Third draw for FC Bayern in a row in 2023, this time a 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. For the men of coach Julian Nagelsmann, who are still undefeated in the last eleven Bundesliga games, Leroy Sané scored the 1-0 (34th) after assisting Thomas Müller (in the starting XI for the first time this calendar year). The Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani (69th) scored the well-deserved equalizer for the Frankfurt team, who are now unbeaten in their last six league games, after skilfully relocating Dayot Upamecano in a one-on-one duel.
YANN SOMMER – NOTE 3: The Swiss national goalkeeper in his third competitive game for Bayern. Excited scene when he touched the ball behind his back (unintentionally?) with his hand after a slide tackle (without touching) against Kolo Muani. Gave yellow – rightly so. Powerless at 1: 1 by Kolo Muani. Otherwise safe and sovereign.
JOSIP STANISIC – NOTE 2: The Croatian, a native of Munich, was allowed to play on the right side of defense instead of Benjamin Pavard. In his first competitive appearance in 2023, as usual, reliable and solid in the backward movement, even against Knauff. Prepared the 1:0 with when he served template provider Müller perfectly.
DAYOT UPAMECANO – NOTE 4: Very stable over the past few weeks, still on the up after his strong performances for France at the World Cup in Qatar. Determined, courageous, very present in the duels, but duped by Kolo Muani in one duel. Headed wide of the goal (36′).
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – NOTE 3: The Dutchman had to defend with the handicap of having received a yellow card after just eight minutes for a tactical foul. Thanks to his routine and stable positional play, he is usually in control of the situation in defence.
ALPHONSO DAVIES – NOTE 4: Asked this time as a sprinter, balls ran off on the defensive that others had already given up. Works well with Coman as an attacking left-back but failed to capitalize on it. With some flanks to nowhere, sometimes erratic.
JOSHUA KIMMICH – NOTE 3: His long-range goal saved the point against Cologne. The six with a lot of offensive momentum played good chip balls into the top like on Sané. The lord of the Munich standards marched as always with commitment in front.
JAMAL MUSIALA – NOTE 3: Hangs a bit playfully, the 19-year-old lacks the lightness of 2022 (nine goals, six assists in the first half of the season). “He needs a can opener, then it’ll slip again,” said Nagelsmann. Much improved against Frankfurt, albeit in a slightly more defensive role (because Goretzka was out injured). Very active and agile, challenged the balls, shaped the game.
LEROY SANÉ – NOTE 3: Started as a left foot on the right wing. Saw the gaps and the runs, but stopped the ball too badly after Kimmich’s chip pass to be able to finish. Did it much better with the right and the rich shot to 1-0 (34th), his sixth goal of the season. Also worked hard backwards. Then dismantled, taken down in minute 70.
KINGSLEY COMAN – NOTE 4: After two joker appearances and strong input as a substitute against Cologne, the Frenchman was allowed to play from the start this time. In a duet with Davies down the left flank, initially with a lot of momentum, but overall with too few successful dribbles or goal actions. Substituted in the 70th minute.
THOMAS MÜLLER – NOTE 4: The Raumdeuter as a space creator, who was allowed to start from the beginning in 2023 as a flexible ten. After two joker bets with two big chances (29th/30th), which he missed, but then the perfect template to Sanés 1-0. Sometimes he played the game (too) slowly. Driver and communicator, yes, but the punch was missing.
ERIC MAXIM CHOUPO-MOTING – RATING 5: Twelfth starting XI in a row (in all competitions) for the center forward, who worked a lot and firmly secured balls in duels. Valuable fixed point as a reference station. But without a goal chance or goal threat – not enough. The fall run is gone.
SERGE GNABRY – NOTE 4: After his trip to Paris Fashion Week, this time with a detour to the bank. But then it was brought in by Nagelsmann in the 70th minute for Sané to create new momentum on the right flank. Without a bigger scene.
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – NOTE 3: Very strong in the second half against Cologne and although Goretzka was still back on the bench. “A case of hardship that more than deserved to play,” said Nagelsmann. The boss brought him on for Coman in the 70th minute, making the middle more compact again.
MATHYS TEL – NO NOTE: The teenage talent was allowed to show himself again from the 77th minute as a substitute for Choupo-Moting. However, the 17-year-old could not assert himself as a center forward and did not have a special scene.
MARCEL SABITZER – WITHOUT NOTE: Short use for the Austrian in the 90th minute instead of Stanisic. Barely on the ball.
This article was written by Patrick Strasser
The original of this article “Choupo-Moting’s run is over – only a Bayern defender convinces” comes from the evening newspaper.
