Jamal Musiala delivered his best performance since returning from injury in Bayern Munich’s commanding 5-0 win over FC St. Pauli on Matchday 29 of the Bundesliga. Leon Goretzka also found his scoring touch, contributing a goal. Michael Olise scored and sparked a reaction. Here are the player ratings and individual critiques for the FC Bayern Munich stars.
Jamal Musiala’s opening goal equaled the Bundesliga single-season scoring record from the 1971/1972 season, with Leon Goretzka later setting a new solo record. Michael Olise and Nicolas Jackson extended the lead to 4-0, and Raphael Guerreiro sealed the victory. Thanks to Borussia Dortmund’s defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich can secure the championship next Saturday in their match against VfB Stuttgart.
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Manuel Neuer
Demonstrated his sweeper qualities early in the game once again, then impressed as a reliable passer in build-up play and saved the one shot he had to in the first half. No less secure in the second half, but was rarely tested. Celebrated with seemingly everyone in sight in the second half, including substitutes and fans. Rating: 3.5
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Konrad Laimer
Provided the chipped pass for Musiala’s opening goal. Received an early yellow card for a minor foul but also suffered a blow to the face from an opponent’s elbow. As industrious and effective as ever. Rating: 3.5
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Hiroki Ito
One of seven changes to the starting lineup compared to the triumphant 2-1 victory at Real Madrid on Tuesday. Showed great awareness and effort but also lost a few balls in build-up. Had to be substituted with apparent calf pain midway through the second half. Rating: 3.5
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Minjae Kim
Received special applause from Vincent Kompany and the Bayern bench when he thwarted St. Pauli’s biggest chance up to that point in the 29th minute. This was likely his most notable moment, but it doesn’t mean he was inactive before or after. Rating: 2
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Tom Bischof
The match-winner from the previous matchday was back in the starting lineup, playing at left-back once again in Vincent Kompany’s setup. However, the basic positions in Kompany’s Bayern are not always indicative of roles. He performed his duties commendably, regardless of where he appeared on the pitch. He nearly had an assist, but Leon Goretzka was narrowly offside from Bischof’s free-kick header before the final whistle. Rating: 2
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Joshua Kimmich
Played a slightly more defensive role in central midfield alongside Leon Goretzka, but from there, he delivered by far the most passes into the attacking third and consistently quickened the tempo of the game. A transition he initiated, for example, led to Musiala’s clear chance in the 28th minute. Rating: 2
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Leon Goretzka
Was on track to win the unofficial title of Bayern’s most inconspicuous player of the evening until he secured at least the semi-official title of the scorer of the Bundesliga season’s record-breaking goal in the 53rd minute. Bayern’s 102nd league goal of the season came from a Kimmich free-kick and a skillful Goretzka volley. The goal not only improved Goretzka’s statistics – until then, he had not managed a single ball win – but it truly made him flourish. His ball win against St. Pauli’s Metz led to Olise’s third goal, and he was significantly more engaged and active after scoring. Rating: 2.5
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Michael Olise
The standout player in Madrid on Tuesday proved he can perform in the Bundesliga as well. Although he failed to capitalize on a defensive error from Hamburg in the 17th minute, sending the ball wide, and shortly after, mishandled the ball in the box due to an uncharacteristically weak touch, he didn’t have many more poor moments that evening. Shortly before being substituted, he scored the third goal in the 54th minute. His somewhat provocative celebration of the goal led to loud whistling from the St. Pauli fans upon his substitution. He seemed to enjoy it. Rating: 2.5
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Jamal Musiala
Eight minutes and 37 seconds had passed when Jamal Musiala headed in FC Bayern Munich’s 101st Bundesliga goal of the season, thus equaling the long-standing record from the 1971/1972 season. Franz Beckenbauer scored Bayern’s fifth goal against FC Schalke on Matchday 34 in that season. Musiala thus matched the record set by the icon of German football. Even though the post (and perhaps a slightly too precise shot from Musiala) prevented him from scoring the 102nd goal in the 28th minute, his performance silenced critics like Didi Hamann or Oliver Kahn, who questioned his form. He played with the agility and joy of his best times before his serious injury, was very present, and was Bayern’s best player on the pitch. He then beautifully set up Jackson’s fourth goal. Rating: 1.5
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Raphael Guerreiro
Was a late addition to the starting lineup due to Serge Gnabry’s slight knee discomfort. He positioned himself behind Nicolas Jackson but was at times felt to be everywhere. He capped his performance with the fifth goal just before the end. Whoever his next club may be, they can look forward to him. Rating: 2
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Nicolas Jackson
Played in place of a not fully fit Harry Kane, as coach Vincent Kompany wanted to avoid risks before the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid. Jackson’s determined run through the St. Pauli defense, completely dismantling their backline and creating space for Bayern’s intricate play, led to Musiala’s opening goal. He then hit the crossbar shortly after the first goal, missing out on the title of the season’s top scorer. In the 66th minute, Musiala set him up for his fifth goal of the season, which was Bayern’s 104th strike of the campaign. Rating: 3
FC Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs. FC St. Pauli: Substitutes
Josip Stanisic: Came on in the 58th minute for Konrad Laimer and seamlessly integrated into Bayern’s play. Extremely accurate passing. Rating: 3
Luis Diaz: Also replaced Michael Olise in the 58th minute, not as spectacular as usual, but it wasn’t necessary. Rating: 3.5
Alphonso Davies: Came on in the 58th minute for Joshua Kimmich, leading to several positional changes in Bayern’s formation. Very engaged, fighting for more playing time. Rating: 3
Jonathan Tah: Replaced Hiroki Ito, who was clearly suffering from a calf injury, in the 67th minute. Composed in his hometown. Rating: 3.5
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye: Came on in the final stages for Musiala, making his Bundesliga debut.