Bayern Munich overcame their toughest challenge this season facing against Atletico Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s side finally managed to win against an Atletico side, on the back of two consecutive league wins. Robert Lewandowski’s excellent direct free kick was enough for the Reds to sneak a 1:0 victory at the Allianz Arena. Here are the BEST and the WORST Bayern players rated in their game against Atletico Madrid.
Manuel Neuer (8/10): Neuer was very good in goal, made quite a few saves and played his natural game of coming out from his area to mop out any dangerous situations. The German International finally managed to get a deserved clean sheet after a long wait.
Rafinha (7.5/10): Deputised for Philipp Lahm in the right back position. Rafinha covered the spaces well on the far side, and his offensive game was very good as well. Linked up quite well with Arjen Robben on the flanks. His last minute intervention was vital to Bayern’s shutout to Atletico.
Mats Hummels (7.5/10): Hummels had an imposing role at the back. Crucial to the build-up and calm in possession, the former Dortmund defender also hooked away a couple of chances in the second half.
David Alaba (7.5/10): The Austria left-back started as a centre back against Atletico, which proved out to be a great decision by Carlo Ancelotti. His pace was important in stopping the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro not being able to run in behind the defence.
Juan Bernat (7.5): Again, a solid performance from the Spanish fullback. Bernat seems to be a great backup for Carlo Ancelotti, as he was so dangerous in the left flank. Spent most of his time in and around the Atletico half and his runs behind the defence, did unsettle the Atletico defence at times.
Arturo Vidal (9/10): Back in the side, after an injury layoff, the Chilean turned out to one of the best players on the night. His work in midfield was key to Bayern’s dominance throughout the game. Always rolled the ball and made as many as seven interceptions in midfield.
Renato Sanches (7.5/10): Used the advantage of having Vidal alongside him quite well as he moved the ball with great calmness and belief. Never looked fragile in possession, and the Portuguese midfielder finally looks settled at Bayern.
Thiago Alcantara (7/10): Thiago was decent against Atletico. Missed a golden opportunity to wrap the game up, but his overall play was good. However, we have to say, most of the midfield work was done by Vidal and Sanches.
Arjen Robben (9/10): Was an absolute terror on the right-hand side. Robben attempted eight take-ons, more than any other player on the field. Delivering crosses from the byline, cutting infield and running at defences consistently throughout the game.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10): Once again, the Pole led the Bayern attack line remarkably well. Scoring off from a delightful free kick, in which was his second consecutive goal from a direct free kick. Even though he didn’t make much of a terror for the opposition defence.
Douglas Costa (8/10): Just like Robben, Costa also had an imposing figure on the left-hand side. Always keen to get on the ball and run at defences. Unsurprisingly, Costa managed five shots against Atletico, which is the same amount the whole Atletico had managed on the night.
