Bayern Munich: Reliving thrilling clash against Juventus in 2016

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Bayern Munich’s French defender Kingsley Coman (L) and Bayern Munich’s Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara celebrate victory at the end of the extra time of the UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, second leg football match FC Bayern Munich v Juventus in Munich, southern Germany on March 16, 2016. / AFP / Christof Stache (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Quick Match recap

Bayern and Juventus went into the second leg at the Allianz Arena with an aggregate scoreline of 2-2. Die Roten were able to get two crucial away goals in Turin and looked to be favorites in Munich. From the kickoff, it was clear that Juventus had a game plan specifically designed for Pep Guardiola‘s possession heavy approach.

Bayern had 69% possession compared to Juventus’s 31%; they completed 856 passes compared to Juventus’s 217, and had 26 total shots compared to 16. On paper, it was a dominant performance, and the 4-2 scoreline in Die Roten’s favour reflected it. However, stats don’t tell the complete story as the Italian giants made life difficult for Bayern. (Stats courtesy: UEFA)

Juventus scored two goals within the first 30 minutes. Paul Pogba and Juan Cuadrado scored the goals and immediately wiped out Bayern’s away goal advantage. It was clear what Juve’s plan was: counter-attack. Bayern had a depleted backline with Joshua Kimmich and Medhi Benatia starting in the heart of the defense. Philip Lahm and David Alaba were in the full-back positions, but still, Juventus was able to take advantage early on with their speed and Bayern’s lack of defensive stability.

It wasn’t until the 73rd minute when Robert Lewandowski brought Bayern back in the game by scoring a header from close range. The hosts had to wait for the equalizer as it didn’t come until the 90th minute. Thomas Muller came to the rescue as he scored a crucial goal in the dying minutes of the game.

The first half of extra-time play was goalless. The game livened up in the second half as two of Bayern’s substitutes, Thiago Alcantara and Kingsley Coman, found the back of the net to send Die Roten into the quarter-finals. This was one of the most exhilarating matches Bayern have played in recent memory as both teams fought hard till the final minute of the tie.