Bayern Munich vs. FC Porto, Champions League: Post-Match Awards and Player Rating

Tip Of The Cap: Juan Bernat. The 22-year-old Spaniard was a transfer after thought for Bayern Munich, supposedly made for depth rather than impact. Look at where he is now. He was harrying the FC Porto defense all night long, showed off his tremendous dribbling ability and blazing speed on the wing. On a roster full of bigger names, Bernat often gets overlooked, but not here. He played a great box to box game while leading Bayern in tackles and interceptions as well as successful dribbles. This stage would make most 22-year-olds wilt, but Juan Bernat played with no fear and showed that he belongs here.

Golf Clap: Thiago Alcântara. If the awards were being given over the course of both legs, Thiago would get the Meister. His goal In Portugal gave Bayern the faintest glimmer of hope of advancing on away goals. Not to be outdone, he scored the opener on a header to set the tone for Bayern's night after only 14 minutes. With their backs against the wall, Thiago's goal was the pebble that started the avalanche for Bayern. His performance is even more impressive when you consider where he was merely a month ago. He has come back from his time on the injury list and cemented his place on Bayern's first team roster as well as reminded all the Bayern fans why the front office was willing to shell out the big bucks to bring him aboard.

Standing Ovation: Robert Lewandowski. There is a big difference between "playing angry" and "playing with anger". Lewa played with anger today. His determination to not only beat Porto, but punish them for having the audacity to even set foot on his pitch was evident in the "bull in a china shop" way he harassed what Porto called a defense. He had a startling eight shots, with two goals, both of which were devastating strikes. His first goal was the third of the game and really took whatever wind was in Porto's sails right out. His second goal was the exclamation point (well, the FIRST exclamation point) on Bayern's dominating performance.

Meister Of The Match: Thomas Müller. Müller quite simply grabbed this game by the horns and didn't let go. He has had plenty of great performances for Bayern, but this one felt different somehow. The turmoil had been surrounding Bayern Munich this past week with the embarrassing loss in the first leg and the resignation of Dr. Muller-Wolfhart had somehow been an affront to his very being. He played this game not like he needed to will his team to victory, but in a manner that suggested giving anything less than your very best would be incomprehensible. Sure he had the goal and two assists, but look back at the manner in which he nabbed his assists. His first one came off a cross from Philipp Lahm which he beautifully one-timed to Lewandowski who buried it to make it 3-0. His second assist came when he beat the Porto defender to the ball and then refused to let him even touch it as he out muscled him to get his centering pass to Lewandowski to make it 5-0. I've seen Thomas Muller display his skill. I've seen him show off his on the ball ability and determination. I'm trying to remember the last time I saw both on display in such a dominating fashion in an absolutely must win game for Bayern.