Match awards for Bayern’s 3-1 win against Schalke

FC Bayern Munich pulled within five points of Dortmund after a 3-1 win against Schalke 04 at the Allianz Arena today. After taking an early lead, Bayern conceded an equalizer yet again. However, Bayern was able to overcome it this time and pull ahead for the win. Here are our match awards.

Jersey swap: Ahmed Kutucu

There were very few bright spots for Schalke. The brightest point of the game came on a counter attack when they were trailing 0-1. After a poor give away by Bayern, Weston McKennie passed a streaking Kutucu open. Kutucu was then able to beat Sven Ulreich one on one and slotted the equalizer into the back of the net.

Tip of the cap: Thiago

Thiago had a near perfect passing day. He finished the day with a 98% completion rate. Of his 96 passes, he completed 94. He also cleared a ball away as the last defender shortly after Lewandowski scored to make it 2-1. As he often does, Thiago put in an impressive day on the pitch.

Golf clap: Serge Gnabry

Coming of his brace in Berlin on Wednesday, Grabry found the back of the net again today. Lewandowkski got a pass into the box that he couldn’t quite control. He tried to do a bicycle kick but couldn’t hit it square. The ball went off the side of his leg and bounced to Gnabry who was able to head it down low and away from Schalke’s keeper. Gnabry had three total shots, two of which were on goal.

Standing Ovation: James Rodriguez

James was whoscored.com’s highest rated player for this match. He had an 89% completion rate and had three shots (one on goal). He also assisted Lewandowski’s goal in the 26th minute. Shortly before being subbed out, he set Lewy up for another assist, but Lewy put it just wide. This is the best we’ve seen from James in a few weeks.

Meister of the match: Robert Lewandowski

After being called a problem for Bayern this week, Robert Lewandowski showed why he is so vital to this team’s success. He was heavily involved in all three of Bayern’s goals. Although ruled an own goal in the tenth minute, Lewy caused two defenders to collapse on him in the box. Schalke’s debutant Bruma tried to clear the ball, but put it into his own net. Shortly after Schalke equalized, Lewy took the lead right back. He also (accidentally) assisted Granbry’s goal in the 56th minute on a failed bicycle kick attempt — or let’s call it a successful bicycle assist. Overall, Lewandowski was a handful for Schalke’s defense today.