Manuel Neuer
“At Easter you can say that resurrection would be good,” said his coach Nagelsmann before kick-off. That set the topic. As is well known, one of Neuer’s ancestors held similar views in the Bayern goal (“Eggs, we need eggs”). Was amazed at the treacherous Bielefeld wind, which demanded a lot of follow-up from him against the light. Fished a header from Prietl humorlessly off the line, that’s when it got dicey. Spent the second half in the shadows and thus largely unmolested in two senses – had time to think of good sayings like Oliver Kahn once did.
Benjamin Pavard
A resurrection on the subject of flanks would be good for him in particular. Too often they still sail through the half-court as if they descended from one of his ancestors, the world-famous Frenchman William Sagnol. Interpreted his position on the right very offensively, as if he wanted to take another chance to train on the flanks. However, he never got quite deep and just pushed from beyond the center line. But Pavard’s passion is actually in the center of defense anyway – next season his place should be there.
Dayot Upamecano
Passion, a good keyword for him too. Has one or the other egg laid itself in the nest this season and is sometimes a bit too quiet for a defense chief. On the Alm then not only quiet, but also a bit too leisurely on the move, which resulted in noticeably close running duels with an Austrian named Patrick Wimmer. With the ball at his feet but always an effective space winner. Sometimes it even seemed as if he could burn his leather all the way to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Tanguy Nianzou
Third Frenchman in the back, hence the reference here to what the Easter Bunny actually means in French: lapin de Pâques. Proved he isn’t a wizard in setup and unfortunately a little stiff-necked in some actions. Had a critical period before half-time when he almost sat idly against Okugawa to make it 1-1 (the VAR prevented this) and then knocked out Kunze with his elbow in the aerial duel. It looked extremely awkward, he shouldn’t have complained about red – the man from Bielefeld had to go down in a daze. You could tell that Nianzou is only 19 when he almost burst into tears. He was terribly sorry for that elbow use. Digested the shock in the dressing room at the break and was substituted.
Alphonso Davies
According to reliable knowledge, he is neither French nor the Easter Bunny. Was hopped into misfortune against Villarreal after his late substitution when his offside position error meant Bayern were knocked out. Against Bielefeld with offensive compensation when he made a lot of meters on the left. Is already conspicuously gifted on the island: thanks to its light-footedness, it’s really hard to stop at the front, sometimes crooked at the back. Almost placed a flutter ball in the corner – with the right. Yes, with the right!
Joshua Kimmich
Recently, he was not spared criticism because he was only able to protect the Munich nest in the middle of the field tolerably. This time much less in demand on the defensive, but as master of the chipball in action and as such quite successful, see template for 1-0 and Gnabrys 2-0 – his assists eleven and twelve this season. Fended off a Bielefeld volley pass (rather violent than chip ball!) with his face and shook himself briefly. Fetched yellow because he sensed Prietl – at least that way the nest was not soiled.
Leon Goretzka
His game thrives on physical fitness, on long distances and long strides – and whoever plays like that will also find the exit to Bielefeld, even though this city doesn’t even exist. Carved through the spring sun and had a shot when he centered on Ortega. As always, ventured to the front center, but nothing useful reached him there. Is not yet the over-present Goretzka who rolls everything away, but he needs games like this to regain his physique.
Marcel Sabitzer
Was one for every situation in Leipzig, but Munich is still waiting for his resurrection after he somehow never really found his way into this season. Came up in front of Ortega once, but he couldn’t cross it with a tackle. In midfield with little shine and hardly any actions worth mentioning. When he had the ball, he quickly passed it on – where are those power marches that you used to see from him?
Thomas Müller
Would make a powerful duo with the Easter Bunny. Both like to run suddenly into any gaps or front yards. Enjoyed the excursion to the Alm, where he cheerfully cruised through the fields. Creeped and strolled, was always somewhere, without the one big moment. Could soon extend his contract, as revealed by Oliver Kahn at Easter.
Serge Gnabry
Also likes to run, has anything but rabbit feet and can twirl balls anywhere – if he has the leisure for it. But he had lost that a little recently when he was pondering his future in Munich. He picked up the pace whenever he could, and there was a murmur on the alp. But it was usually only a short murmur, because then he got bogged down. Then got down to business and scored a volley out of nowhere. Do you have to technically manage it first, this Easter greeting on your own behalf. Overall significantly improved shape.
Robert Lewandowski
Warmed up quickly, first hitting the crossbar, then forced Laursen to score a Bielefeld own goal (and passed Musiala the 3-0). Collects success like other people collect chocolate eggs, which also makes him popular in Barcelona. But the Easter Bunny would have to leave sacks full of money there so that they could afford it. In his double pass Sunday sermon, his boss Oliver Kahn wished “that he stays at Bayern Munich for as long as possible”. Lewandowski’s answer is still pending – in any case, there were indications in Bielefeld that he would not be able to repeat his goal mark from the previous season (41) this year.
substitute
Josip Stanisics Action came at half-time when he replaced the unfortunate Nianzou. Had to go into a running duel right behind and ended up face down in the grass. Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane were also allowed to play – and how differently they fared: the former developed into the game-determining man, first tested Ortega with a right-footed shot and then scored to make it 3-0. The latter shuffled around, cementing his slack at the end of this season. Eric Maxim Choupo Moting and a junior named Gabriel Vidovic (Bundesliga debut!) came too.