Observations from FC Bayern’s 2-1 win vs Lokomotiv Moscow

Dictating play early

FC Bayern’s midfield domination and possession control was the theme of the day. The double pivot of Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka appeared to be their dominant selves with an utter dictation of the play through the midfield. Lokomotiv Moscow couldn’t find an answer to the Bayern midfield which once again looked like the cream of the crop in Europe.

Lewy, Lewy, Lewy.

What can I say? Robert Lewandowski was everywhere all at once. His play has been astute. Even when he is not scoring goals his play leads directly to more goals and chances created. While he was silent in the first half, his build up play created numerous, numerous opportunities to score. Oh, and he almost earned a back-breaking penalty in the 64’ minute that would have have been absolutely devastating to this Lokomotiv squad that was incredible against Bayern.

Lokomotiv brick wall

All kidding aside, Lokomotiv played an extremely well-organized defensive game that was incredibly physical. They stymied numerous clear-cut chances for FC Bayern including an incredible stop on a wide open Kimmich in the 58th minute inside the six-yard box. Their counter attack was brilliant against Bayern to level it at 1-1 at the 70th minute. Lokomotiv came out to play and play they did.

One up, one down

Bayern was in complete control for the first half? In the second half, however, it was all Lokomotiv Moscow. The Russian club had numerous counterattacks, one of which resulted in a goal for the home side. The Lokomotiv defense was airtight for the entirety of the match and will go down as one of the best performances against this Bayern squad in recent memory. Even though Thomas Muller, Goreztka, and Coman came off for Javi Martinez, Douglas Costa, and Serge Gnabry, the depth of Bayern should’ve finished this match up sooner than Kimmich’s half volley late in the 76th minute. However, Bayern ultimately struck ahead thanks to a brilliant volley from Joshua Kimmich that saved an otherwise bad second half.

I do have to say this was far from David Alaba’s best game. He wasn't great in the first half, but he wasn't especially bad. However, in the second half, especially the last 20 or minutes he was beyond atrocious. Unless he fixes his form he’s quickly becoming a defensive liability that Bayern cannot afford.