RB Leipzig 0-1 Bayern Munich: 5 hits and flops as holders consolidate title hopes with huge win | Bundesliga 2020-21

Bayern extend their lead to seven points, boosting title hopes!
Bayern extend their lead to seven points, boosting title hopes!

Hit: Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich)

Hernandez turned in a superb all-round performance tonight
Hernandez turned in a superb all-round performance tonight

It was by far the Frenchman's best performance for Bayern Munich this season.

Lucas Hernandez was a constant threat down the left flank, linking-up with the attackers whilst also feeding them with a few lovely crosses.

With the Red Bulls amping up the pressure after the break, Bayern were pushed on the back foot, and once again, Hernandez played a crucial role in helping them soak up the pressure.

The former Real Madrid man was particularly involved in keeping Christopher Nkunku quiet, following him like a shadow and never allowing his compatriot too much time and space on the ball.

He finished the game with seven tackles, more than anyone else, but also four interceptions and two aerial duels.

Not bad.


Flop: Leipzig's title hopes

Julian Nagelsmann's side are left with a mountain to climb following the loss
Julian Nagelsmann's side are left with a mountain to climb following the loss

With just four points separating the sides before the kick-off, Leipzig knew they had to win the game, come hell or high water, for that was the only way they could've kept their title hopes alive.

However, with the Bavarians proving too strong for them once again, the Red Bulls, regrettably, can kiss those hopes goodbye after tonight's loss.

Even with seven more games still to go, it's hard to imagine Bayern letting slip a seven-point lead at this juncture of the season.

If they can win their biggest league match so far without their prolific striker Robert Lewandowski in the squad, then the possibilities with him in the side for the remainder of the season are very limited. For Hansi Flick's whipping boys must already be dreaming of an unprecedented ninth consecutive Meisterschale.


Hit: Hansi Flick (Bayern Munich)

Hansi Flick showed why he's one of the best managers around!
Hansi Flick showed why he's one of the best managers around!

Last but not the least, some credit must go to Bayern's manager too, who simply refuses to make any mistake.

Even without his main targetman leading the line, Hansi Flick didn't fold, and exhibited an incredible tactical masterclass.

He played a relatively low backline to absorb the pressure from Leipzig's initial press, with Goretzka deployed next to Kimmich to ensure a stronger defensive shape.

In the second-half, with Bayern struggling to control the match, they remained well-drilled and denied Leipzig too many chances.

The German successfully guided the side to a historic second treble last year and has proved, with his tactical acumen this season, that he's not a fluke and effectively sealed another Bundesliga title with his ingenuity.

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