Bayern Munich Match Awards
The Court of King Arturo: Post-match awards from Bayern's draw with Juventus
It wasn't the best result, but a 2-2 draw will suffice for Bayern Munich. These are players who deserve to stand up and take a bow
By NoVaBurgher@daslynch Feb 23, 2016, 11:29pm CET
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Tip Of The Cap: Douglas Costa. In the first half, Costa was absolutely devastating on the left flank. Despite being double and sometimes triple teamed, he managed to break down the Juve defense and fired in cross after cross to give them fits. He got subbed off near the end of the game as it appeared he had run out of gas, but it's a shame he didn't get on the scoresheet as his efforts were deserving.
Golf Clap: Manuel Neuer. Leading up to this game, there were some concerned with how Neuer would handle the Juve attack as he hadn't really been tested much in Bundesliga play. Those fears were proved to be unfounded as Neuer, despite letting two goals in, make a couple of splendid saves to preserve the draw for Bayern. Apparently, practicing against his own attacking players is more than enough seasoning to keep the best keeper in the world on his toes. He doesn't get on the awards list very often, but when he does it's because he played a vital role in Bayern avoiding a disastrous result.
Standing Ovation: Arjen Robben. The Flying Dutchman has definitely regained his form as his pace and dribbling ability gave Juve fits on the right flank all game long. It looked as if he couldn't buy a goal, until he did his patented "Robben Move" when he cut to the left and fired a devastating curling shot to beat Gianluigi Buffon. The most telling statistic about Robben's game was this however. He led both teams in tackles. Seriously, when was the last time THAT happened? From box to box, Robben's game was a stellar one.
Meister Of The Match: Arturo Vidal. King Arturo was clearly amped up and ready to play against his former team. He was flying around the pitch making key tackles, clearing crosses, intercepting passes to break up counter attacks and letting the game flow through him. He had a team high 115 passes which he completed with a game high 96% accuracy including nine of ten from 30 yards or more. The only real mistake he made was picking up a yellow card for a challenge on Alvaro Morata but seeing as Morata was about to beat him anyway, it is hard to put too much blame on Vidal. It was definitely a tactical foul. Still, he needs to be careful in the return match as another yellow card would mean a one game suspension.
Jersey Swap: Mario Mandzukic. Speaking of players getting amped to play their former teams, Mandzu came to this match desperately wanting to stick it to the former manager with whom he left on less than amicable terms. He had an assist on Juve's first goal, capitalizing on a mistake from Joshua Kimmich, but also had three other passes that led to shots on goal and was fighting for balls all game long, refusing to give up after being down 2-2. He got a bit chippy with some Bayern players, but from an objective standpoint, he had a great game for Juventus.
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