Juventus v FC Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League 2015-16 - What a match it was!

Last night, I ended up watching the match between Bayern Munich and Juventus and what a game it was! Speedy, feisty, laced with skill, dynamic and full of tactical prowesses. Juventus, who lost their last three encounters with the Germans, digesting eight goals and scoring only one, made the night a memorable one through Dybala and Stefano Sturaro. A game, which was supposed to be a cakewalk for the Germans, transformed into an epic encounter.

While your team attacks in big spaces and defend in small, Pep Guardiola’s men do it like Tele Santan’s Brazil of 1982 – even the smallest of spaces is enough for his charismatic players, who are blessed with the ability of quick passing and get behind the defence quickly, to score goals. Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and Co were right on the money from the word go and went 2-0 up. Bayern were well poised to shrug off their away game blues.

Such a horrendous situation didn’t leave Juventus reeling, but instead of getting frustrated they started to regroup themselves and attack. This is the sign of a team who have won 15 of their last 16 matches and after being close to the relegation zone at the start of the season, these men from Italy are right at the top of Serie A – you do need to understand temperamentally how tough they are!

Paul Pogba – a modern day Falcao and Gerson, like central midfielder – was the commander in chief in the midfield last night. He controlled the game well and in the 63^rd minute he attacked down the right and was fortunate to see Kimmich who made a right old mess of his clearance. Mandzukic benefitted, slipped in Paulo Dybala on his outside, and the Argentinian made no mistake in beating Manuel Neuer.

Bayern Munich 2 Juventus 1.

Bayern controlled the possession, but in football scoring goals matter very much and Juve waited for the right moment to strike gold and it was Kimmich who delivered Juve the moment to relish.

Juve coach Allegri made to two changes in the second half and introduced Staurto at first and then with 15 minutes left to play, Alvaro Moarata was surfaced amid loud cheers and immediately the two substitutes linked up to score the equalizer. Kimmich was undone and should have got ahead of Stuarto.

Bayern’s away blues remained firm but they have the benefit of two away goals. Bayern were great to watch, but the perseverance of Juve impressed me. I was happy to see Juve’s come back as I have a special feeling for the Italian clubs.    

Thank You

Faisal Caesar