dangerous crosses were cut out by the opposition keeper, while he did well to track back and help Mazraoui out defensively.

Jamal Musiala: 8/10

The sky is really the limit for generational talent Jamal Musiala right now, who was on target yet again for the Bavarians, and his opening goal made him Bayern’s top scorer this season.

He was the visitors’ most lively player on the night, with no player managing more shots than his three, while only Davies attempted more than his five dribbles, although only one was successful, but the positive intent to make things happen was there.

His twinkle-toed feet showcased some magical dribbling and he almost single-handedly tore apart the entire Hertha defensive lines with his run before his deflected shot went just off target, which was nothing short of world-class from the teenage sensation.

Displayed some more sensational build-up, lovely touches, and clever fouls drawn and buzzed around to nip the ball from the opposition. Absolute class, with some magnificent skills on display.

Sadio Mane: 7/10

Mane was one of Bayern’s most active players offensively, as he recorded two shots and two key passes. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but showed unselfish play when he raced into the box before squaring to Musiala, who hammered his shot past Christensen.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 9/10

Player to Watch for in our preview, Choupo-Moting is currently riding on a seriously hot streak, with seven games in a row with a goal. With two quick-fire goals within 90 seconds here, he has now taken his league tally to five goals and two assists in just four league starts.

And it’s not just the goals, some well-taken finishes and wonder goals from both feet are there in his last month’s highlight reel. The Cameroonian international is truly enjoying the best form of his career and seems to get stronger and stronger in his finishing and poaching skills with each passing game. Sensational form. What a redemption arc! Finally out of the shadows of Lewandowski.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Kingsley Coman: 6/10

Coman was not afraid to try and use his pace to cause trouble for the Hertha Berlin backline and earned a fair number of fouls after coming on.

Lucas Hernandez: 7/10

Lucas Hernandez came back from the injury after two months as a substitute around the hour mark and bossed the game immediately, showcasing the physical side of his game. He absolutely halted and nullified the Hertha threats, which were potent prior to his arrival.

Leroy Sane: N/A

Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.

Marcel Sabitzer: N/A

Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.