Bayern Munich: Takeaways from big victory against Lazio
After suffering disappointment in the Bundesliga last weekend, Bayern Munich responded emphatically by clinching 4-1 win in Rome against Lazio in the Champions League. Barring a massive catastrophe in the second leg, Die Roten should qualify for the quarter-final of the competition after scoring four away goals in the first leg.
The German Champions looked much more ruthless and proactive against Lazio on Tuesday after two slugging performances in the Bundesliga last weekend. Here are some takeaways from yet another memorable night in the Champions League for Bayern.
Flick shows bravery and awareness with team selection
After the failed experiment of using Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the number ten role last week, Hansi Flick decided to use a different player in that position on Tuesday. In an intimidating away Champions League fixture, Flick showed bravery by selecting 17-year-old Jamal Musiala.
The faith shown in the teenager by Flick paid off as Musiala delivered a complete performance. The youngster scored a brilliant goal from the edge of the box in the first half, while his overall performance in the attacking midfield role helped Die Roten to be dangerous in the final third. Flick’s team selection on Tuesday showed that he is always ready to rectify mistakes by making bold decisions, such as replacing a senior player with a teenager.
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Musiala slowly and steadily becoming a first-team fixture
Musiala repaid the faith of his manager on Tuesday. The goal against Lazio takes his tally to four for this season across all competitions. The composed finish against the Italian side showed that Musiala is not fazed by the big stage.
There is no point getting carried away with Musiala since Joshua Zirkzee was also scoring big goals last season, but he currently finds himself on a loan spell at Parma. However, Musiala’s overall game has been much more well-rounded compared to Zirkzee. Die Roten needs to manage his playing time, but the teenager continues to take massive strides to become a permanent fixture in the first team.
Return of midfield pivot gives Bayern more assurance
Leon Goretzka started for Bayern after three weeks on Tuesday as he was on the sidelines due to coronavirus. He was back in the team, partnering Joshua Kimmich in the center of the park. The German duo provided the platform for the forwards to create havoc in the final third.
Next. Lazio 4-1 Bayern- Player Ratings. dark
Kimmich and Goretzka had pass completion rates of 93.6% and 90% against Lazio, respectively. Both players keep the ball and find the right player nine out of ten times, eradicating turnovers in the center of the park. Moreover, there is an adequate amount of shielding for the back four on the transition since one of them holds their position and breaks the play in deeper areas. The midfield duo of Kimmich and Goretzka is vital for Rekordmeister to come out on top in CL and Bundesliga, so Flick will be hoping that they remain fit for the rest of the season. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)