Benfica v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League 2015-16 - The Bavarians are in the semifinals

The first leg of the quarterfinal clash between Bayern Munich and Benfica bored me. It was a hard fought win for Bayern with lesser amount of actions. Arturo Vidal’s solitary strike was the only goal scored that night and the best teams come all guns blazing the next day after an off-day at the office. Bayern’s exhibition was better than the previous week, but Benfica didn’t make the match an easy one for the Germans.

Bayern attacked, but....

Benfica’s defence was the highlight in the first leg and with players like  Gaitan, Jonas, and Mitroglou, they were more focused on strengthening their defence. They stuck to their 4-2-3-1 formation, but their attacking prowess was not evident for obvious reasons.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s men were in a killer mood from the word go without even realizing that their defence was fragile. Benfica kept patient and continued to soak-up the pressure. Against the run of play, a Jimenez header broke the deadlock and the home team were leading by 1-0. Pep’s ploy to play Kimmich as a centre back was backfired. He was troubled by Jimenez several times and the result was conceding an early goal. Three Bayern defenders could not stop Jimenez.

Had Jiminez seized another chance within the opening 30 minutes, rather than stabbing a shot at Manuel Neuer, who did not cover himself in glory for Benfica’s goal, the path to Milan would have ended in Lisbon but, soon enough, order was restored.

 Bayern didn’t give up, but continued to attack 

Bayern didn’t go on the back foot, but organized themselves quickly and stamped their authority on the midfield. They passed the ball quicker, orchestrated chances, the flanks were busier and in the 38^th minute, Xavi Alonso sent a pass to Philipp Lahm fizzed in a cross which was punched clear by Lisbon goalkeeper Ederson, the ball arrived at the feet of Arturo Vidal’s feet who returned it to the empty net. Vidal should have been marked.

Thomas Muller the hero

The world is always busy with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but hardly anyone talks about the German maestro Thomas Muller. He is not only a brilliant club performer, but he gives his best for the country as well. He works hard and plays hard and is the master in lifting his game to the next level when it is needed. In the 52^nd minute, Muller had the simple task of tapping in from six yards after Martinez headed down Alonso’s corner.

It was his 29th in all competitions and 8th in the Champions League in as many appearances. With Lewandowski on the bench, Bayern’s number 25 took it upon himself to create problems for Benfica’s central defenders. He was shrewd in his approach and was duly rewarded with a goal.

Hard luck for Benfica 

Talisca’s restored parity with a brilliant free kick in the 76th minute but, really, it was plain sailing for Bayern. Benfica just failed to match the brilliance of Bayern and the absence of their major players hurt them a lot. The home crowd failed to celebrate.

Bayern should organize their defence 

Bayern Munich must organize their defence. Had Philipp Lahm not been there and Benfica were playing with their major attackers, surely, Bayern would have faced the heat a bit more. Innovative ideas are appreciative, but also, they always don’t reap a rick harvest.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar