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Bayern Munich: Takeaways from the first leg victory against Real Madrid

Takeaways from Santiago Bernabeu as Bayern Munich authoritatively claimed a 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Bayern Munich claimed an important one-goal lead over Real Madrid
Bayern Munich claimed an important one-goal lead over Real Madrid | THOMAS COEX/GettyImages
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Serge Gnabry is the X-factor for Bayern

In a situation when Jamal Musiala is still far from his best, Serge Gnabry has done more than just sufficient. He was the link-up man for Bayern Munich in the first leg. His persistent pressing and connecting passes put Michael Olise and Luis Diaz in great positions a lot of the time.

He has been struggling with finishing this past week, but he is always more than capable of firing a vicious long ball or making that perfect run for the 1v1. The fact that he consistently puts himself in prime scoring opportunities is an indication that a goal will come, and it might come as soon as this weekend or in the return leg.

As for Jamal Musiala, it is evident that he is still not comfortable with the ball compared to before the injury. He is still a valuable player who can be deployed as a late-game alternative, but it is best that he gradually finds form in the Bundesliga and a less high-octane game.