Match awards from Bayern Munich’s 5-0 Champions League win over FC Viktoria Plzeň

It looks like Bayern Munich are going back to their scoring ways and to the form they had when the season started, or at least it looks that way (I don’t want to jinx it). In the beginning of the game, I honestly couldn’t tell if Bayern was just beasting or if FC Viktoria Plzeň never had a chance in the game. But either way, here’s who stood out.

The Colombian winger was on the left today and although he had a somewhat average game, it was better than many of his teammates. He only managed three shots, none of which were very accurate, but he still managed to score an xG 0.11 and play a decent game.

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Today's game was solid for the Flying Dutchman, with 92% accuracy in passes and a 100% win rate in ground duels. He’s had a good streak lately, and I can see why Bayern was willing to pay that much money for him. His skill and sheer ability were what kept the defense alive today (not that Dayot Upamecano played a bad match), and it was entertaining to see a center-back so involved in the attack.

The 23-year-old was exactly what Bayern was missing at the back, and it’s incredible to see what he’s doing with the chances he’s been given.

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The big man was on point today, there’s no doubt about it. Goretzka is one the few players who can bounce back from injury and make it seem like he never left. He had two assists, fourteen passes in the final third, and three chances. Despite having such a strong offensive game, he still managed six recoveries to protect the defense.

Despite being involved in the attack, the hulking midfielder never allowed the opposition through. This speaks volumes about his ability on pitch. I genuinely do think that the midfield can easily be held strong even without the man himself — Joshua Kimmich.

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Sadio Mané had a great game today, he didn’t have a goal disallowed for being offside, which is amazing given his track record so far. His unfortunate disallowed assist (come back, VAR!) was compensated for by the stupendous ball he angled over the top for Sané to fire past Marian Tvrdon.

Having played the full 90 minutes, it’s easy to see how big of an impact he can have on a game, and if he continues in this form, we could possibly forget about all the stinkers he’s been having lately. Mané was actively trying to create chances as well with an xA of 0.32. This is where Mane belongs, perhaps not in the middle-forward positions Julian Nagelsmann initially put him in. It was a real pleasure to see the Senegalese international playing a good game.

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It is disappointing to not see Jamal Musiala, but it is so satisfying to see Leroy rebound from all the hatred he received after joining Bayern. The man has been proving himself over and over and it’s clear to see why we tried so hard to get him from Manchester City.

Sané had an absolutely phenomenal game today, despite only having played 58 minutes total. With two goals and a 100% successful dribble rate, Sané was unstoppable and I really do think if he had played the full 90 minutes he could easily have scored two more. His ability to just glide past the defense is amazing to watch, and even though he played on the right wing (where he’s maybe not as lethal as he is on the left) he still managed to dominate the final third of the pitch.

Whatever he’s doing, and whatever Nags is doing as well, it’s working. We can only hope that it continues to climb from here.

Are you interested in more analysis of this game? Check out our postgame podcast. You can listen to it below, or on Spotify.

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