Four takeaways as Bayern Munich stumble past Sevilla 2-1

Bayern Munich struggled but eventually saw out a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Spanish side Sevilla. Here are four takeaways from the Champions League clash.

Poor Juan Bernat

Let’s get this one out of the way first: Juan Bernat played pretty terribly against Sevilla. It’s tough to completely pin the blame for Sevilla’s sole goal on him due to the controversial handball, but he certainly could have done better. The Spaniard, thrown into the fray at the last second in the wake of a late David Alaba injury, provided virtually no defensive coverage for Bayern Munich.

Not only that, he didn’t make much of a difference in attack, either. Which is surprising, considering he’s usually at his best going forward. He was pulled from the match at half-time, replaced by the much more experienced and effective Rafinha.

Now, one bad match doesn’t make a poor player. However, Bernat has been less than stellar since his impressive pre-season run. Yesterday’s match was simply a culmination of that, and a great example of why Rafinha is so often preferred to the Spaniard, even though the latter is naturally left-footed and the former isn’t.

Since Jupp Heynckes returned to the helm at Bayern, David Alaba has been increasingly growing in form. If Bernat is to have any hope of overtaking his Austrian teammate as Bayern’s first-choice left-back (or even provide him any real competition for minutes), performances like yesterday’s are not going to cut it.

James makes the difference

That James Rodriguez’s first touch of the match set up Ribery’s cross-turned-own goal really says it all. The Colombian is the difference maker in this Bayern squad.

Coming hot off the heels of an amazing performance against Borussia Dortmund over the weekend, James’ talents have perhaps never been more solidified. The Bavarians just play on a level one notch higher when their superstar playmaker is on the pitch.

That was the case against Sevilla. He provided an instant impact, and helped turn the match in Bayern’s favor. Surely he’ll be on the field from the very beginning when the two sides meet in Munich in a week’s time.

Stern opposition

Ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals draw, Sevilla were largely marked as the easiest possible opponents the Bavarians could face. Leading up to the match, many even figured this game wouldn’t be much more than a formality for the German champions.

Sevilla, though, ensured that wasn’t the case. Vincenzo Montella and his men put on an admirable display for their home fans. Bayern eventually came out on top, sure, but it wasn’t for lack of effort on the part of their adversary.

Sevilla pressed hard and made things difficult for their visitors. They attacked well and were deserving of their goal. Bayern, thanks to their undeniable supremacy, ended the match 2-1 victors and return to Munich with a good advantage in the tie.

They must alter their tactics, however, and not underestimate their opposition. To do so would mean risking missing out on the Champions League semi-finals for the second year running

Next: Lackluster Bayern Munich edge past Sevilla 2-1 -- Player grades

Another record for Jupp Heynckes

Following yesterday’s match, Jupp Heynckes is the first manager in the history of the Champions League to win 12 consecutive matches. His impressive streak began back in ’12-13, but for him to continue it this season shows his expertise as a manager.

He’s made it abundantly clear he has no intention of staying at the helm beyond this season. With Thomas Tuchel now firmly out of the picture as well, Bayern are in a bit of a managerial mess. It’s anyone’s guess who will take over in the summer. Niko Kovac? Mauricio Pochetinno?

No matter who it is, one thing is certain: they will have some massive shoes to fill by replacing Jupp Heynckes.