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Jersey Swap: Linus Meyer
Meyer was the source of many Rödinghausen attacks down the left side. Even when they progressed down the right side, he was able to get on the end of a cross and put one past Manuel Neuer. At 2-0 down, the goal for the home side gave them every bit of belief that they could go on and find an equalizer to get something out of the match. Meyer’s 49th-minute goal essentially kept Rodinghausen pushing for something. Had he not scored that goal, the home side could’ve very easily turned over and been torn apart by Bayern. Keep in mind that this was a fourth-division side taking on the Bavarian giants.
Tip of the Cap: Thomas Müller
After clinically putting away a penalty in true Thomas Müller fashion, the Raumdeuter cemented his place in the top 10 in terms of goals scored in DFB Pokal history. A Müller in his prime might have put away a few more this game, but nonetheless this achievement deserves to be celebrated. He’s received a lot of criticism for some of his lackluster performances this season, but he ultimately scored the winning goal for Bayern tonight and never stopped working on a difficult night in Osnabrück.
With that goal @esmuellert_ moves into the top goal scorers in @DFBPokal_EN play...2⃣8⃣ goals in 4⃣5⃣ apps. #FCBayern pic.twitter.com/c4s4QqT3lA
— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) October 30, 2018
Golf Clap: Renato Sanches
After a few promising performances early in the year, the Portuguese international showed glimpses of the player that earned him the Golden Boy Award at the 2016 Euros. He supplied a nice assist to Sandro Wagner off of a perfect ball over the top from Rafinha. He kept his head up, was aware, and that allowed him to lead his striker perfectly for the goal. Despite the missed penalty, the youngster still exudes confidence. The confidence is what will allow him to succeed and develop under Niko Kovac, who’s showed continued faith in him.
Standing Ovation: Sandro Wagner
He might not have been given many opportunities up to this point of the season, but that didn’t stop him from getting the opening goal in the 8th minute. He was energetic throughout the game and this will hopefully lead to not only more playing time, but more successful and efficient performances.
Plus, any chance we can use #Wagnered is an added bonus:
That's the kind of start we wanted! #SVRFCB #Wagnered pic.twitter.com/2PREkPIfJ7
— Bavarian Football Works (@BavarianFBWorks) October 30, 2018
Meister of the Match: Thiago
This award is not just a sympathy for Thiago and his injury. Before he went down, he was dominant in possession and was confident in all facets of the game. If he’s sidelined for an extended period of time, this will be a big blow to the team that is already short on players, particularly in the midfield. Seeing as how der Klassiker is only 10 days away, Bayern’s chances of overtaking Borussia Dortmund, for now, have definitely decreased.