Aleksandar Pavlovic steps up at the biggest stage without breaking a sweat
Thomas Tuchel deployed Aleksandar Pavlovic in the midfield alongside Konrad Laimer on Wednesday. It was Pavlovic’s first start for Bayern away from home in the Champions League. Moreover, it was an intimidating venue to achieve this feat, as Real Madrid had not lost a game at Santiago Bernabéu for 13 months.
The German midfielder repaid Tuchel’s faith by delivering a classy performance in Madrid. Pavlovic looked unfazed on the ball, completing 96% of his passes. He made five passes into the final third and completed 75% of the long passes he attempted against Real Madrid. The youngster slowed down the play whenever the home side was looking to pin them down in their half. Along with showing calmness on the ball, Pavlovic worked tirelessly off it, making four recoveries in the game.
Despite the devastating loss on Wednesday, Pavlovic should be proud of his performance at the biggest stage in club football. He looked unbothered by the occasion and showed great temperament to help Die Roten in the difficult moments. The Bavarian club should certainly build their central midfield around Pavlovic. The performance at Santiago Bernabéu should encourage Julian Nagelsmann to pick Pavlovic in the German squad for the European Championship in the summer. (Stats courtesy: Fotmob)