Match awards for Bayern Munich’s 4-0 dismantling of Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich’s game against Atlético was nothing short of a great performance, and a tactical masterclass by coach Flick. The dominant win against one of Europe’s strongest sides on the counter was possible due to a well concerted team effort.

Several players shone brightly, and it was certainly a tough game for the match awards. That being said, here are the awards for today’s game:

Jersey Swap: Yannick Carrasco

Carrasco was one of the lone bright spots in an Atlético team that lost its drive after Bayern took the lead with 2 goals in the first half. He was involved in almost all of their attacks. They did come out firing in the second half, but after Bayern’s 3rd, Atlético seemed to have given up. Decent performance.

Der Bomber: Corentin Tolisso

Tolisso started as a CAM, playing a more advanced role, with Kimmich and Goretzka controlling the midfield. He was given the license to roam by Flick, and he did quite well in the early stages with some good overlapping runs and passes into the final third. He grew into the game with time, and was actively involved in various attacking sequences. And then THAT goal happened. Off of a rebound from a Kimmich free kick, Tolisso scored an absolute belter from 30 yards. Great game for the Frenchman, and one that will definitely serve as a confidence booster.

Fußballgott: Leon Goretzka

Bayern’s midfield tank was an absolute unit today, omnipresent in midfield and involved in every single piece of buildup play. He made lung busting runs forward, including a great run to find Coman for the fourth goal, and some timely forages to help the defense with some well-timed challenges and interceptions. A well taken goal with a powerful shot with his right foot adds further gloss to what was a very good performance.

Der Kaiser: Niklas Süle

The BFG is back, but he’s not all that friendly, mind you. Süle’s defending was at its best today. There were doubts over his form after returning from a 9 month spell in the sidelines, but he has put all those aside for the time being with an impeccable performance. His passing was on point, he bullied Carrasco and Lodi every time they came near the box and made some good blocks, using his huge frame to devastating effect. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game, and looks all set to have a great season.

Meister of the Match: Kingsley Coman

My oh my! Coman sure knows how to show up at big occasions for Bayern, and today he showed up BIG TIME. The Frenchman was a blizzard that blew away Atletico’s right side, and Atletico had no solution to his superb form tonight. His quick dribbles and nifty skill moves turned the defense inside out several times, and his decision making looked like that of a completely transformed player. His crossing was outstanding, and the first goal was a well taken finish: clinical and composed.

His involvement in the second goal was very important, and his control of the ball was sublime. His pass to find Goretzka in space was perfectly timed, and enabled the German to smash the ball into the net uncontested. Coman’s end product has improved aces under Flick.

In the second half, he drifted all over the final third, frequently interchanging positions with teammates and proving to be hard to control. His second goal (and Bayern’s fourth of the game) was a thing of absolute beauty. After receiving the ball off a great pass from Goretzka close to the halfway line, he went on a super-fast solo run, before turning Lodi inside out, breaking his ankles (figuratively), teasing Carrasco and scoring past a helpless Oblak.

This was as fine a performance as it gets for a winger, and Coman can be very happy that it came against one of the best defensive sides of Europe. To all those of you who remarked “Coman is not world class”, I say: say that again.

Honorary mentions: Joshua Kimmich and Lucas Hernández

Kimmich was great in midfield, and his assist for the first goal was out of this world. He is pipped to the award by Goretzka because of a few mistimed passes.

Hernández was very solid on the left, making some good challenges and being involved in attack, with some quick runs, one earning Bayern the free kick that proved to be the catalyst for the third goal.