Bayern Munich - Manchester United - UEFA Champions League round 1 2/2

This Wednesday was all about a Champions League Classic Bayern Munich - Manchester United. The reedition of the 1998/99 Final of the most important club competition in the world. In sum, the biggest Match of the 1st round.

In Munich, Germany, the giant Bayern faced a Manchester United far from their best days.

Both teams went to the field with a 1-4-2-3-1 formation.

The Germans shape varied between a 1-4-4-2 and a compact 1-4-3-3 while defending 1st and middle third. They transitioned to attack (entering middle third) displaying a 1-2-4-2-2 and 1-3-3-2-2 shape to attack with fluidity in the 2nd third and in a 1-3-3-4 or a 1-2-3-5 in the last.

On the other hand, the English side defended deep with a 1-5-3-2 shape and with a 1-4-4-2 or 1-4-3-3 in the middle third. After recovering the ball they transitioned with a 1-2-3-4-1 to attack middle and last third in a 1-2-4-4 or 1-3-3-4.

The match started well disputed and quite balanced with both teams creating danger. Bayern, more mature and tactically superior, was more patient and rational to keep ball control. The defence didn’t give many spaces and was overall strong with Upamecano and Kim in the center. Transitioning in 1-2-4-2-2 allowed them to make several triangulations and always find passing lines to go forward even when pressed. The calm and safety of Goretzka and Kimmich controlled at will with the help of the wingbacks to later deliver to the creative 3 behind Harry Kane. When attacking, the ball would go to the wings where Gnarby and (specially) Sané would put some speed. Supporting the wings were Musiala and Kane.

Manchester United started the match trying to push the team forward but the team didn’t feel connected and often without ideas. The four defenders didn’t have the best days and in the midfield only Casemiro and Fernandes seemed to have maintained some clarity when reading the game. The team often bet on quick transitions, mostly through their left side where Rashford could use his speed and skills. In the front Hojlund appeared at the right places but seemed too alone in the front.

After the first 20 minutes, the German side took the reigns of the match and put themselves in front, first by Sané (Onana seemed to lack concentration and focus) and later by Gnarby.

The 2-0 at half time rewarded the well-structured football of Bayern where the teamwork and decision making were the strongest points.

In the second half, the Red Devils started strong and made the 2-1 by Hojlund just four minutes played. It didn’t last long and, four minutes later, Kane was increasing the lead (3-1).

The second half was entirely dominated by the Bavarians with Sané, Musiala, Gnarby/Koman and Kane creating several goalscoring opportunities.

The last 10 minutes were full of goals. Casemiro managed to score (3-2) at 88’. Bayern accelerated the game a bit and Tel made the 4-2 (90+2’). In the last play, Casemiro again, scored to the 4-3 (90+5’).

A more than fair result for Bayern. Tactically superior, better positioning, better teamwork, and well-structured decision making were bases for this win. It gave the impression that, if they wanted, the German side could have put even more speed in the match (seen in the reaction to the goals suffered).

Manchester United is still far from the level shown when Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager. The team made several mistakes and failed to connect properly. It’s the third consecutive defeat and the fourth in the six official matches this season.