Bayern Munich vs. Ingolstadt: Winners and Losers from Bundesliga Game
Bayern Munich wrapped up the Bundesliga's "winter title" on Saturday as they beat visiting Ingolstadt 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, mathematically ensuring that they will lead the German league when the winter break begins next weekend.
The promoted side put in a plucky performance in the first half, but Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock on 65 minutes after rounding goalkeeper Ramazan Ozcan.
Stretched in their pursuit of an equalizer, the visitors were caught out and conceded a second on 75 minutes as Philipp Lahm wrapped up the result for Bayern.
Despite the final score reading 2-0, it was a tough game for Bayern, and both sides had their strong points.
For a review of the individuals who came out the better and worse, click "Begin Slideshow."
Winner: Manuel Neuer
1 of 5
Bayern probably weren't expecting much from Ingolstadt's attack, but in fact, the visitors made it very difficult for the league leaders and were unlucky not to be ahead going into half-time.
Bayern had Manuel Neuer to thank for the game still being scoreless; Die Schanzer had three great chances shortly before the break, and Neuer did well especially to stop Stefan Lex in one-on-one situations on either side of half-time.
After the interval, Neuer's only big contribution was a huge save from Lex. But by that time, he'd saved at least a goal or two, which would have dramatically changed the scope of the game.
Bayern are fortunate to have such a reliable presence between the posts; without Neuer, they may well have lost.
Winners: Ingolstadt's Defense
2 of 5
If Ingolstadt avoid relegation back to the second division, it will be largely with thanks to their defense.
Their attack is very limited. Yet their defense is absolutely outstanding: It was the Bundesliga's second-best heading into Saturday's match and played like it against a prolific and world-class Bayern attack.
Goalkeeper Ramazan Ozcan was hardly troubled before half-time, and when called into action after the break, he did brilliantly well to deny Philipp Lahm and Robert Lewandowski.
Yes, it all eventually unraveled for the visitors. But for a promoted side to visit Munich is always extremely difficult, and their little possession and minimal individual skill in attack made it even tougher.
Overall, this very ordinary team did extraordinarily well to keep Bayern at bay for over an hour.
Loser: Arturo Vidal
3 of 5
Arturo Vidal has often come under fire this season and didn't do himself any favors on Saturday as he delivered a performance that left much to be desired.
Once upon a time, the Chilean excelled in matches like that which Bayern faced at the Allianz Arena: An intense derby in which his aggression and work rate could make the difference. But that legendary combativeness wasn't on show on Saturday, nor was the technical sharpness that once accompanied it.
According to the official Bundesliga live ticker, Vidal won just four of his nine tackles and completed just 80.8 percent of his attempted passes.
After a poor first half, he was given a few minutes to try to make a better impression of himself, but he was taken off on 51 minutes.
Loser: Sebastian Rode
4 of 5
If Sebastian Rode ever earned himself a start at Bayern, it was in midweek against Dinamo Zagreb. He was, by most accounts, his club's second-best player behind Robert Lewandowski and certainly the best in midfield.
Instead of starting, however, Rode was kept on the bench as Javi Martinez, Arturo Vidal and Joshua Kimmich played in central midfield.
Even after the struggling Vidal was taken off on 51 minutes, Rode remained on the bench as Thiago entered the game instead. Then, on 70 minutes, Xabi Alonso was introduced to the game. Rode only came on for the final 11 minutes.
For all the good work he did against Zagreb, it appears his stock is still quite low in Pep Guardiola's mind.
Winner: Robert Lewandowski
5 of 5
Bayern were second-best for over an hour, but Robert Lewandowski made the difference for the hosts.
After having a shot cleared off the line in the first half, the Poland international again beat Ozcan on 65 minutes and left the defenders with no chance to deny him.
His goal was expertly taken, from a tight angle and without breaking stride. And it broke the deadlock that Ingolstadt had done exceptionally well to keep for so long.
With playmakers Douglas Costa, Franck Ribery and Mario Gotze all sidelined, it was always going to be tough for Bayern. Lewandowski stepped up and delivered, though, and the hosts ultimately cruised to three points.
