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The season finale did not disappoint. Bayern Munich’s match against Augsburg was a highly entertaining affair, with loads of goal action on both sides of the pitch. Bayern dominated as usual, but failed to keep a clean sheet in a game where Manuel Neuer could’ve surpassed Oliver Kahn’s clean sheet record.
That being said, the Bayern attack was stellar, and a lot of players shone on the offensive side of things today. Here are the match awards:
Jersey Swap: Rafał Gikiewicz
I know that the scoreline doesn’t paint the Augsburg goalkeeper in a good light, but he was incredible today. He made 12 outstanding saves to keep Lewandowski and co. at bay, and a few other vital interceptions that really saved the Bavarian outfit some blushes. It’s crazy how goalkeepers turn up in their best form against Bayern all the time, and this time was no exception.
Der Bomber: Robert Lewandowski
Record-breaker. Defense slayer. Cold blooded assassin. These are just some of the ways you can describe the Pole, who has made himself immortal in the Bundesliga and global football record books with another record breaking performance, this one being a record that stood for 50 years. Lewandowski has scored 41 goals this Bundesliga season, which is the most by any striker in a single season in Bundesliga history.
Aside from the goal at the death, Lewandowski was one of Bayern’s most active players in the attack, generating loads of chances for his teammates, testing Gikiewicz all game with some wicked shots and drawing five fouls. The world’s best player is keen to stay at the top, and Bayern will be the better for it.
Die Fußballgötter: Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba
Yes, we split the awards for this one (and the next). Joshua Kimmich was his usual stellar self, and his passing today was among the best we’ve ever seen. Precise through balls? Check. Inch perfect lobs? Check. Switching play to the wings? Check. Passing accuracy? Check. And to top it all, Kimmich scored Bayern’s third, an absolute scorcher of a goal from long range. Brilliant performance. Extend the guy at all costs.
David Alaba also gets a feature here because he was really good in a defensive midfield role. Registering an assist, two key passes and four shots on goal, he was buzzing all over the pitch today. It does feel rather sad and nostalgic that such a decorated servant of a club would be moving to Madrid in the summer, and it is undoubtable that he will be missed. An absolute legend, who has given so much for the club and contributed so much to its successes.
Danke David! We will miss you.
Der Kaiser: Lucas Hernandez
Lucas Hernandez is a gem. After awarding Augsburg a penalty early in the game due to some sloppy play, Lucas seemed to have gotten the wake up call he needed. He was completely in the game from the next minute, and he bossed around the rest of the game, putting in an admirable shift - winning balls high up the pitch, registering a game high passing accuracy of 93.8% and dribbling through midfield spaces like a French Beckenbauer. He’s looking worth every Euro of the €80 million we paid for his services.
Meister of the Match: Kingsley Coman
The Frenchman was superb once again. Starting alongside wing partner Gnabry, the duo terrorized the Augsburg defense from the get-go, and Coman’s pace and trickery were too much to handle. He bagged a pre-assist for the first goal when his shot rebounded off the post and fell kindly to Gnabry, who nodded it in. He then went on to register a goal (a superb long range shot drilled to the bottom corner) and an assist, putting in a performance worthy of the MOTM award.
There have been recent concerns over a potential extension falling apart due to his increased wage demands, but the way he’s playing, Bayern should really consider giving him a significant pay raise and extending him long term. Wingers like him don’t grow on trees, and if lost, he’d be super hard to replace. Let’s hope that Bayern can tie him down to Munich, because if his current form is any indication of his future, Bayern is in for more ‘Mr. Lisbon’ moments.
Lifetime achievement awards: Boateng, Javi and Alaba
About Boateng and Javi — I just do not have words. They both were decent today, but we mustn’t forget the excellent service the two have provided Bayern for a decade now. Boateng has been a defensive stalwart for ages that we’ve always taken his presence and his contributions for granted. His combination of skills: long balls, vision, defensive awareness and aerial ability are such a rare combination, and that’s what he was for us: a rare, precious player.
Javi Martinez — double-treble winner, UEFA Super Cup master and the machine that keeps producing, this man’s reputation and successes never got to his head. He always remained humble, calm and friendly, and most importantly, a good teammate and locker room presence. He was family from the very start, and he will always be family. A legend of the game, and one of the best Bayern DMs ever. It is heartbreaking to say goodbye, but he will be an eternal part of the Bayern family, and we’re definitely calling these two back for a testimonial when the time comes.
About David Alaba — I don’t think I can add much that hasn’t already been said. He still has so much to offer and is such a great versatile player... nothing hurts more than watching an academy player switch clubs to your most hated European rival. I believe he still has so much left in him, and it is a shame to see him leave so soon. He will be missed dearly, and the memories he’s shared with the Bayern family will be permanently engraved here.
Mia San Mia.