Stuttgart 0-2 Bayern Munich: Match awards and Player Rankings

Tip Of The Cap: Gotoku Sakai

Not a whole lot went right for Stuttgart, but for a good stretch of this match, their defense held up remarkably well against a relentless Bayern attack. Sakai, the 23 year old left back played a big role in that stout defense. He had a team leading four interceptions, tracked back well, and even contributed in the offensive third with a curling shot that missed the goal by inches.

Golf Clap: Arjen Robben

His goal was an absolute stunner. The fact that he was able to corral a bouncing through ball from Weiser and put such a glorious strike on it would get him Meister Of The Match on most days. To be sure, he played a very strong game. His patented drive-right-cut-left move left the Stuttgart defenders kicking at air. This was vintage Robben, and if not for some strong performances by his teammates, you would see him get a lot more than a mere Golf Clap.

Standing Ovation: Xabi Alonso

Everything ran through the 33 year old Spaniard in this game. He had a game high 127 touches and still managed to complete an insane 93% of his passes. He attempted eight long passes, five of which were successful, had a team high four interceptions and drew a game high seven fouls, one of which led to Alaba's goal. The Maestro Of The Midfield played a fantastic game all around. The type of game that many don't notice, but certainly shows up in the stats.

Meister Of The Match: David Alaba

On most days, Alaba's remarkable free kick goal would be enough to earn him MOTM. Surprisingly, most of Bayern's attack came through the left side of the pitch instead of the right. This was due to Alaba, and to a lesser extend Bernat, basically having their way. He has come back from his injury with a vengeance and frankly, I don't know if there is a better box to box left back in the Bundesliga, nay, the world. He tracked back well, made a timely clearance late in the game as well as some other clearances that stopped the Stuttgart counter attack dead in their tracks. He was active in his own end and played a huge role in transitioning the ball into the Bayern offensive. Just a fantastic all around game from the youngster. Oh and seriously, watch a replay of that free kick goal. It will blow your mind.