It was a match that could have gone another way as Magdeburg’s 15th-minute strike leveled the game and put fear into the Bayern supporters, triggering a traumatic response to many early Pokal round exits in recent memory. Luckily, there was no upset in sight today as Bayern’s overwhelming attack was simply too much for the visitors, providing Magdeburg an early exit from the competition.
Jersey Swap: Mateusz Żukowski
In typical underdog fashion, Bayern Munich were struck by a fast-break situation, and Żukowski made the most of it. Unfortunately, it seems that there are few better finishers in the world than an underdog team on a fast break. Surely there is some sort of statistical anomaly, but you have to give teams credit for taking their chances when given.
Outside of his goal, the Polish striker made little impact, but the goal was good enough to give him the award. Magdeburg did a fine job otherwise, but simply couldn’t contain the Bayern attack.
Der Kaiser: Alphonso Davies
There wasn’t really anyone exceptional in defense today, so an exception will be made. While Alphonso Davies was deployed far up in attack, as commonly done in recent weeks, Davies’ performance was worthy enough of an award to make this exception.
Davies only played for the second half, but made an immediate impact by drawing a penalty—which would be scored by Michael Olise—and then scored a goal later himself after drifting into the box to square in a Lennart Karl pass.
The Roadrunner is in ridiculous form at the moment and is becoming the type of player who has to fit into the starting lineup each week.
Fußballgott: Tom Bischof
Tom Bischof wasn’t flashy, and he didn’t score or assist any of Bayern’s five goals, but he didn’t need to. The young German midfielder’s build-up play was hugely important for the team. His passing accuracy is reminiscent of great midfielders from years past, and his calm poise in big matches is truly commendable for his age.
He’s no longer “up-and-coming”; he is an invaluable asset to this team and is finally getting the minutes he deserves this season. This midfield is perhaps better equipped with a depth of talent than it has been for a very long time. Lennart Karl would have been perhaps an even wiser choice for this award with a solid performance from the young talent, but they can’t all be offensive choices.
Aleksandar Pavlović was brilliant in his limited time on the pitch as well. Bayern Munich’s midfield is in good hands for a very long time.
Der Bomber: Ismael Saibari
While this was a match against lesser competition than the team is usually used to, it was a great performance by Saibari—a player who has been much criticized in recent weeks after cooling off with just two goals to his name during his time with the club so far.
In just this match, he almost doubled his goal contributions and showed his versatility in attack, which is a major factor in why Bayern Munich signed the former PSV star this past summer. Will the Moroccan use this match as a stepping stone to find some magic form in Munich? Let’s hope so.
Meister of the Match: Michael Olise
The Frenchman is beyond talented. After a week in which his name was under the radar compared to the world’s best footballers at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, it seems that Olise is keen on continuing his rise to stardom. While he is already a top-five player in the world, it seems as though the rest of the world is a little behind in terms of recognizing just how great he is.
Lamine Yamal, in comparison, had far fewer goal contributions and far less impact at the World Cup, but was given significantly more recognition. Yamal is a brilliant talent, and give him credit where due, but if you asked me today who I would want in my starting XI, the answer is clear.
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