Bayern Munich: Takeaways from convincing win against Lazio

After subdued performances over the last three weeks, Bayern Munich gave fans something to cheer on Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel’s men delivered a convincing performance at Allianz Arena to clinch a 3-0 win against Lazio and book a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Die Roten were trailing in the tie going into Tuesday’s game. Lazio had clinched a 1-0 advantage by winning the game in Rome two weeks ago. The most pleasing aspect of the win against Lazio was the collective improvement shown by the team. They were relentless in and out of possession for the majority of the game. Let us look at some of the key takeaways from the win against Lazio.

Aleksandar Pavlovic cementing place in the midfield

Bayern needed a composed performance from the midfield pivot against Lazio to win the game. Leon Goretzka delivered a tidy performance, but Aleksandar Pavlovic was the main man for Die Roten in the center of the park. The 19-year-old midfielder rose to the occasion in his first Champions League start and showed great maturity to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Pavlovic completed 94% of the passes he attempted against Lazio. He also helped Die Roten to win the ball whenever Lazio tried to initiate counter-attacking moves, making five recoveries in the game. The youngster also played a crucial role in the build-up of Bayern’s first and third goals. He has steadily improved for Bayern over the season and cemented his place in the starting XI.

Jamal Musiala is looking back to his best

Bayern have struggled in the final third during February, but Jamal Musiala has been slowly getting momentum in his performances. After scoring a tremendous goal against Freiburg on Friday, Musiala looked sublime against Lazio on Tuesday.

The young German attacking midfielder played from the left. He took up dangerous positions between the lines and managed to beat the press from Lazio with intricate dribbling and turns. Die Roten’s majority of attacking moves came through Musiala. The 20-year-old German international created four chances in the game and looked secure with the ball. It has been a season of ups and downs for Musiala, but he has looked back to his best in the last few games.

Matthijs de Ligt deserves a long run in the starting XI

Bayern looked resolute defensively on Tuesday, unlike the last six games. They conceded zero shots on target. Matthijs de Ligt played a big role in helping the team keep Lazio quiet. The Dutch defender was resolute in challenges and retained possession to help Bayern build from the back.

De Ligt has grown in confidence during Ruckrunde. After the setback against Bayer Leverkusen, he has done well to come back in the starting XI. Even when Dayot Upamecano returns from suspension, the Dutch defender deserves to get a run of games in the starting XI. Upamecano and Kim Min-jae will have to bide their time since the defensive pairing of De Ligt and Dier has looked solid. (All Stats courtesy: Fotmob)