How did Bayern Munich snatch defeat from jaws of victory against Real Madrid?
Bayern's game plan was distinctly visible in the second half
A predicted pattern of play had emerged for the second half with Bayern defending stoutly. Konrad Laimer and Aleksandar Pavlovic blockaded the middle of the park despite Vinicius Junior terrorizing Kimmich down the left flank. Even with that being the case De ligt and Dier had Kimmich’s six, and whenever they were found wanting, Neuer had them covered.
With the goalkeeper, defense, and midfielders working well in tandem, the predicted pattern of attack was also furthering in development for Bayern with Harry Kane functioning as a key cog in counter-attacks that would release the rapid wide players. Despite a lackluster performance from Leroy Sané on the right wing, wide players on the opposite flank provided the edge in the final third from the word go.
In the first half, Serge Gnabry had shown promise before he suffered a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Alphonso Davies. The Canadian international managed to make a telling impact on the game in the second half. He scored a stunning goal after the hour mark through a well-worked counter-attack initiated by Harry Kane. Die Roten had reaped the rewards by sticking with an astute game plan in an away game in the Champions League.