Jersey swap: Theo Hernandez
With Bayern-newcomer, Lukas Hernandez, back in Munich fighting to come back from an injury in time for the Bundesliga season to begin, Bayern fans got to see his brother, Theo, play against Bayern on Tuesday. He played very well on and off the ball, getting into the penalty box (a little too easily) on a few occasions. He had the assist on the would-be goal in the 23rd minute, but the wide-open Maldini shot the ball over the bar.
Hernandez had to go off late in the first half due to injury. We wish both Hernandez brothers a speedy recovery. It would have been great to see an actual jersey swap between brothers. Maybe, if AC Milan can get back to Champions League, the two Hernandez brothers will get their chance to play each other.
Tip of the cap: Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich was his masterful self yet again. His assist on the game-winning goal was classic. His perfectly-weighted pass came from about twenty yards out and found Goretzka in pace, which allowed him to slot the goal past the keeper. Kimmich was also very effective on defense. We got see, what seems to be an in-form Kimmich, albeit only for one half, as he was subbed out at halftime for Ivan Mihajevic.
Golf clap: Benjamin Pavard
Pavard put in a very solid 90 minutes against AC Milan. He was also able to show his flexibility, as Bayern looked to be experimenting a bit with the lineup. He started at center-back, playing aside Niklas Süle for the first half. When Kimmich subbed off at halftime, Pavard slid over to right-back. As a defender, he was able to help shut Milan down, but was also able to get into the attack from time to time, especially as right-back in the second half. The young Frenchman looked comfortable at both positions, which could be great for Bayern this season.
Standing ovation: Alphonso Davies
This match was played in a familiar stadium for Davies, in which he would have played once per year during his time with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Davies also showed his flexibility in this game, starting at left-back. where he has played with the Canadian National Team. Although he started the game a bit shaky, he settled in nicely to the game. Even times where he was beat, or had a small mishap, Davies was able to use his outrageous speed to recover and win the ball back. Alaba came on in the 59th minute and took his spot at left-back. This pushed Davies up to wing, where Coman was playing. Davies looked dangerous (and fast) in the attack and was able to sustain his energy for the duration of the game.
Meister of the match: Leon Goretzka
Much of the attack was dangerous for Bayern against Milan. However, Goretzka’s goal makes him stand out over the others. Bayern searched and searched for the first goal for much of the first half, but it took until the last touch of the first half to finally get it. A inch-perfect pass from Kimmich set up a great run into the box for Goretzka. He had Milan’s keeper leaning the wrong way and slotted the ball into the back of the net. This eventually proved to be the game’s lone goal and winner, and the most exciting part for the pro-Bayern crowd in Kansas City.
Honorable Mentions
Fiete Arp and David Alaba for almost adding to the scoreline, but eventually having their goals called off due to a handball and offsides respectively. Also, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Muller for their hard work in the attack and to Manuel Neuer and Sven Ulreich for keeping the shut out. (There aren’t enough awards to go around when the game includes unlimited subs!)