German Champions Bayern Munich showed the difference in class when they completely wrecked East German opponents Chemnitzer FC 5:0 in their first-round tie in the DFB Pokal. After a rough pre-season, this emphatic win combined with a Supercup victory against Borussia Dortmund will help the Bavarians gain some confidence ahead of their much-anticipated Bundesliga season opener against Bayer Leverkusen. Here are the Bayern Munich player ratings in their comfortable win over their East Germany rivals.
Sven Ulreich(7/10): Stand in keeper, Ulreich almost had nothing to do at all. The large difference in quality meant Bayern were amassing large possession numbers, and Chemnitzer themselves suffered a lot to find the sight of the Bayern goal.
Joshua Kimmich(9/10): The youngster continues to develop as the first choice right back and most importantly, doesn’t feel the pressure of replacing Philipp Lahm. Kimmich combined very well with Kingsley Coman on the right flank, which was actually the focal point of the Bayern attack, for large periods of the game. He provided numerous crosses and linked up well with midfielders.
Niklas Sule(8/10): Showed his cleverness as a defender, when he sensed the opposition’s gameplan of putting long balls behind the Bayern defence. Sule was there to clear out any long balls in his path. He was also a substantial threat from set-pieces thanks to his huge figure.
Mats Hummels(8.5/10): Normally very shaky, Hummels did well to facilitate the build up play from the back. He was very intricate and decisive with his passing, which eventually bettered Bayern’s flow throughout the game. The ex-Dortmund captain made it five, at the dying moments of the game, when he connected a solid header.
Rafinha(7.5/10): Wasn’t as influential as many of his teammates on the day but then again, the Brazilian was playing in an unfamiliar left back position. He was replaced by David Alaba at the latter stages of the game.
Sebastian Rudy(8.5/10): Absolutely faultless as a holding midfielder, Rudy once again proved he can be the perfect replacement of Xabi Alonso. His calm and composed nature of play, offered the Reds a much greater efficiency and steel in their possession based game. His pin-point passes in the final third were also crucial as well as his game reading abilities.
Corentin Tolisso(8.5/10): As Rudy took charge of the defensive midfield, it enabled Tolisso to march in the opposition final third. Linked up inexplicably well to craft Robert Lewandowski’s second of the match. Bayern will hope that the ex-Lyon midfielder can maintain this level of performances.
Kingsley Coman(8.5/10): Completely bombarded the right flank, with the help of Joshua Kimmich. He, at times, looked too quick for the opposition. He also completed a series of takeons. Got rewarded for his efforts, when he applied a very nice finish to score in the second half.
Thomas Muller(8/10): Muller continues to grow in confidence before the start of the season and it seems as if the 27-year-old has broken the curse of last season. The Ramdeuter looked very comfortable operating as a number ten.
Franck Ribery(8.5/10): Chemnitzer wasn’t taking any risks with the Frenchman, as they marked him ever so tightly, especially in the first half. He was given very little space to work with. However, when he was given a little pocket of space in the second half, he made full use of it by supplying a delicious ball to Kingsley Coman for the second goal.
Robert Lewandowski(9/10): Didn’t take much time settling into the new season as the Pole quickly got onto the scoresheet inside the first 20 minutes. He won and scored from the subsequent free kick for the opener. Then, in the second half, Lewandowski bagged a brace, with the easiest of finishes.
Subs
Arjen Robben(7.5/10): Came on for Robert Lewandowski in the final stages of the match. Was involved in one or two attacking moments for his team. But mostly, it was just a fitness run-out before the big clash with Leverkusen next week.
Arturo Vidal(NA): Replaced Sebastian Rudy later in the second half. Provided more solidity to the midfield until the final whistle.
David Alaba(NA): The Austrian International replaced Rafinha in the second half but there wasn’t much left to do for the 25 year old.
