Bayern Munich vs. Hannover 96: Post-match awards and player ratings

Despite their stuggles for much of the game, Bayern Munich were able to walk out of the HDI Arena with a 3-1 away win over Hannover 96.

Tip Of The Cap - David Alaba: Playing once again in the middle of the pitch, David Alaba is turning into the most important player for Bayern Munich. He works fluidly with both Xabi Alonso and Bastian Schweinsteiger content to play the foil to the role of the other.

Golf Clap - Xabi Alonso: After taking the brunt of the criticism in the last month, Xabi Alonso set up shop and delivered one of his best performances for Bayern since the winter-pause. Completing nearly 100 passes in just shy of 70 minutes, to go with 13 long balls, Alonso was back to being the hub in midfield for Bayern Munich. Add to that his free kick goal to equalize in the 27th minute and Xabi Alonso had a very good game for Bayern (despite his silly challenge to earn a yellow card and a suspension)

Standing Ovation - Holger Badstuber: Despite a defense that had a shaky first half that found them constantly being challenged by the Hannover counterattack, Holger Badstuber was the rock. The Bayern centerback completed the most passes on the pitch and was a consistently aggressive player for Bayern Munich, as he pushed the Bayern Munich attack forward from deep while Xabi dictated space and tempo from his space in central midfield.

Meister Of The Match - Franck Ribery: Bayern Munich struggled in this match to find space and time in the final third. A compact, structured Hannover defense stopped them at most turns. Then Franck Ribery came on just after 50 minutes, Hannover couldn't contain the Frenchman. Knocking around 40 passes in the space of 38 minutes, the Bayern Munich attack shifted into a higher gear with the Frenchman. He was intimately involved in the buildup to the penalty and Bayern's penalty while he thumped in the assist for Thomas Müller's brace.