Bayern Munich: Takeaways from narrow win in Moscow

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Benjamin Pavard in action for Bayern Munich against Lokomotiv Moscow. (Photo by Maxim Shipenkov – Pool/Getty Images) /

Overloading the flank with full-backs worked brilliantly

Bayern was finding it difficult to break down Lokomotiv Moscow centrally, so Flick decided to overload both flanks with the help of full-backs. The German Champions saw this tactic work to perfection when they opened the scoring in the 13th minute.

Corentin Tolisso played a sweeping ball from a central position to find Benjamin Pavard on the right flank. The French right-back squared the ball immediately for Leon Goretzka. The midfielder completed the move with a first-time header past the keeper. A similar move almost lead to the second goal as Kingsley Coman was found in the box by Pavard. The French winger hit the post with his shot.

Meanwhile, Lucas Hernandez was providing similar width on the left flank. The Frenchman was making marauding runs on the touchline, while Coman was tucking inside. Lokomotiv was finding it difficult to cope with this tweak as they were keeping wingers higher up the pitch to execute swift counter-attacks.

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The overload on both flanks helped Die Roten to consistently create chances in the first half. It did live them vulnerable on the break as there was a lot of space behind both full-backs.

However, the midfielders were secure on the ball, giving away the ball on very few occasions. They recycled possession and kept finding both full-backs on the flanks.

Pavard and Hernandez deserve special praise for being more adventurous in the final third. They together played five key passes throughout the game. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)