At the Olimpico stadium in Roma, Lazio hosted Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Although the Italians weren’t particularly bad on Tuesday, the Germans’ high pressing caused their defenders to commit countless errors at the back. Thus, the match ended in a 4-1 thrashing in favor of the defending champions, who have now put more than one foot into the quarter finals. So let’s take a look at the Player Ratings for the European encounter between Lazio and Bayern Munich.
Lazio XI
Pepe Reina – 6
The former Bayern defender was let down by the Lazio defenders throughout the night. Wasn’t particularly at fault in any of the four goals he conceded, and made a couple of saves to prevent a larger score.
Patric – 4.5
A torrid night for the Spaniard. Tried to support his team’s attacks at time, but often ended up wasting possession, and his fumble with Lucas allowed the visitors to easily score their third of night. Rightfully taken out early in the second half.
Francesco Acerbi – 5
The former Sassuolo defender unluckily scored a goal into his own net after the half time break. Started the match decently, but his defensive companions eventually dragged him down to their level.
Mateo Musacchio – 4
The former Milan man gifted Lewandowski the opening goal with horrible back-pass. He left the pitch after 30 minutes probably due to an injury.
Manuel Lazzari – 6.5
The wingback was the most dangerous player for the home side. Caused great trouble for Davies whenever he leaped forward, but unfortunately his runs were never transmitted into goals.
Sergei Milinkovic Savic – 5.5
The Serbian star had a tough night against the likes of Goretzka and Kimmich. Provided some through balls for Immobile, but he would be the first to acknowledge that this was far from his best performance.
Lucas Leiva – 5
The speed and trickery of the young Bayern guns was too much for the Lazio midfield enforcer. Failed to properly react on the rebound prior to Sané’s goal.
Luis Alberto – 6
The former Liverpool man spent much of his night arguing with the referee, but it was his good work in midfield which allowed Correa to score the consolation goal.
Adam Marusic – 5.5
The Montenegrin started the match decently as a left wingback, but the had to be shifted for an unusual role within the back-three after Musacchio’s exit. Looked uncomfortable in defense, but at least he didn’t gift the Germans another goal.
Joaquin Correa – 6.5
The Argentine is turning into an unconventional, yet deadly striker. Combined his dribbling skills with his finishing touch to break his way into the Bayern box and score the lone Lazio goal.
Ciro Immobile – 5.5
The Italian Striker tried hard to put his name on the scoresheet, but his finishing touch abandoned him at times.
Lazio Substitutes
Senad Lulic – 6
Not a bad outing for the Biancocelesti captain considering the fact that he’s been out of action for almost a year.
Gonzalo Escalante – 6
Although he committed a nasty tackle on Lewandowski, the Argentine was an improvement on the tired Lucas, and made a key interception on Sané.
Wesley Hoedt – 6
The defense looked to be in a much better shape after his introduction in favor of the struggling Patric.
Danilo Cataldi – N/A
Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro – N/A
72 – Robert Lewandowski ha segnato 72 gol in Champions League, superando Raúl e diventando il terzo miglior marcatore della competizione dietro a Cristiano Ronaldo (134) e Lionel Messi (119). Predatore.#UCL #LazioBayern https://t.co/gWgjYzKEH9
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) February 23, 2021
Bayern Munich XI
Manuel Neuer – 6.5
The German captain couldn’t do much on Correa’s goal, but he did return the favor with a brilliant save on the Argentine’s next shot.
Niklas Süle – 7.5
A wonderful performance from the German giant who had to play at right-back in Benjamin Pavard’s absence and never looked out of place. Supported the attack with his overlaps and produced several key passes for his side, and generally dominated his flank.
Jerome Boateng – 7
A solid performance from the veteran defender. Kept Immobile quiet for most of the match, and helped in distributing the ball from the back.
David Alaba – 6.5
The Austrian is set to leave Bayern by the end of the season, but he’s still giving his best for his side as proved by his performance against Lazio. Dealt with Immobile and company with ease, except for the goal scored by Correa.
Alphonso Davies – 6.5
The young Canadian struggled in containing Lazzari at times, but he still acted as a huge threat for the Italian defenses whenever he launched forward. His brilliant run down the left flank opened the door for Bayern’s second of the evening.
Joshua Kimmich – 7
The versatile German acted as the smooth operator in the heart of the Bavarian midfield. Didn’t surge forward too many times, but almost scored on one occasion with a curler.
Leon Goretzka – 7
The former Schalke man helped his side in winning the midfield battle, and assisted Musiala with a sublime pass for the second goal.
Leroy Sané – 8
The Lazio defenders simply had no answer for the dazzling Bayern winger. Pounced on the rebound to score the third goal for the Germans, before causing Acerbi to score an own goal after a terrific run. Danced his way between a host of Laziali players at times.
Jamal Musiala – 7
The 17-year-old made history by becoming the youngest English player to score in the Champions League. Took his goal brilliantly by directing the ball towards Reina’s bottom corner. Plays with incredible composure for someone in his age, but he faded during the second half.
Kingsley Coman – 6.5
The former Juventus man had a quiet night in comparison with some of his teammates. Nonetheless, he pounced on Patric’s mistake to take a free run towards Reina’s goal, which eventually led to Munich’s third of the evening.
Robert Lewandowski – 7.5
The Polish bomber was chosen by UEFA as the official man of the match. The former BVB striker opened the scoring after receiving a gift from Musacchio, and almost added another one or two if it wasn’t for some solid saves from Reina.
Bayern Substitutes
Javi Martinez – 6
Came at a time when the match was already sealed, and made sure the hosts remained quiet for the rest of the night.
Lucas Hernandez – 6.5
His introduction allowed his side to put an end for Lazzari’s threat from the right side.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – N/A
Bouna Sarr- N/A
