Manuel Neuer
Has played 296 times with Robert Lewandowski in his career but his position has always kept him far from the goalscorer’s natural territory. Now had the opportunity for close-up observations, but was apparently so fascinated by it that he passed the ball to his former colleague. Parried well against Pedri and from close range against Lewandowski – and kept Munich in the game.
Benjamin Pavard
Was rested against VfB Stuttgart, a loss of quality on the right side of defense was quite noticeable. All the more annoying for FC Bayern that Marcos Alonso put Pavard out of action with a body check after six minutes. Had to be replaced.
Dayot Upamecano
Was preferred to Matthijs de Ligt, probably mainly because he already knows a key player in FC Barcelona’s offensive from various training sessions on Säbener Straße. Still, like every central defender in the world, he had his difficulties with Lewandowski, but became much more confident in the second half and won a lot of balls. Nagelsmann’s decision for him paid off.
Lucas Hernandez
Has already met a large number of world-class forwards in his career, which did not prevent him from becoming world champion and champions league winner. Appeared more stable defensively than his neighbor Upamecano and emphasized his status as a defender. Apparently he also learned a few things from the best strikers in the world: put Bayern ahead after a corner in the 50th minute with a perfect header. Injured himself seconds before the final whistle without any opponent impact, the only bad news for FC Bayern that evening.
Alphonso Davies
At FC Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé is a player who has a Usain Bolt-like approach to FC Bayern’s full-back. On the right side, however, Raphinha played at Barça, not a world record sprinter, which is why Davies spent much of the first half on the offensive. When Dembélé did drop by, Davies almost owed a penalty – which is why he made the second half much more conservative.
Joshua Kimmich
Head of midfield at Bayern Munich, whose black eye continues to give that little bit of extra seriousness in his eyes. Had a lot of duels, but was surrounded by numerous Barça players and was therefore not as effective offensively as in other games. Was much easier in the second half with Leon Goretzka on the double six, even if you shouldn’t misunderstand that as late revenge on Marcel Sabitzer, who had given him the black eye in the previous week.
Marcel Sabitzer
Was preferred to Goretzka in a Champions League game which would have been so sensational last season it would have sent breaking news. However, he has now made a name for himself as Kimmich’s sidekick, who takes on the defensive duties – only this time too much went wrong to continue to be compared to the legendary clearer “Katsche” Schwarzenbeck. Lost the ball several times in his own half, saw yellow and was logically substituted at halftime.
Jamal Musiala
A lot was said before the game about the new Barça, with all the new wingers, forwards and defenders. Musiala, on the other hand, got to know good old Barça in the person of Sergio Busquets. However, enjoyed the advantages of youth and took the liberty to play opponents of all ages and formats. The best, because the most creative player on a Bayern offensive, who found hardly any gaps in the first half – and then got significantly better because of Musiala.
Thomas Müller
It’s one thing for old acquaintances to get in touch for a birthday. The fact that they then also wear FC Barcelona jerseys is another. Müller, who turned 33 on Tuesday, unlike his team-mate Musiala, no longer has the advantages of youth on his side, which was noticeable against Barcelona from time to time. Since this season, Thomas Müller no longer has the congenial strike partner Lewandowski at his side, which is also noticeable from time to time. Neither can be changed, but as long as it is 2-0 to FC Bayern after 90 minutes on his birthday, Müller is unlikely to be in a bad mood.
Sadio Mane
It was to be expected that Liverpool FC would not score quite as many goals as its predecessor when Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic proudly brought him from the Premier League to the Bundesliga. That Mané would hardly play a role in the most important game of the season so far, but probably not. Mané looked unlucky in his dribbling and only appeared when he accidentally blocked a shot from Müller. Was substituted for Serge Gnabry after 69 minutes.
Leroy Sane
A week ago he was the sole goalscorer against Inter Milan in a game in which he showed all the qualities he had. This time, for a half-time, he was more reminiscent of Sané, who often appeared in Munich, who remained below his potential – until he switched back to world-class mode with a sprint to make it 2-0. In these moments indispensable for FC Bayern.
Noussair Mazraoui
Probably heard some Lewandowski stories from his teammates in the past few weeks. There was not much to suggest that he would come into contact with the Pole – until Pavard was injured early on. Despite a cold start, Mazraoui played well, defended confidently and was always effective on offense. Bonus: Now also has a Lewandowski story to tell that also has a happy ending.
Leon Goretzka
Apparently he was a bit angry about his reservist status and doesn’t want to play 90 minutes in the Bundesliga any longer. Made some arguments against Barcelona: His substitution at half-time was a major factor in the game tipping in Munich’s favour.
More substitutes
Serge Gnabry (centre).
(Photo: Kerstin Joensson/AFP)
Serge Gnabry could not clearly distinguish himself against Sadio Mané, Mathy’s phone and Ryan Gravenberch were allowed to collect Champions League playing time, which indicated that Bayern were sure that they would no longer be in trouble.