It was a match that could have gone another way as Magdeburg\u2019s 15th-minute strike leveled the game and put fear into the Bayern supporters, triggering a traumatic response to many early Pokal round exits in recent memory. Luckily, there was no upset in sight today as Bayern\u2019s overwhelming attack was simply too much for the visitors, providing Magdeburg an early exit from the competition.<\/p>\n
Jersey Swap: Mateusz \u017bukowski<\/p>\n
In typical underdog fashion, Bayern Munich were struck by a fast-break situation, and \u017bukowski made the most of it. Unfortunately, it seems that thereare few better finishers in the world than an underdog team on a fast break. Surely there is some sort of statistical anomaly, but you have to give teams credit for taking their chances when given.<\/p>\n
Outside of his goal, the Polish striker made little impact, but the goal was good enough to give him the award.Magdeburg did a fine job otherwise, but simply couldn\u2019t contain the Bayern attack.<\/p>\n
Der Kaiser: Alphonso Davies<\/p>\n
There wasn\u2019t really anyone exceptional in defense today, so an exception will be made. While Alphonso Davies was deployedfar up in attack, as commonly done in recent weeks, Davies\u2019 performance was worthy enough of an award to make this exception.<\/p>\n
Davies only played for the second half, but made an immediate impact by drawing a penalty\u2014which would be scored by Michael Olise\u2014andthen scored a goal later himself after drifting into the box to square in a Lennart Karl pass.<\/p>\n
The Roadrunner is in ridiculous form at the moment and is becoming the type of player who has to fit into the starting lineup each week.<\/p>\n
Fu\u00dfballgott: Tom Bischof<\/p>\n
Tom Bischof wasn\u2019t flashy, and he didn\u2019t score or assist any of Bayern\u2019s five goals, but he didn\u2019t need to. The young German midfielder\u2019s build-up play was hugely important for the team. His passing accuracy is reminiscent of great midfielders from years past, and his calm poise in big matches is truly commendable for his age.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s no longer \u201cup-and-coming\u201d; he is an invaluable asset to this team and is finally getting the minutes he deserves this season. This midfield is perhapsbetter equipped with a depth of talent than it has been for a very long time. Lennart Karl would have been perhaps an even wiser choice for this award with a solid performance from the young talent, but they can\u2019t all be offensive choices.<\/p>\n
Aleksandar Pavlovi\u0107 was brilliant in his limited time on the pitch as well. Bayern Munich\u2019s midfield is in good hands for a very long time.<\/p>\n
Der Bomber: Ismael Saibari<\/p>\n
While this was a match against lesser competition than the team is usually used to, it was a great performance by Saibari\u2014a player who has been much criticized in recent weeks after cooling off with just two goals to his name during his time with the club so far.<\/p>\n
In just this match, he almost doubled his goal contributions and showed his versatility in attack, which is a major factor in why Bayern Munich signed the former PSV star this past summer. Will the Moroccan use this match as a stepping stone to find some magic form in Munich? Let\u2019s hope so.<\/p>\n
Meister of the Match: Michael Olise<\/p>\n
The Frenchman is beyond talented. After a week in which his name was under the radar compared to the world\u2019s best footballers at the Ballon d\u2019Orceremony, it seems that Olise is keen on continuing his rise to stardom. While he is already a top-five player in the world, it seems as though the rest of the world is a little behind in terms of recognizing just how great he is.<\/p>\n
Lamine Yamal, in comparison, had far fewer goal contributions and far less impact at the World Cup, but was given significantly more recognition. Yamal is a brilliant talent, and give him credit where due, but if you asked me today who I would want in my starting XI, the answer is clear.<\/p>\n