Atletico Madrid v Bayern Munich, Semifinals, UEFA Champions League 2015-16 - Atletico draw first blood

Bayern Munich kept on pressing the Atletico Madrid’s back line, but couldn’t find the back of the net. In the first half, Bayern should have taken a lead – at least one of their chances must have beaten the goalkeeper of Atleti and when the second half kicked off, Bayerncame frustratingly close to opening their account only to be foiled by a defender or the keeper or as it happened once, the goalpost.  David Alaba’s sweet strike from distance ended up hitting the bar and left Bayern without one true opportunity to snatch that vital away goal. Jon Oblak’s astonishing record of 29 clean sheets in 46 games across all formats remained intact.

Pep Guardiola’s first XI was quite surprising.  He left out Frank Ribery, who started to come back into form after returning from an injury while, Thomas Muller, scorer of 8 goals in the UEFA Champions League for Bayern Munich this season, was also left on the bench. Neither had any great impact off the bench, but the story might have been different had he been playing from the start.

 Pep Guardiola defended his selection by saying that the reason why he made those choices was because he wanted his right winger and left winger to be right and left footed respectively whereas they also needed an extra man in midfield. But I feel, his moves didn’t work last night.

Atletico played the way they have been playing so far – amalgamation of rock soild defence, compactness in the midfield and counterattack which have made them a dangerous opposition in Europe. The tactics are like Carlos Dunga, but the problem is Dunga never selects the right person for the job. Atleti’s defence has been too good. It was just like a fort, which the Bayern’s attackers failed to demolish, but in their away game, they need to be more than rock solid as Bayern are a different kettle of fish at home.

Last night, Atleti didn’t rely on counterattacks to script a victory, but a 21-year Spaiard named Saul Niguez essayed a moment of spectacle which will remain in the memories of the fans in the upcoming days. He took the ball and ran at the defenders at speed, leaving behind the likes of Juan Bernat and Xabi Alonso before finally outwitting David Alaba to shoot past Neuer.  It was a moment like Pele, Maradona and Garrincha. The young man has arrived and this goal should boost his confidence a lot more.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar