Player Ratings: Stuttgart 0-2 Bayern Munich

Not at fault for the first, and did everything possible to deny the second goal, but had no protection whatsoever from his defence. Made a couple great saves, too, particularly from Kroos' blast and Ribery's header.

Out-run by Muller ahead of both goals, and on two more occasions was forced to make last-ditch challenges to avoid conceding.

Badly at fault for leaving Gomez unmarked for the critical second goal. His most noteworthy contribution to the game, albeit unintentional, was to cause Schweinsteiger's injury.

Was twice called upon to deny Gomez in the first half and on both occasions did just that: earns credit for helping to stop a player who was not his man to mark. However, the Dutchman loses credit for struggling to contain Ribery for long spells, particularly for the Frenchman's header on goal.

Better than Niedermeier, but the VfB defence was a real mess for much of the game, and Tasci cannot go without negative judgment.

Fought hard in midfield, but it was a losing battle as the Bayern central trio bossed play in the centre of the park. Won some challenges, but was ultimately powerless.

Could have been replaced by a ghost and the game would not have changed. A performance that was very unimpressive: his mark was certainly not felt in a positive way, but hardly in a negative way either.

Looked the most enthusiastic of the Stuttgart players, and will be disappointed not to have had more support. Had one speculative shot paried, and was gifted an opportunity earlier, but had a mix-up as he passed the ball out of play.

A centre-forward by nature, he still does not look entirely comfortable on the wing. Ran hard and gave his best, but failed to inspire with the subtleties characteristic of wing play, and was replaced with 20 minutes left to play.

Had one chance to make a difference shortly before his substitution, but justified his removal after less than an hour as he touched the ball far too heavily. Otherwise silent.

Spilled the ball once and saw it roll into his own net, but is not at fault: he was fouled, and the goal was called back. Was otherwise untroubled: the evening was a quiet one for the Germany No. 1.

Had a relatively quiet game, but was finally called into duty in the final quarter. Made one dodgy clearance that nearly caused trouble and once let Ibisevic get away from him.

Like Badstuber, had a poor clearance result in a Stuttgart opportunity to score. Had relatively little to do in defence, but still manged to earn a booking. Not the best from the Germany international, who has had more convincing games of late.

A quiet game for the full-back, whose role in the build-up was less pronounced than usual. Managed to keep Okazaki, and later, Harnik, quiet, so his primary function was carried out very well.

Like Lahm, the Brazilian was not as flamboyant as he has been in the past. More danger did come from his flank, but the former Schalke man kept it to a minimum.

Took a hefty blow to his ankle in the opening minutes and tried to play through the pain barrier, but was forced off early. With the Champions League on the horizon, Bayern will hope his absence will only be a brief one.

Convincing from the Brazilian midfielder, who justified his inclusion by limiting Stuttgart's chances on the counterattack. Nearly had an assist , but Ribery's header was saved.

Back at his best in the No. 10 role. The 22-year-old had three magnificent strikes from distance in the first half, and played a role in Ribery's opener. Saw his effectiveness decline after the break, however.

Unfortunate to have his shot blocked after a good run early in the game, but moments later missed a clear chance from close range. Never stopped running, though, and his persistence was rewarded as he scored the goal that put the result out of reach.

Still not much of a direct threat with the ball at his feet, but catalysed both of his team's goals. Made the right run and delivered the right pass to Ribery for the opener, then delivered the ball to Gomez to make it 2-0.