Match awards from Bayern Munich’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach

Jersey Swap: Jannik Vestergaard. The enormous Danish center back did not disappoint against Bayern Munich, holding Robert Lewandowski and company at bay for most of the match. He had several important interceptions in the box to go with numerous clearances with both feet and his head. Although the goal for Bayern did manage to come off of a headed clearance of his, Vestergaard did get the ball out of trouble and 25 yards away from goal before Arturo Vidal was able to one time his long shot past Jann Sommer.

Vestergaard also proved a danger on the offensive end with his presence in the box on set pieces causing Bayern trouble all night. He even managed a delicate 25 yard chip that helped produce the hand ball in the box by Niklas Sule that produced Monchengladbach’s first goal via the penalty spot.

Tip of the Cap: Kwasi Okyere Wriedt and Marco Friedl. Both players made their Bundesliga debuts in the second half as Bayern chased the game although neither really stood out. Wreidt bungled a chance late in extra time from only 4 yards out as he judged the flight of the ball incorrectly. Already 23, Wreidt seems like more of a stop-gap measure until the winter transfer window while Friedl is only 19 an an Austrian youth international.

Standing Ovation: The Revierderby. Yes, the Reveirderby. Today’s match was so poor by Bayern and in such contrast to the wonderful soccer being played by rivals Dortmund (in the first half) and Schalke (in the second half) in their 4-4 draw earlier in the day. Jupp Heynckes should throw today’s tape into the trash and watch that game instead, maybe he would learn a few things from Schalke’s young coach Domenico Tedesco about how to change your tactics after going down by multiple goals as the tactics on the day for Bayern were awful.

Golf Clap: Javi Marinez. The Spaniard continues to justify Heynckes’ decision to play him as a defensive midfielder, the position he was signed to play. Martinez helped to dictate they play from the back while getting forward on occasion. He was good in the air and at breaking up plays while being a threat on set pieces. Honorable mention to Joshua Kimmich and his endless running and excellent crosses from the right side and to Kingsley Coman who seemed to strike fear into the opponent every time he had the ball after coming on just prior to halftime.

Meister of the Match: Arturo Vidal. With all due respect to Vidal and the rest of the team this award goes to him for one touch, his excellent goal from outside the box from a one time strike with his weaker left foot. For a team with as much quality for Bayern having nobody step up for an entire 90 minutes and really having a good game has to go down as a disappointment.