Unfortunately, Schweinsteiger just wasn't back at 100% already - it was a gamble to bring him in the first place. That kinda cost us the clean sheet, since one of his many hiccups resulted in the counter attack leading to the goal. Still, you can't blame him at all. Anyone who has seen his performances over the past few years up to the injury sustained against Napoli (and those that followed back-to-back) knows THAT wasn't a quarter of the player he usually is.
Another disappointment was Luiz Gustavo who never really seemed to be the stabilizing factor for our defence. Definitely a position that still holds potential for the future, shouldn't we actually decide to put Kroos AND Schweinsteiger on all the time ... though that seems risky against the big guns and thus unlikely.
Lahm wasn't at his best either - but his side hardly was the danger zone today and he made up for defensive mishaps with his brilliant run and assist in the end.
All the other guys on the pitch today who wore red: chapeau!
Ribery was average, in a sense that this kind of quality now has become his "routine", really. Robben very good with some good runs. Boateng was solid, Badstuber IMMENSE - fantastic performance! What a long way he has come since helping out as a makeshift left back, getting schooled by United and co.
Kroos on the 10 - well, where he obviously belongs. Sad for Mueller, but in the ideal starting line up, imho, Thomas would belong on the right flank, but that's Robben-territory.
Gomez actually had some terrific moments winning back possession from Real's genuinely surprised midfielders. Add to that a couple of good chances and the winning goal: I can't complain! I'm very critical when it comes to Mario, but a performance like that further cements his status as one of the best strikers around.
Did I forget David Alaba? Well, I guess most people on here haven't really gotten him on the radar before the match, much less as a left-back - it was only a couple of weeks ago that Heynckes decided to play into the Austrian wunderkind's strengths on that position. A very versatile player, undoubtedly, but I'm beginning to suspect he has found his best position now. Really helps Ribery up front, too.
All in all this victory impressed me, but the close result might actually not be enough to make the dream of a home final come true. Like most teams, Real plays quite a bit better on their home turf.