Bayern Munich 4-0 Union Berlin: Player ratings as Die Roten cruise to easy win
Bayern Munich cruised to a 4-0 win over Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday evening to go seven points clear at the top of the table and put the pressure on Borussia Dortmund.
Kingsley Coman, Tanguy Nianzou and Robert Lewandowski all struck in the opening 45 minutes.
Coman lashed a dominant Bayern into the lead just over 15 minutes in when he cut inside from the left flank and smashed an effort goalward. It was a spectacular strike, although a weak hand from Union goalkeeper Andreas Luthe was ultimately what allowed it to hit the net.
Teenaged defender Nianzou then doubled the lead when he met a Joshua Kimmich corner with his head.
Bayern had chances to extend their lead. Coman was denied by an excellent block from Paul Jaeckel and fired another effort over the bar from a good position.
The third goal came from the penalty spot in the closing stages of the first half, converted by Lewandowski after he himself had been taken out by Luthe when racing onto a through ball. The Pole made no mistake from 12 yards.
Lewandowski, who has now scored 30+ Bundesliga goals for the third season in a row, had his second and Bayern’s fourth straight after the restart, finishing from the edge of the six-yard box after being found by Jamal Musiala.
Despite trailing by so many, Union did have chances of their own, the best of which saw Genki Haraguchi force a good low save from Manuel Neuer, before Lucas Hernandez blocked on the line as Taiwo Awoniyi tried to turn in the rebound.
Substitutions largely defined the final half hour of the game. Julian Nagelsmann made five Bayern changes, making full use of the bench to rest several key players as the result had long since been secure. Union, knowing the game had gone, seemed satisfied with damage limitation.
Serge Gnabry did have one more late chance but put the ball the wrong side of the post.
Bayern Munich player ratings - Bundesliga
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Manuel Neuer (GK) - 6/10 - Had more to do than the one-sided scoreline would immediately suggest. New Bundesliga record for most wins.
Josip Stanisic (RB) - 6/10 - Competed well and showed plenty of energy to get up and down and get involved.
Tanguy Nianzou (CB) - 7/10 - Scored his first senior goal with a strong header. Good in the air generally.
Dayot Upamecano (CB) - 6/10 - Can be satisfied with a clean sheet and near flawless passing.
Lucas Hernandez (LB) - 7/10 - Cleared one off the line at 4-0. Comes away with an assist for Coman's opening goal.
2. Midfielders
Joshua Kimmich (CM) - 7/10 - Passed it well and controlled the game as usual. Created the second goal with his pinpoint corner delivery.
Jamal Musiala (CM) - 7/10 - Assisted the fourth goal and created chances. Was carrying a yellow card and so was withdrawn with half an hour to go.
Thomas Muller (AM) - 7/10 - Made a stunning pre-assist for Lewandowski's second with an intelligent cushioned pass to Musiala.
3. Forwards
Leroy Sane (RW) - 6/10 - Pressed well but limited to long-range shots.
Robert Lewandowski (ST) - 8/10 - Won his own penalty and added two more goals to his tally for the season.
Kingsley Coman (LW) - 8/10 - Scored a great first goal and arguably should have had more as other chances went begging.
4. Substitutes
Marcel Sabitzer (CM) - 6/10
Serge Gnabry (LW) - 7/10
Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting (ST) - 5/10
Marc Roca (CM) - 6/10
Corentin Tolisso (CM) - 6/10
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