Bayern Munich ended the Champions League group stages on a high with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at Allianz Arena.
The Spanish side’s unbeaten run in Champions League this season was finally broken by Bayern Munich. The German Champions finished the group in second place, despite the win on Tuesday. Robert Lewandowski was the only goalscorer in the game.
Carlo Ancelotii made a few changes for the game. Juan Bernat and Rafinha replaced Philip Lahm and Jerome Boateng in the back four. David Alaba played as a centreback in the absence of Boateng. The Italian reverted to a midfield three of Arturo Vidal, Thiago and Renato Sanches as Franck Ribery was rested.
Douglas Costa got the opportunity in the front three replacing Thomas Muller. The Brazilian and Arjen Robben were led by Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker is the only Bayern player who started every game in the group stages this year.
The visitors were on the front foot straightaway with a bright start. Yannick Carrasco had a couple of good chances to take the lead as he did in the reverse fixture. Manuel Neuer stood strong in the both the situations. Renato Sanches created the first big chance for Bayern as he played in Costa with some neat work on the by line. The Brazilian had his shot saved from tight angle by Jan Oblak.
At the stroke of half and hour mark, Bayern won a freekick at the edge of the box as Bernat was clipped by Carrasco. The freekick was converted beautifully by Lewandowski. He curled ball in the top left corner giving Oblak no chance. Bayern started dominating the proceedings after the goal as they had the most of the possession.
The home side resumed the second half the way they had left in first half. Bayern kept on dominating the possession. They carved Atletico defence couple of times as Robben got past the defence with his clever runs. The Dutch winger failed to test Oblak as his shot was blocked by the defenders.
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Atletico rarely got close to Bayern’s box as the German Champions stamped their authority on the game. Thiago had the best chance of the second half to put the game to bed. Costa delivered a brilliant cross from the left flank as Thaigo couldn’t place his shot on the goal from point range.
Ancelotti will be pleased with the performance of the team. They were creative in the final third and solid in the defence. Bayern will be in the second pot for the draw. The Italian will be hoping for a good draw as his team continues to get accustom to his philosophy.