Bayern Munich demolished Besiktas 5-0 at the Allianz Arena that virtually guarantees themselves a place in the Champions League Quarter-Finals. The Turkish Champions began well on the back of a high intensity pressing game, but Domagoj Vida’s 16th minute red card effectively ended the contest and the tie.
In the end it was Kingsley Coman on the scoresheet with Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski getting two each, in what was largely a routine training ground exercise from the runaway Bundesliga leaders. Bayern amassed 35 shots on the back of 70% possession as they cruised to a comfortable win.
Positives:
Job done for Juup Heynckes who wanted a convincing victory with no major injuries. Bayern strolled through most of the contest with a man advantage and put the tie beyond doubt with five unanswered goals. James Rodriguez was forced off before half-time after a powerful Müller shot rattled his head, but it’s unlikely he will be out for long.
Negatives:
It’s difficult to find negatives from such a commanding performance. Two defensive lapses in the first half come to mind, Vagner Love running past Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels to create a shot and Ricardo Quaresma creating a chance for himself after beating Hummels easily 1v1.
Manager Rating:
6 – Heynckes left Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry on the bench but they were not particularly missed, such was the domination of Coman on the left and Müller on the right. The forced substitution of Robben for Rodriguez allowed Bayern an extra attacking outlet down the right hand side which kept Besiktas firmly on the back foot.
Player Ratings:
GK Sven Ulreich 6 – Kept out Quaresma’s shot with a sharp save at his near post, but that was Ulreich’s only save of the evening.
DF Joshua Kimmich 8 – Had an early shot blocked as he looked to assert himself in the opposition half. Combined well with Müller on multiple occasions before Robben joined the party in the second half. Provided a pinpoint cross to assist Müller for his second goal.
DF Mats Hummels 7 – Should have opened the scoring with a close range header but was denied by Fabri. Beaten too easily by Quaresma 1 on 1 but continued to get forward with purpose. His long range effort was saved by Fabri but Lewandowski pounced on the rebound to make it 4-0.
DF Jérôme Boateng 6 – Largely left the forward runs to Hummels, but Boateng patrolled the defence well and still had time to lead the team in completed passes.
DF David Alaba 7 – Got forward early and provided an extra attacking outlet. Had a great chance blocked as he continually linked up with Coman in advanced positions, assisting Müller for the opening goal.
MF Arturo Vidal 6 – A quiet game by Vidal’s standards, the Chilean had a good chance early on but hit a weak shot at Fabri. Was one the edge of the game with Bayern enjoying so much reward from wide positions.
MF Javi Martínez 7 – Back to his holding midfield role after playing central defence at Wolfsburg on Saturday, Martínez did his defensive job well and always tried to play the ball forward. Had an effort deflected wide late on as he looked to get on the scoresheet.
MF James Rodriguez 7 – Heavily involved early on, James’ pinpoint cross gave Hummels a great chance before the Colombian curled a free-kick narrowly wide. Looked on course for a strong game before Müller’s shot stung his head and forced him off before half-time.
FW Thomas Müller 9 – Saw an early header go wide but was always in the action and was rewarded with two goals and an assist. Continued his strong form with trademark positioning and anticipation, linking up well with Kimmich and Robben in a dominant all-round performance.
FW Kingsley Coman 9 – Gave Adriano a torrid time early on which forced Quaresma into deep defensive positions. With Alaba getting involved, Coman continually created dangerous 1 on 1 situations and was largely responsible for Müller’s opener. Always looking to cut inside, Coman got his goal from that avenue just after half-time and was replaced by Ribéry with 10 minutes remaining.
FW Robert Lewandowski 9 – Pounced on Hutchinson’s sloppy back pass which drew the foul from Vida that reduced the visitors to ten men. Found efforts hard to come by in the first-half, but started the second-half strong with a free kick hitting the post.
Lewandowski then combined well with Müller before teeing up Coman for Byayern’s second, but the Polish striker wouldn’t be denied as he scored the final two goals to wrap up a fine individual performance.
Substitutes
FW Arjen Robben 8 – Replaced Rodriguez just before half-time and had a relatively easy time of it, hugging the right wing while frequently combining with Kimmich and Müller. Played his part in the victory with three second-half goals coming down his side of the pitch.
FW Franck Ribéry N/A – Replaced Coman with 10 minutes remaining and had little impact.
MF Corentin Tolisso N/A – Replaced Arturo Vidal in added time.
By Matthew Marshall.
