Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich faced FC Rostov from Russia in their opening Champions League game for the new season and soared to whooping 5-0 victory. Bayern are always expected to prevail in their own backyard but Kimmich’s first Champions League goals are the obvious highlight of a typically dominant home performance.
Player Ratings:
Manuel Neuer – 8/10
Captaining Bayern on the night, Neuer just had two saves to make throughout the game but his alertness was during the whole 90 minutes and was evident when he kept a shot from a rare Rostov attack creeping into his net.
David Alaba – 7/10
Was much more free in his role and kept rampaging down the left flank, also setup Muller for his goal. Shifted to central defense when Hummels got subbed at the start of the second half.
Mats Hummels – 7/10
In his first Champions league match for Bayern on his return from rivals Borussia Dortmund, Hummels started the game as the central defender and also almost scored for Bayern in the first half from a diving header. Taken off just after halftime on precautionary ground.
Javi Martinez – 7/10
Had very little to do against a limited Rostov side but Martinez stayed focussed until the end, as evidenced by a last-ditch clearance in the final 10 minutes.
Rafinha – 7/10
Got his chance in the absence of Bayern Munich captain, Phillip Lahm and gave a steady and composed performance.
Arturo Vidal – 8/10
The Chilean’s fierce drive clattered against the crossbar just after the hour mark but, in reality, Vidal didn’t have to get out of cruise control in a very low-key affair.
Thiago – 6/10
Didn’t do too well as his misplaced few of his passes and looked very laid back in his approach to the game. Subbed to give Renato Sanches a chance.
Joshua Kimmich – 9/10
Within just 10 days, Germany’s new prodigy has scored his first international goal, slotted a debut goal in the Bundesliga and, to top it all, netted a Champions League double. Having great aerial ability which he proved with a flicked header for his second goal of the evening. He stole the show in right midfield but is so versatile that it’s hard to say what his best position is.
Douglas Costa – 7/10
Having been out due to injury it was good game for Costa who had good outing out on the right midfield for Bayern and set up Kimmich for his first goal.
Thomas Muller – 8/10
Bayern’s record Champions League scorer celebrated his 27th birthday by doubling the lead on the stroke of half-time with an instinctive finish, taking his tally to 37 goals in 81 games.
Robert Lewandowski – 8/10
Scored the first goal for Bayern on the night through a penalty which he himself earned. A commanding performance as the spearhead of Bayern’s attack.
Substitutes
Juan Bernat – 8/10
Having replaced Hummels five minutes after half-time, slotting into the left-back position. He provided a lovely assist to Kimmich’s second goal anr added another star to his great night by scoring with his left foot.
Franck Ribery- 7/10
Came on later in the game when the game was already won but set up Bernat for his goal with a cheeky pass.
Renato Sanches – N/A
A very late substitution, had almost nothing to do in his debut for Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
