Sven Ulrich
According to the national opinion, a backup goalkeeper “must be there when he is needed”. Where “being there” not only refers to the physical presence, but also requires a kind of referee-like performance: So, if possible, do not attract attention at a good level and make room again after the goalkeeper returns. Sven Ulreich has perfected this “being there” over the years – even if he caused danger himself twice against Pilsen with far too optimistic passes to the opponent at the beginning and after half an hour. Was “there” with his head in the second half when he foreheaded a close-range finish. Blameless for the goals conceded.
Noussair Mazraoui
Already has 30 Champions League games in the certificate, actually a number that is too high to be a substitute right-back. Incidentally, a substitute right-back may attract more attention than a substitute goalkeeper, the position is not quite as systemically relevant and also not occupied by Manuel Neuer. Showed commitment, fought a few heated arguments with opponents on his side and didn’t let the score (0:4) slow him down in his emotion. In his defence, Adam Vlkanova’s arm may not have been accidentally in his face. You can get excited about that. Lost the decisive header duel before conceding the first goal.
Benjamin Pavard
Main right-back and the one Noussair Mazraoui would have to put pressure on. A bit unlucky that there is so much going on at FC Bayern, otherwise you could say more often that Pavard 2022 is the best Pavard since 2018. Has been playing more than properly all season. However, the fact that he allowed his opponent Jan Kliment to make a full turn before conceding the second goal spoiled the impression.
Dayot Upamecano
Same phenomenon as with Pavard. Visibly improved compared to last season. But what you could see against Pilsen at most on a trip to the front reminiscent of the legendary Lucio. Left after 70 minutes – Josip Stanisic took his place.
Josip Stanisic
Probably slept badly after the Dortmund game because it was obvious to almost everyone who enabled Nico Schlotterbeck to find the way to the equalizing cross and who had previously been sent through the skid by Karim Adeyemi. His luck: No Adeyemi and none of the numerous Schlotterbecks play in Pilsen. Before he could even get nervous, it was already 2-0. Still didn’t prevent the flank before the first goal conceded. Central defender in the final minutes. It’s not easy for him right now.
Joshua Kimmich
Shouted at opponents and referees even when the score was 4-0, although it was not entirely clear from the outside what Kimmich was upset about. It could have been the corner ball decision, while Kimmich could have identified a foul in itself. But it could also have been the derogatory gesture and the bump by the two-meter Czech Tomas Chory, who probably accused Kimmich of dishonesty when falling. The second half didn’t exactly calm him down.
Leon Goretzka
Had to justify before the game why he congratulated BVB on the late equalizer. Referred to general decency and could rightly claim that he had done everything on the field to prevent this. Also against Pilsen with a strikingly dynamic appearance – even if you consider the fact that the opponent was only able to resist to a limited extent. Scored two goals himself, prepared one, moved cleverly in midfield and, as so often, gave the Bayern offensive game a component that is missing without Goretzka. Maybe the winner of the past few days. At most Ryan Gravenberch, who would like to show his talent in the position for 90 minutes, should not have been happy about it.
Kingsley Coman
Had a bit of work to do (keyword: yellow-red against Dortmund) and can also count. And if you count the Bayern attacking players, you come up with five candidates for four places. And if one (Jamal Musiala) fails – then you have to take your chance. Maybe that’s why he started a few of his sprints, which he otherwise wouldn’t have risked in a game that was actually decided after 14 minutes. Of course it was much too fast for the Pilsener, that prepared the 2:0.
Sadio Mane
Has also scored 25 Champions League goals in his life and will probably be too polite to call this one against Pilsen one of his easiest. Grabbed the ball, initiated a simple one-two with Leon Goretzka and suddenly found himself alone in front of the opposing goal. Normally, in Europe’s highest competition, you have to do more to score. Still doesn’t work 100% like the Liverpool Mané, whose change of direction also tears apart higher-class defenses. But of course goals help, even if they are easy.
Leroy Sane
A game made for him. Formed the “double lead” with Thomas Müller in a 4-2-2-2 formation, but in reality he ran all over the pitch. And because Pilsen thought it was a good idea not to defend him collectively, but too often one-on-one, he let off steam. Was the artistic Bohème in Bohemia and celebrated his technique with outside instep, lobs and speed dribbling. His best work of the evening: The interface pass before the 2-0 on Kingsley Coman.
Thomas Müller
Disappeared in the dressing room immediately after the 3-0 and because initially no player was substituted for him, the suspicion arose that Müller might have used the comfortable score to go to the room that used to be called double zero. Only when Mathys Tel got up and got ready did it become clear: Müller had obviously hurt himself. Later stated the problem was a “nerve in the old back”. Scored his 53rd Champions League goal earlier – needs three more to overtake Ruud van Nistelrooy in all-time goalscoring list.
substitute
Only five field players sat on the bench, more were not left after various sick reports. And everyone came to their mission – including the mission of the 16-year-old Paul Wanner as a left-back then seemed too daring even in this game. Mathy’s phone and Ryan Gravenberch narrowly missed goals – they hit the crossbar. Marcel Sabitzer and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also collected game minutes.