After a disappointing draw with Hertha Berlin, Bayern Munich finally managed to return to winning ways by securing a convincing 3-0 win over FC Schalke in Saturday’s topspiel.
The Bundesliga champions dominated the game right from the start, forcing a couple of good saves from Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Nubel. But, in the 20th minute, Jonjoe Kenny, who is on loan from Everton, brought down Kingsley Coman inside the box as the referee awarded a penalty. Robert Lewandowski made no mistake scoring the opener, with the first-half ending 1-0.
The Royal Blues upped the ante in the second half and looked quite dangerous on the counter. But, the lack of final product saw them wasting a lot of good chances. Lewandowski showed his magic once again, scoring from a free-kick from 50 yards before completing his hat-trick in the 75th minute to seal all three points for his side.
Here is how Niko Kovac’s troops fared in their emphatic win at the Veltins Arena this evening.
Manuel Neuer 6
Hardly had anything to do as Schalke mustered only two shots on goal. Did well to anticipate a couple of inaccurate long balls from the opposing defenders. A quiet game for the German.
Benjamin Pavard 7
Returned to the right-back role that he was hugely successful with France in the World Cup last summer. The ex-Stuttgart defender was composed with his passing and didn’t allow Benito Raman to make any difference to the game.
Niklas Sule 7
Remained composed for most of the game but showed signs of vulnerability when Schalke pushed for their first goal of the game in the second half. The German international needs to improve on his anticipation.
Lucas Hernandez 7
A competent performance from the new signing, who made a couple of strong challenges and was sublime in the air. A good debut display from the Frenchman.
David Alaba 8
An extraordinary performance from Alaba, who provided extensive attacking support from the left flank. The Austrian international linked up well with his teammates in the final third and made a host of runs in behind the defence.
Thomas Muller 7
Not the most eventful match for the attacker, though he did deliver some useful balls into the final third. Made way for Philippe Coutinho around the hour mark.
Joshua Kimmich 8
Showed precisely why he is one of the most useful players in football by deputising for Thiago Alcantara in central midfield. The German international controlled things well in midfield and hardly put a foot wrong when it came to ball distribution.
Corentin Tolisso 7.5
Not as effective as Kimmich but moved forward whenever he had the chance and made himself a passing option in the final third.
Serge Gnabry 7.5
Tried to initiate scoring opportunities and looked extremely dangerous on the break. However, it wasn’t perhaps the best of evenings for the ex-Arsenal star, who was often isolated on the flanks.
Robert Lewandowski 10
Yet another all-round performance from Lewandowski, whose hat-trick means he has now scored five goals in just two matches. The 31-year-old converted a penalty, scored from a free-kick, took part in the build-up and showed excellent hold-up play – making him the best performer of the GW 2 so far.
Kingsley Coman 8.5
Looked more effective than Gnabry on the far side. However, the Frenchman received a lot of attention, although he did end up assisting Lewandowski’s third goal with an incisive cross from the right flank.
SUBSTITUTES
Philippe Coutinho 8
Made his highly anticipated Bundesliga debut, when he replaced Muller in the 57th minute. The Brazilian looked incredibly neat and tidy on the ball and completed some eye-catching dribbles. Already looks like a stunning addition to the Bayern attack.
Ivan Perisic 7.5
Made his return to the Bundesliga, coming on for Gnabry around the hour mark. Tried to cut inside from the left-hand channel and combined well with Coutinho on the far side.
Javi Martinez N/A
A late replacement for Hernandez.
