GK Manuel Neuer – 7 Did not have much to do all evening and saw the ball rarely even with Bayern playing with 10 men for most of the match. However, the Bavarian was assured in his handling of the ball in his box and negated Koln’s threat from long balls and crosses.
RB Rafinha – 8 Had little to do defensively in the match with Koln never really taking the game to the opposition. Rafinha spent most of the game in the opposition half and provided some wonderful crosses throughout the match. Was a constant danger to the opposition throughout the course of the match.
CB Daniel van Buyten – 7 The Belgian enjoyed a quiet game at the back of Bayern’s defense. Had little to do all night except for some routine clearances with the head and had to corner German international forward Lukas Podolski, who was the sole threat to Bayern on the night.
CB Holger Badstuber – 7 Like his defensive partner, Badstuber had little to do all night. In the first half, he made some wonderful runs down the middle of the park in order to make something happen for Bayern. Stayed back in the second half after Bayern were reduced to 10 men.
LB Philipp Lahm – 8 Was not at all troubled defensively and proved to be a thorn for the opposition as far as attack was concerned. Stayed back at the start of the match with Ribery providing the crosses up front, but after the Frenchman was sent off, Lahm provided fantastic width on the left flank.
CM Anatoliy Tymoshchuk – 7 Made some decent runs all night and his tackle on Clemens led to Thomas Muller running free through to the keeper to open the scoring on the night for Bayern. Was a better player in the second half as he stamped his authority on the proceedings.
CM Toni Kroos – 9 Kroos was a shadow of the player we saw this season in the first half as he retreated to a shell after missing the target with two long range efforts. In the second half, Kroos produced one of the best displays that we have seen in recent times from a creative midfielder. Some of the through balls that we saw were absolutely exquisite as he bagged an assist for David Alaba’s goal from a corner before scoring the third goal to seal things for Bayern.
LW Franck Ribery – 2.5 Was a livewire on the pitch until a moment of madness from the temperamental Frenchman saw him sent off. The manner in which he earned that second yellow was a disgrace.
RW Arjen Robben – 7 Robben continued his recovery from injury with yet another on-off display. It will take sometime for the Dutchman to start firing on all cylinders and it feels like the Christmas break is what he needs to get back in top form.
CF Thomas Muller – 7 Had an average day by his standards. Looked disinterested to be on the ball in the first half. Began well in the second half as he saw a volley saved before providing the assist to Mario Gomez to score the opener. Was taken off thereafter.
ST Mario Gomez – 8 Went missing in the first half, however, the German international striker came back strong to score his side’s opener. Was taken off with the result in the bag.
Substitutes
David Alaba – 9 Was a dynamite after coming on for an off color Muller. A dynamic performance from the youngster, who has matured into one of Bayern’s most dependable players off late. Scored a goal before setting up Toni Kroos for the third.
Luiz Gustavo – N/A
Ivica Olic – N/A In all probability his last appearance in a Bayern Munich shirt.