Tip Of The Cap: Javi Martinez. In his first game back from injury, Javi lined up in the center of defense next to David Alaba to start the game, but spent much of it further forward on the right side. While not too much could be expected in his return, he played a very, very solid game, making six tackles (out of seven attempts), two clearances, one interception, and winning two arial duels. His header late in the game to deny the ball from falling to a wide-open Frankfurt striker likely saved Bayern two points. Not much more you can ask for from a man playing his first Bundesliga game since the Rückrunden opener.
Golf Clap: Juan Bernat. After a great debut season last year, Bernat has struggled to find form this year mainly due to a string of injuries and Alaba spending more time off the injury list and on the pitch. Today, he threw it back to last year with a good all-around performance. He almost found his way onto the score sheet in the second half, with his shot being saved by the Frankfurt goalkeeper. An encouraging sign for such a promising young player. He has always showed that he's more dangerous in attack than solid in defense, and his true position may be a little further up than it is now. Definitely something to monitor in the coming years under Ancelotti.
Standing Ovation: Xabi Alonso. His calmness in possession continues to be beautiful to watch, as he controls games like no one else. He may no longer be as effective in Champions League games when opposing defenses put more pressure on him to make quick decisions, but in Bundesliga games he dictates play like few else can. His passing out of the back today provided a necessary sense of security that the team needed early in the game when Frankfurt pressed with a very high line.
Meister Of The Match: Franck Ribery. I mean come on! How can you not love this guy! 32 years old, but you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at him on the field. It looked like he was in a different gear than the other 26 players that took the field today. He looked extra springy, had an extra fiery competitiveness to his game, was unstoppable out on the right flank, and submitted an early contender for goal of the month. If he can keep this up throughout the rest of this season it adds a completely different dimension to this team that no one else has. His pace, finishing, creativity, and grittiness is what made him Europe's best player three years ago, and what has helped him return to top-form this season.
Jersey Swap: Lukas Hradecky. Another week, another goalie. Opposing shot-stoppers always seem to save their best games for encounters with Bayern. Hradecky made a total of nine saves and was a big reason as to why the game only ended 1-0. It feels like we could probably save that last sentence as a draft, as we seemingly need it after almost every game that doesn't end in a commanding Bayern win. None-the-less, a good game by the Finnish goalie.