Champions League: Bayern Munich 1-0 SL Player Ratings

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Post on Nov 07, 2024

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Bayern Munich Eke Out a 1-0 Win Against SL Benfica: Player Ratings

It wasn't pretty, but Bayern Munich got the job done, edging out SL Benfica 1-0 in a Champions League clash that was as tense as a game of tug-of-war. The Bavarians dominated possession, but they struggled to break down Benfica's stubborn defense. A single goal, a header from none other than the legendary Robert Lewandowski, was all that separated the two teams.

Here's a breakdown of the players who shone, and those who struggled, in this nail-biting encounter:

Bayern Munich

Starting Lineup

• Manuel Neuer (7.5): A calming presence in goal, Neuer made a couple of key saves, including one spectacular stop from a powerful Benfica shot. He controlled his box with authority, showing why he's still one of the world's best.
• Joshua Kimmich (7): Kimmich was, as usual, a tireless worker in the midfield. He dictated the pace of the game, spraying passes with pinpoint accuracy, and was a rock in defense. A bit of a quiet performance, but a very effective one.
• Dayot Upamecano (6.5): Solid, if unspectacular, performance from Upamecano. He was a bit shaky at times, but ultimately dealt with Benfica's attack well enough. Still, he needs to be more assertive in his defensive duties.
• Lucas Hernandez (6): Hernandez was a bit shaky defensively, but he was a reliable presence on the left flank. He should have done better with his crosses, but he was a decent contributor overall.
• Benjamin Pavard (7): Pavard had a solid game, offering good support on the right side. He was a threat going forward and was reliable in defense. He needs to be more decisive with his crossing, though.
• Leon Goretzka (6.5): Goretzka was a physical presence in the midfield, but he lacked the creativity to unlock Benfica's defense. He was a bit of a passenger for most of the game, but he still put in a decent shift.
• Thomas Müller (6): Müller was a bit of a ghost in this game. He struggled to get into the game and never really looked like a threat going forward. He should have been more involved in the attack, but he was mostly a spectator.
• Kingsley Coman (7): Coman was a constant threat down the left wing. He made some dangerous runs and delivered a few tantalizing crosses. He wasn’t able to directly influence the score, but he was a key factor in Bayern's success.
• Serge Gnabry (6): Gnabry was a bit quiet in this match. He had a few chances, but he couldn't find the back of the net. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
• Leroy Sané (6.5): Sané had some moments of brilliance. He looked dangerous going forward and was a constant threat to Benfica's defense. He needs to be more consistent, though, and make better decisions with the ball at his feet.
• Robert Lewandowski (8): The man, the myth, the legend. Lewandowski scored the only goal of the game with a powerful header from a corner kick. He was a constant threat throughout the game, but he was also heavily marked and didn't get many clear-cut chances. He's still a goal machine.

Benfica

Starting Lineup

• Odisseas Vlachodimos (7): Vlachodimos was a solid presence between the sticks for Benfica. He made a few key saves and kept Bayern Munich at bay for most of the game. He was helpless to stop Lewandowski's header, though.
• Alejandro Grimaldo (6.5): Grimaldo was a threat going forward, but he had a tough time dealing with Coman's pace. He gave away a couple of dangerous fouls, but he was still a decent performer.
• Nicolas Otamendi (7.5): Otamendi was a beast in defense for Benfica. He was a wall for the Bavarians, making crucial tackles and interceptions. He was a major reason why Benfica were able to keep the score down.
• Jan Vertonghen (7): Vertonghen was a class act in defense. He was composed and organized, and he read the game very well. He was instrumental in Benfica's defensive success.
• Gilberto (7): Gilberto was a strong presence in midfield for Benfica. He was a tireless runner and made some crucial tackles. He wasn't able to create much offensively, but he was a valuable member of the midfield.
• Rafa Silva (6): Silva had a few moments of brilliance, but he was ultimately unable to make a significant impact on the game. He needs to be more consistent in his performance.
• Julian Weigl (6.5): Weigl was a steady presence in midfield for Benfica. He controlled the tempo of the game and provided a solid platform for his team. He was a bit anonymous for most of the game, but he was a valuable cog in the midfield machine.
• Everton (6): Everton had a decent game for Benfica, but he was unable to create any real danger in the final third. He needs to be more creative and ambitious with his play.
• Darwin Núñez (6): Núñez was a bit quiet in this match, but he still posed a threat to Bayern Munich's defense. He needs to be more clinical in front of goal.
• Gonçalo Ramos (6): Ramos had a decent game for Benfica, but he wasn't able to get into the game consistently. He needs to be more confident in his play.

Overall

While the scoreline was a close one, Bayern Munich dominated possession and created more chances. Benfica, however, put in a solid defensive performance and made life difficult for Bayern. In the end, Lewandowski’s header was enough to secure the win for the Bavarians. The match was a testament to the resilience of both sides and it shows that Benfica won't be an easy team to beat in the Champions League this season.