Kim Min-jae (28, Bayern Munich) was praised by the German media for showing off his tight defense.
Munich won 1-0 against Benfica in the fourth home game of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) phase of the 2024-2025 season at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany on the 7th (Korea time).
Kim Min-jae, who is trusted by head coach Bang Sang Kompany this season, started as a center back with Dayo Upamecano.
Munich desperately needed to win the match due to its loss at Aston Villa and crushing defeat at Barcelona. After losing two games in a row, the team had one win and two losses (three points) to fall to 25th place. With the team falling behind 24th place, the team could be on the verge of elimination from the preliminary round if it failed to secure a win against Benfica.
Munich took the lead from the beginning of the game. Benfica defended well to block Munich’s attacks and attempted counterattacks. Munich continued to operate aggressively by forming a high line.
Munich had chances to score several times, but failed to finish the game. Kane’s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Truvin in the 32nd minute of the first half, and Gnabry’s shot from a chaotic situation in the 38th minute was also blocked by Truvin. The first half ended 0-0 without scoring a goal.
Munich’s offense intensified in the second half. In the 13th minute of the second half, Reimer had a decisive shot in front of the goal but missed the post. Leroy Sane tried to shoot with his left foot on the ensuing chance, but he was caught again by Truvin.
Kim Min-jae showed his outstanding defense. In the 20th minute of the second half, Benfica cut off Munich’s attack and launched a counterattack, resulting in a one-on-one situation between Kim Min-jae and Vangelis Pavlidis, but Kim Min-jae kicked the ball with an accurate tackle to overcome the crisis.
Munich scored the winning goal in the 22nd minute of the second half. Kane received the cross that Sané connected with his head. Musiala, who finally received the ball, finished with a header and shook the opponent’s net.
Munich continued to dominate the match afterwards. Benfica also fought back for the equalizer, but failed to penetrate Munich’s defense line, led by Kim Min-jae.
Munich’s 1-0 victory, which secured Musiala’s winning goal to the end, ended the match.
According to the statistics company Footmob, Kim Min-jae touched the ball 125 times in 90 minutes excluding extra time, recording a 100% pass success rate (113 times/113), a 100% long pass success rate (4 times/four times), 14 offensive area passes, 0 balls taken away, 3 clear headers, 1 interception, 10 defensive actions, and 100% success rate (6 times/6 times).
Football gave Kim Min-jae and Harry Kane 8.4 points, the highest rating in the team, compared to Musiala (7.9), who scored “one goal.” 먹튀검증
German media TZ also praised Kim Min-jae.
“Kim Min-jae was the starting player and connected strong passes to the strikers, giving a good impression. Defensively, he defended the Munich defense in a calm and stable manner without making mistakes,” the media said. Kim was given two points. The lower the German media’s rating, the better.