Player Ratings: Stuttgart 1-2 Bayern Munich

Made two great saves to deny Muller and Kroos, and though he was beaten twice, should not shoulder the blame for either. Had a good game, but just a little too much came his way.

The better of the Stuttgart center back pairing, Maza was absolutely dominant at the back, and deserved a draw or better from the game. Marked Gomez well, and won all but a handful of the many challenges he was forced to make.

Was, on the whole, rather successful in curbing Ribery's production. Bayern eventually got a goal from his side of the pitch, but only after overloading the area with red shirts. A good show from the Ivorian.

Rounded by Gomez on one occasion, and perhaps was a little slow to react to the danger ahead of the striker's equalizer. Not the greatest from the former Germany international, who has not managed to extend his early season form.

Guilty of one bad giveaway, but otherwise played well, and was definitely the more composed central midfielder in VfB's ranks. Strong in the tackle, and cool with the pass, he did very well to help curb the Bavarian attack.

Came close to restoring the hosts' lead with a nice volley, but his offensive productivity was limited after Molinaro's dismissal, as his defensive duties took priority. Did well overall to limit Robben, as he matched the Dutchman with some physical play.

Followed up last week's brace with another goal, which came at a critical time. Was otherwise unimpressive in the center, and struggled for fluency in the passing game. Withdrawn with 20 minutes left as Bruno Labbadia made a late bid for an equalizer.

Very, very quiet as the central man in support of Schieber. Hardly saw any of the ball, and was woefully sloppy in his distribution. That he was replaced by a defender, Niedermeier, in the closing minutes speaks volumes of a regrettable performance.

A deceptively dangerous figure, always, the Austrian of course was at the center of the action for his side's only goal of the match, heading the ball that assisted Gentner. Worked immensely hard, but was unable to conjure a second bit of magic before full time.

Disappointing from the young target man, who never once had a chance on goal. His service was limited, but there was more he could have done, as the likes of Gebhart and Harnik proved.

A very good performance. Cool at the back, he inspired confidence as he came off his line and always claimed the ball: critical, given the number of crosses Stuttgart played late in the game.

Can take absolutely no blame for the goal conceded, and did well for the majority of the match, especially in the air. Made one mistake that nearly posed a problem on 71 minutes, however, and gift-wrapped an apparent equaliser that Cacau managed to squander.

A little unlucky that the play leading up to the opener came from his side, but atoned as his cross assisted Gomez's equalizer. Offered good support for Robben, but the Dutchman did not take advantage of his quality play.

Guilty of taking a few steps away from Harnik, and as a result can take some of the blame for the opener. Better defensively after that goal, and became increasingly influential in the second half, assisting Gomez's second. Made some critical interventions as well, as VfB looked to break.

Like Van Buyten, was not at all responsible for Gentner's goal. Played the ball well and defended well enough on the whole, although he was booked for a late challenge in his attacking half.

Made some good runs and as usual, formed a dangerous triangle with Lahm and Kroos. However, the Frenchman was not as sharp as he usually is, and was replaced with 11 minutes left to play.

Perhaps too unselfish as he returned Gomez's pass for a chance that went begging early on. Played a brilliant ball in to Muller later, though, and had a couple decent attempts narrowly miss. However, he still does not appear to be on the same page with many of his teammates.

Still lacks the defensive instincts of Bastian Schweinsteiger: it was he who ought to have tracked Gentner's run ahead of the opener. Brilliant with the ball, however, especially in the second half. Had a superb shot saved before making a lovely move that ended up releasing Lahm ahead of the go ahead goal.

Played a quiet game on the whole, with Kroos running the show in midfield he saw much less of the ball than usual, and with Stuttgart camped out in their own half for long spells, his defensive duties were minimized.

Looked more at home in the center than he has on the right, but lacked sharpness in front of goal. Unfortunate that one deflected attempt was saved by Ulreich, and never really made his mark in the second half. Withdrawn on 80 minutes.