Bayern Munich played like a team that was already out of the Champions League as Benfica stood firm with their back five. It wasn’t until Jamal Musiala got a goal, which sort of redeemed his rather bland performance, and Bayern’s position in the league table. Other players were deserving of shoutouts, but who exactly?
Jersey Swap: Benfica
The Portuguese team defended as a unit and were deadly on the counter. Bayern did just enough to snuff out any threat but at any given moment it looked like Benfica were about to nab a goal. It is worrying that Bayern can’t get past half-decent teams when (on paper) they should be beating these teams with ease.
Der Kaiser: Alphonso Davies
Another member of the defense would be nominated for a different award, and with Davies consistently offering an attacking threat (and drawing a foul that prevented Benfica’s goal, sparing Manuel Neuer’s blushes) he gets the nod here.
Honorable mention: Dayot Upamecano
Der Fußballgott: Joshua Kimmich
Harry Kane played so deep he might as well be in contention for the midfield awards, but because he hasn’t done much, he’s not winning it either (story of his career so far). Kimmich, despite playing deeper than João Palhinha, played a lot of forward passes in this match. Despite him getting bodied off the ball and his corner kicks questionable at best, he’s had a bigger impact than Palhinha who looked like an NPC tonight.
Der Bomber: Leroy Sané
To be honest, Jamal Musiala played poorly apart from his goal. Kane, who was credited with the assist, didn’t do a lot either in this game. It would therefore seem unjust to hand Der Bomber to any of them. Besides, it’s for the attacker with the biggest impact and that is none other than Leroy Sané. Setting up the move for Kane and Musiala to combine and notch the only goal in the game and getting through Benfica’s compact defense with ease compared to his peers, his contributions were bang on.
The 28-year-old German was kept from the starting XI for a while to recover from his niggles and, boy, did he deliver on his return. With Serge Gnabry playing like he’s part of 2015/16 West Brom and Michael Olise being hit or miss, Sané is making a strong case for starting games. Hopefully he can play more than half a season.
Meister of the Match: Kim Min-jae
In a period where Bayern played troubling and had (almost) nothing to offer up front, Kim has stepped up after a tough run of games for him. This game had a Benfica goal written all over it, but the Korean defender stood firm and did not let Os Encarnados through in any shape or form. The 28-year-old defender did enough as Bayern got a goal in a hard-fought battle. Well done from him.
