Bayern Munich strolled through to the semi-finals of the DFB Cup after completely sweeping aside Schalke 3-0 at the Allianz Arena. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace, while Thiago’s jumping header caused enough damage for the visiting side. They are through to the semi-finals and will await the winner of BVB vs Lotte, which was postponed to 14th March because of bad weather conditions.
Here’s how the Bayern players were rated in their win versus Schalke last night.
Manuel Neuer(7.5/10):
Lahm’s absence meant Neuer was the stand-in skipper for the Bavarians last night. Didn’t have much to do in goal. Although he made one or two decent saves.
Rafinha(7.5/10):
Replacing Philip Lahm as the right back, the Brazilian fared well with Arjen Robben on the flanks. His work ethic kept the opposing Schalke wing backs at bay most of the times. Also whipped a few crosses into the box, when given opportunities.
Javi Martinez(7.5/10):
Calm and composed as ever, Martinez was solid at the back for Bayern. Tried to romp on the midfield at times, because of Bayern’s utter dominance over the visitors.
Mats Hummels(8/10):
The solidity of Mats Hummels and Javi Martinez was the main reason of Burgstaller’s indecency, (the newcomer managed only seven passes in 79 minutes!). Hummels was also compelling in Bayern’s build-up play.
David Alaba(8.5/10):
Followed his weekend form with a blazing performance against the Royal Blues. The Austrian midfielder had a chock-full of space on the left flank. Roamed forward with supremacy, putting in a range of crosses for the attackers.
Xabi Alonso(8/10):
Another impressive performance from the former Spanish international. Alonso provided assurance in Bayern’s possession game, and he was also well complimented by Arturo Vidal in midfield.
Arturo Vidal(8.5/10):
He was a monster in midfield and combined inexplicably well with Xabi Alonso, which resulted in full Bayern dominance in midfield, as the opposition players were given so little time to stamp their mark on the game.
Thiago Alcantara(9/10):
Roamed freely in the Schalke half space, creating chances for his team. Linked up well with the likes of Lewandowski and Ribery, ultimately, scoring a well-deserved goal, as he headed in Lewandowski’s looping delivery.
Arjen Robben(8.5/10):
Caused a lot of trouble on the right flank. Schalke left back Sead Kolasinac, reportedly linked with a move to Bayern, certainly had a tough time keeping out the thread of the Dutchman. Ultimately, Robben’s pace and trickery proved too much for the Bosnian.
Franck Ribery(9.5/10):
Arguably the best performer last night, Ribery had a part to play in all three of Bayern’s goals. The Frenchman notched up two assists to his name, one coming from a delicious through ball in for Lewandowski for the opener. Clearly deserved a goal for himself.
Robert Lewandowski(9.5/10):
Once again, he lead the Bayern line brilliantly! The Polish striker was a handful for the Schalke defence throughout the game as he scored two great goals last night. The former Dortmund hitman takes his tally to 30 overall this season, whilst leading the DFB Cup top scorer charts with five goals.
