Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s pulse-pounding 5-4 loss to PSG

I believe I speak for everybody who watched the game when I say this: We all need to sit down, take a breather, and process this game over the next couple of hours. Maybe days.

BECAUSE WHAT WAS THAT?!

Holy cow, that was the definition of a crapshoot. PSG vs Bayern Munich was a spectacle, and that was definitely the game of the season thus far. The scoreline also sets up an insane second leg, which will undoubtedly feature more end-to-end action. However, tonight’s focus would be on Bayern’s defensive frailties and how the sheer might of the attack was able to overcome what looked like an unsalvageable lead.

Without further ado, here are the Match Awards:

Jersey Swap: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Who else? 2 fantastic goals, and Josip Stanišić’s nightmare. Stanišić got turned inside out by the Georgian, who was having fun with the left side of Bayern’s defense. His dribbling, passing, and positioning were elite, and he showed just why he is such an X factor for PSG. A huge reason why PSG are ahead in this tie.

Honourable mentions: João Neves, Josip Stanišić
João Neves was superb. Yes, his teammate Ousmane Dembélé had a brace, but Neves’ impact was seen all over the pitch, and that is why he gets the nod over the Frenchman. Crucial blocks, incredible passing to open up play, finding teammates during counter-attacks… he did it all. The cherry on top was his phenomenal header to score PSG’s second goal that put them ahead for the first time in the game. An all-round top performance.

PSG, overall, were the less convincing team tonight, despite taking the lead. That is why Stanišić is a contender for this award, since he simply wasn’t deserving of a spot on the better team tonight. His defending was poor, his decision-making in attack was poorer, and he was a huge weakness in the Bayern squad that was targeted throughout. He has been solid for Bayern thus far, but against PSG, he had a game he’d be wise to forget about quickly.

Der Kaiser: Dayot Upamecano

It is difficult to award a defender in a team that just lost a game 5-4. However, Upamecano is as deserving of an award as any player on the pitch. A crucial goal off a set piece to swing the momentum in Bayern’s favor and some very important blocks and interceptions to deny Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué clear-cut opportunities…he had a really solid game tonight. The only defender in the starting lineup who can head home with his head held high.

Der Fußballgott: Harry Kane

In a game where Bayern suffered from having a midfield whose impact wasn’t felt, Harry Kane showed up to shoulder the responsibility. He dropped deep throughout, helping dictate tempo, making incisive passes, and taking the ball up the pitch with poise. Harry Kane was certainly more deserving of an award than his fellow midfielders tonight (yes, I consider him a midfielder in tonight’s setup). Jamal Musiala took the position of the striker, which bit Bayern in the foot, but Harry Kane, despite not being in the box to poach some goals, had an immense game in the middle of the park. He completed 82% of his passes, created 2 big chances, made 2 accurate long balls, and had a successful dribble, a tackle, and a clearance. HOLY STAT LINE.

Der Bomber: Michael Olise

Nuno Mendes had a rough night.

As summarized by Jamie Carragher after the game, “Nuno Mendes was taken to the cleaners by Michael Olise.” The winger was unstoppable, getting past Mendes with ease, scoring an unbelievable solo goal, and creating some fantastic chances. He also had the awareness to drop to the center on numerous occasions when play wasn’t at its most exciting, when Bayern’s movement started to stagnate.

Olise always seems to deliver in crucial games. He was brilliant. The ball was glued to his feet, and there was nothing Nuno Mendes or Willian Pacho could do about it. He will definitely play a MASSIVE role in the second leg and is one of three key reasons why Bayern could head back to Munich with some confidence after having conceded 5 goals.

Meister of the Match: Luis Díaz

Who else?

Who else but the Colombian sensation?

Electric energy. Sensational speed. Dazzling dribbling. Luis Díaz’s performance was capped with a superb goal, but the goal isn’t the main reason he gets this award. It’s the initiative, the effort.

Because Díaz put in the best effort of any player on the pitch, both teams combined. He was the best player because he willed his team into a situation that is salvageable. Into trailing by just a goal as opposed to three. From the starting minute of the game to the last, Díaz was relentless. Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes were both suffering from cramps at the end of the game as a result of chasing after Díaz and Olise all game.

Liverpool’s loss has been Bayern Munich’s gain this season. And what a gain it has been. It is like having an extra player on the pitch. An extra player that would be much needed during the second leg vs. PSG in Munich.

If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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