Atletico Madrid 1-1 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Bayern was decent. The team played well despite the many first-team players missing. It is quite amazing that Bayern’s mixed lineup was a bit
• Physical playstyle. It seems that Flick has instructed his players to be more physical tonight and it caught Atletico’s players off guard.
• Bayern shows a good image for the youngsters. Flick debunks the myth that youngsters never get to play for Bayern.
• The defense was generally good, but the attack lacked inspiration, which is expected with the mixed lineup that Flick put on the pitch.

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Full time! Bayern Munich 1 - 1 Atletico Madrid

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86’ — Thomas Muller scores from the spot!!!

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76’ — Angelo Stiller comes in for Musiala

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62’ — Chris Richards, Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry come in for Arrey-Nbi, Javi Martinez and Sarr

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45’ — The second half kicks off!

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Halftime observations analysis

• Mixed lineup, mixed performance - the absence of some players is felt on the pitch. The youngsters have been good, but the lack of experience obvious
• Midfield is missing Muller and Goretzka. Flick has decided to rest some of the standard players, and in midfield, the absence of Goretzka is taking its toll. Muller’s crazy pitch covering is also needed in tonight’s match.
• Attack lacking a spark. Of course, it’s gonna be difficult for Bayern’s attack when the driving force isn’t there. Still, Bayern is holding up well overall.

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Halftime!

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26’ — Joao Felix scores and makes it 1:0 for Atletico Madrid

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Kickoff! We’re underway in Madrid!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Okay, we have a LOT more rotation than expected. Bright Arrey-Mbi gets his debut! But what is that formation?

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After winning 15 straight games in the Champions League, Bayern Munich face the prospect of a loss for the first time since March 2019. Having already won their group, the Bavarians have the luxury of resting key players against Atletico Madrid in the return leg.

To that end, Robert Lewandowski, Leon Goretzka, and Manuel Neuer were left behind in Munich. Meanwhile, Corentin Tolisso, Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies are injured, while Marc Roca is suspended — further thinning out the squad. At the very least, Flick has Niklas Sule back in the squad, and the great Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to lead the lineup alongside Thomas Muller.

Atletico Madrid have yet to secure qualification, so they will come into this game all guns blazing looking for a win. Can Bayern hold the Colchonneros at bay without a midfield? Will the winning streak end at 15?

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain

Time: 9 pm local time, 3 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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