Winner of the game, grades and individual criticism from the FCB pros

In the narrow win against the Swabians, who were threatened with relegation, a clever change by Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann was crowned with success. In addition, Matthijs de Ligt shone with a goal. On the Stuttgart side, a defensive player experienced a black evening.

WINNER OF THE MATCH: Julian Nagelsmann

Took the risk of leaving the in-form Benjamin Pavard, who was suspended for the upcoming CL game, on the bench and rotating Stanisic into the starting eleven. The team thus got the necessary defensive security and stability for the cracker against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday. Stanisic himself also played well and should have gained self-confidence.

LOSER OF THE MATCH: Waldemar Anton

VfB trainer Bruno Labbadia justified Anton’s appointment to the starting XI with the leadership role he plays in the Stuttgart team. As in the week before against Schalke, the defender did not show a particularly good performance on the pitch. Against the duo Musiala/Davies he saw no land at all, even if Gil Dias in front didn’t provide the necessary support. Offensive also not a factor.

VfB Stuttgart vs. FC Bayern: line-up

FC Bayern: goalkeeper

Yan Summers: He made a strong save on Silas’ shot in the 36th minute, but then went wide on the following corner and was lucky enough for De Ligt to scrape the ball off the line. After the break, apart from a few compulsory tasks, no longer required at all. grade: 4

FC Bayern: Defense

Josip Stanisic: Recorded some careless ball losses in the first few minutes, but became more and more confident as the game went on. Not quite as active offensively as his counterpart Davies on the other side, but defensively he was secure, apart from a somewhat hesitant duel against Führich (5th). Note 3.

Dayot Upamecano: An inconspicuous, but clarified performance by the French. Was always there when he was needed. Recorded the most clarifying actions on the Bayern side. Won the majority of one-on-one duels both on the ground and in the air. Grade: 2.5.

Matthijs de Ligt: Defensive with some important clearing actions. Saved after Sommer’s error from Zagadou, who was ready to score, on the line, a few minutes later he threw himself into Silas’ shot, which he blocked for a corner. Scored the 1-0 for Bayern, but also benefited from Bredlow’s mistake. Minor shortcoming: Lost the decisive header duel before the 1:2. Grade: 2.

Alphonso Davies: Presented the right Stuttgart defensive side around Anton and Gil Dias with problems. With his speed, he repeatedly broke through to the baseline and from there hit some dangerous crosses in the sixteen. Then shifted down a few gears in the second half. Grade: 2.

FC Bayern: Midfield

Leon Goretzka: Should have given Bayern the lead with a header from a free position, but failed because of Bredlow’s strong reaction. Apart from that with little presence. Had the fourth fewest ball contacts of all Bayern starting XI players and made the fewest passes. grade: 4

Joshua Kimmich: Not quite as conspicuous as one is used to from him. Was well taken out of play by guard Haraguchi for long stretches and therefore rarely developed. Tried it a few times from a distance without becoming really dangerous. Grade: 3.5.

Kingsley Coman: In the first half hour, along with Davies and Musiala, the asset in Bayern’s attacking game. Again and again brought the Stuttgart defensive into trouble in one-on-one. His cross to Goretzka after half an hour remained unused. He himself was unsuccessful in the final. Grade: 2.5.

Thomas Miller: At first it seemed like a foreign body, but in classic Müller fashion he worked his way into the match from minute to minute. Made many important meters and created space for his neighbors. Assisted Choupo-Moting’s goal. Grade: 3.5.

Jamal Musiala: When Bayern became dangerous, the youngster had his feet in the game. Action worth seeing in minute 13, when he punched out five VfB defenders one after the other and only caught Zagadou’s leg with his shot. Recorded the most assists to goal of any player on the pitch. It is not surprising that he also played de Ligt’s goal after a strong ball claim. At 2:0 with the decisive start in midfield. Grade: 2.

FC Bayern: Attack

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: Was in the air for much of the game, but then he was exactly where he needs to be as a striker. Scored the goal to make it 2-0 with his first really dangerous move. Immediately afterwards he made room for Mané. Note 3.

FC Bayern: Substitute

Serge Gnabry: Came on for Coman in the 63rd minute. Came in a phase in which Bayern had largely limited their offensive efforts. Accordingly, he remained pale. Grade: 4.5.

Leroy Sane: Came on for Musiala in the 63rd minute. Had some good counterattack opportunities in the closing stages but kept getting stuck on a Stuttgart leg. Grade: 4.5.

Sadio Mane: Came on for Choupo-Moting in the 63rd minute. Shortly before the end with the chance to make the decisive 3:1, but failed with his shot by Bredlow. Other than that, no action worth mentioning. Grade: 3.5.

Benjamin Pavard: Came on for Müller in the 82nd minute. No rating.

Ryan Gravenberch: Came on for Goretzka in the 82nd minute. No rating.