Talking Tactics: Ruthless Bayern Munich meet resolute Lyon

Bayern Munich are in no mood to take prisoners when they face Lyon.

The last time a German side dominated in a knockout stage was their men’s national team in World Cup 2014. What the world witnessed on the 15th of August was a repeat telecast of Germany’s win over Brazil. Bayern Munich crushed Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Certainly, for Thomas Muller, this victory carried more weight than Germany’s seven-one thrashing of Brazil.

By all means, this season’s Champions League is Bayern’s to lose. Hansi Flick took Die Roten to their 12th semi-final appearance of the UEFA Champions League. The victory against the Catalans also equaled Barcelona’s 2002/03 record of nine consecutive wins in the UCL.

The German champions go up against Olympique Lyonnais in the semi-finals at Estadio Jose Alvalade. The seven-time French champions are roaring loud after their three-one win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the quarter-finals.

Lyon’s previous contest against Bayern was also a semi-final clash of the Champions League. Bayern routed Lyon four-nil on aggregate to finish as runner-ups in 2010. That was Bayern Munich entering the peak of the previous decade.

Ten years forward, and we have Hansi Flick guiding Die Roten to another revolution. The Bavarians look poised to break their voodoo of not progressing from the Champions League’s semi-finals stage since 2013. Nonetheless, a resolute Lyon pose a different tactical challenge. Let’s discuss the different tactical prospects one can expect from this fixture after a quick sneak peek into Lyon’s profile.