Bayern Munich went crashing out of the Champions League at the round-of-16 stage thanks to a poor display in a 3-1 home loss to Liverpool.
Though several big players went missing, no one’s poor performance was as egregious as that of star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern No 9 was completely nullified by the visiting defence, and could do little to have an impact even as the game gradually slipped away.
Here’s a closer look at the striker’s performance.
KEY STATS
Goals – 0
Shots – 1
Dribbles – 1
Key Passes – 0
Offsides – 3
Aerial Duels won – 0/3
30-SECOND REPORT
Lewandowski was involved in Bayern’s goal, as Joel Matip was harried into a rushed attempted clearance that turned into an own goal, knowing that the striker was behind him waiting for a tap-in.
Other than that moment, and another when he missed a Serge Gnabry cross by inches when a goal was certain had he connected, the Pole had little impact on this game. There was little link-up play or attempt to stamp his authority, and Liverpool’s defence handled him with ease.
GOT RIGHT
It’s hard to think of what Lewandowski did well in this game. His mere presence gave Liverpool something to think about, as they were constantly aware of his potential threat, but they dealt with it without any problems. The Bayern striker managed only one shot, had fewer touches than either goalkeeper, and lost all three of the aerial duels he was involved in. Not a good day at the office for Lewandowski.
GOT WRONG
Poor Movement
Lewandowski’s movement was awful – no player was caught offside more often. He also never found away to break free of Virgil van Dijk. In fairness, that’s a difficult task, but a player of Lewandowski’s ability shouldn’t be so handily pocketed, even against a great defender.
Drifted out of the game
The Bayern striker was generally not involved in the game. His 29 touches were the fewest of any player who started, barring Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson – who went off injured in the 13th minute. Lewandowski drifted completely out of the game.
Robert Lewandowski fails to score in his 7th Champions League knockout game in a row. pic.twitter.com/aGpzdABjfw
— Bayern & Die Mannschaft (@eMiaSanMia) March 13, 2019
VERDICT
Lewandowski’s big-game prowess often gets questioned, and Wednesday’s performance will only give the critics more fuel. The striker was barely in the game. There are factors that explain that, his team-mates inability to find him with passes and crosses, Liverpool’s excellent defending, but for a striker who has shown that he can be more than just a lethal finisher, his lack of impact was galling.
Bayern had a few disappointing performances from star names on Wednesday, but Lewandowski’s stood out.
RATING – 4/10
