Winner of the game and individual criticism of the FCB pros

Winner: Leroy Sané (Bayern)

Not only one of Bayern’s most active offensive players, but also one of the most dangerous. Again and again he called for balls between the lines, turned up and dribbled hard towards the Freiburg defense. The fact that he did not reward himself with a goal remains the biggest point of criticism. Not everything went as planned for the national player, but it is already clear that he could benefit from the change of coach.

Loser: Sadio Mané (Bayern)

There was no real “flop” in this game. Nobody really fell off at Bayern. And yet with the history of the past few weeks, Mané’s disappointment is probably the greatest. The Senegalese had action and was trying to finally make a contribution in the form of goals or assists. But for the most part he was unlucky.

FC Bayern Munich vs. SC Freiburg: The line-ups

FC Bayern Munich: goalkeeper

Yan Summers: Sommer was checked correctly twice in the entire game. In the 44th minute he made a strong save from Freiburg’s best chance through Doan. In the 70th, he was on the line for Sallai’s deflected shot. Grade: 2.

FC Bayern Munich: Defense

João Cancelo: Mostly concentrated at the back, he didn’t have too much offensive drive as usual, which was certainly a tactical measure. His best offensive action was a long ball to Mané, but he messed it up (40′). However, also lost the most balls in the game (17). Grade: 3.5.

Benjamin Pavard: Due to Upamecano’s suspension, Pavard moved to his beloved position in central defense and made an attentive game there from the start. He repeatedly nipped potentially dangerous attacks in the bud in duels with Grifo and was unlucky that his shot after a corner did not end up in the goal (34th). Also had by far the most ball actions on the pitch. Grade: 2.5.

Matthijs de Ligt: The winning goalscorer! Unpacked a Sunday shot that made all the difference in the end. However, the shot only had a goal probability of 2 percent, which is why one can certainly speak of luck here. Otherwise always attentive and strong in the back in the important duels. Also gave Pavard a template after a corner (34th). Grade: 2.5.

Alphonso Davies: He also lacked the usual offensive urge. Had a few crosses, but with the exception of Müller (38th), those were rather ineffective. However, he also conquered Munich’s second most balls (10) and helped to keep the wing tight. Note 3.

FC Bayern Munich: Midfield

Joshua Kimmich: His most striking action was probably winning the ball in his own penalty area when Freiburg countered with very good positional play (24th). Generally conquered the most balls (12), played the most passes in the attacking third (26) and hit the most crosses, which, however, posed little danger. Very accurate in passing, but his standards left a lot to be desired. After the final whistle, he caused unnecessary excitement with a gesture in the direction of the Freiburg curve and received a yellow card. Note 3.

Sadio Mane: Like Musiala, Mané was allowed to play from the start for the first time under Tuchel and was mostly found up front on the left, but also found himself more often in the top. He had two good shots, once with a lob next to the goal (18th), once with a remarkable header (57th). Always trying, but too hesitant when it comes to some counterattacks. grade: 4

Thomas Müller: Before the break (38′), Müller headed the ball freely, but didn’t catch the ball properly. Otherwise he played well for Mané (18th). Overall, however, rather inconspicuous and, above all, without much effect, even if he often tried to play the ball directly into the top. grade: 4

Jamal Musiala: First starting eleven under Thomas Tuchel and very active in a central position, but also always to be found in front and behind. There were a couple of good passes on goal, for example to Gnabry via a cross (9th) or after pressing Sané shortly before the break. Assist for de Ligt’s cracker. Note 3.

Leroy Sane: Mostly played on the right wing, but often moved into the middle and was at times the sole entertainer in attack. No one provided more goal danger with numerous shots (1.21 xG) and yet he either failed at the keeper or shot directly past. With more luck he would certainly have scored at least one goal. Grade: 2.5.

Bayern Munich: Attack

Serge Gnabry: Had the first chance of the game with a dangerous header (8th) and only hit the post after a one-off action in added time. He started early in the period due to a lack of regular strikers, but also frequently switched to the side. Overall, he had the most ball actions in the opposing penalty area (13) and developed the second highest goal risk (0.91 xG). What was missing for him, too, was luck in the final. Note 3.

FC Bayern Munich: Substitute

Leon Goretzka: Substituted for Musiala in the 68th minute. Afterwards remained inconspicuous, but at least won the majority of his (air) duels. Grade: 3.5.

Ryan Gravenberch: Was in the 77th minute for Müller. No rating.

Josip Stanisic: Substituted for Cancelo in the 89th. No rating.

Noussair Mazraoui: Substituted for Sané in the 89th. No rating.