Bavarian Football Works - 2017/18 UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Bayern Munich vs Besiktas Match CoverageManufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2018-03-16T14:15:02+01:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/167340592018-03-16T14:15:02+01:002018-03-16T14:15:02+01:00UEFA playing cat and mouse games with Besiktas after Bayern Munich defeat
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<img alt="A cat runs and jumps on the field during the UEFA Champions League Round 16 return match between Besiktas and FC Bayern Munich at Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkey on March 14, 2018. Match is interrupted for a while by a cat." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pbl_elA1kVkxTwB0ooi0gQgtitw=/0x361:1745x1524/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59051127/GettyImages-931987392.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Where have you gone Besiktas Ginger Cat? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.</p> <p id="x36Eid">UEFA, the no fun-having Illuminati of European soccer, charged Besiktas with “insufficient organization” after a cat (Besiktas Ginger Cat to be exact) ran onto the pitch during their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> round-of-16 defeat to <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> on Wednesday. In addition to blatantly targeting its cat control measures, UEFA will penalize the Black Eagles for “the throwing of objects and blocked stairways.” </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You have spoken. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeowSanMeow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeowSanMeow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/M07oMKVof9">pic.twitter.com/M07oMKVof9</a></p>— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/974003559611207681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="dX1GSG">Fire hazards and personal safety aside, was one feline intruder worthy of such a continental inquiry? To determine that, we at Bavarian Football Works broke down the film Zapruder-style and based on that tape, we feel like the Besiktas Ginger Cat is a straight shooter with upper management potential. Aside of its physical attributes (did you see that jump over the signage board?), the cat was uber-confident and owned every every step it took. It was nothing less than pure and utter swagger. </p>
<p id="NAQorl">This was no normal house cat; this was a cat who was raised by the streets and subsequently made one of Instanbul’s largest structures, Vodafone Park, its home. Clearly, this was not a cat to be taken lightly. </p>
<p id="I2duy8">UEFA’s disciplinary body will consider the case on May 31. No word yet on whether Besiktas Ginger Cat will be in attendance to face the swift hand of justice. </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/16/17128112/uefa-bayern-munich-besiktas-ginger-catCSmith19192018-03-15T16:50:02+01:002018-03-15T16:50:02+01:00Besiktas 1-3 Bayern Munich, Champions League: Match Review
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<img alt="coach Jupp Heynckes of FC Bayern Munich give instructions to Thomas Muller of FC Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Besiktas AS and Bayern Munchen at the Vodafone Arena on March 14, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DtOy6lwwH-DS4o2T95oANrQhUrk=/0x0:2958x1972/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59039661/GettyImages-Heynckes_Muller.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by VI Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="2WB01A"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s thumping victory over Besiktas takes them to the quarterfinals of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>. Bayern, who travelled to the Turkish capital with a secure 5-0 aggregate on hand, defeated the Turkish champions 1-3. Goals from <span>Thiago Alcantara</span>, Sandro Wagner and Gökhan Gönül (own goal) granted the Bavarians a victory at the Vodafone arena. Bayern suffered three bookings (<span>Mats Hummels</span>, <span>Jerome Boateng</span> and Rafinha collected yellow cards) and an injury at Istanbul. Thiago was subbed off after 30 minutes with a knock. </p>
<h2 id="3Ye301">Reactions</h2>
<p id="1DrHY0">Jupp Heynckes, who now holds the record for most consecutive Champions League wins, is apparently contented about the victory against a strong side at their home. However, the 72 year old was quite disappointed about Bayern players collecting too many yellow cards. He also mentioned Thiago’s injury during the post match interview and said that he thinks it might not be too serious:</p>
<blockquote><p id="LHAcIE">We progressed smoothly if you consider both matches. Besiktas hadn’t lost at home in the competition before, which shows they’re a very strong team. It’s not easy to win here. We were certain to advance when it was 7-0. It’s perfectly normal that you have problems here and there. The only pinch of bitterness was that we collected too many yellow cards. Thiago felt pain in the sole of his foot. He’ll be examined tomrrow but I don’t think it’s too serious.</p></blockquote>
<p id="AJ9FjV"><span>Thomas Muller</span>, who was the captain in the absence of <span>Manuel Neuer</span>, said that the players are delighted that they have done their jobs and booked a berth in the Round of eight:</p>
<blockquote><p id="4byMdb">It was a hectic match, both teams often lost possession, especially ourselves in the second half. Taken altogether we put up good resistance, even if our organization was not ideal. If you win 3-1 in Istanbul, you haven’t done everything wrong. We’re delighted we’ve done our jobs, now we’re focusing on the next round.</p></blockquote>
<p id="qx2MYC">Jerome Boateng seemed to enjoy playing in Istanbul amidst of the struggles. He indicated that the team should improve since quarterfinals bring stronger opponents: </p>
<blockquote><p id="J6MZgN">It was great fun to play here. We scored at the right time but struggled at times due to silly mistakes. We know we have to improve, we’ll face stronger opponents in the Champions League.</p></blockquote>
<p id="yUzFNu">Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup said that the game was just a formality because they knew that they wouldn’t be able to get past Bayern after the first leg:</p>
<blockquote><p id="sVoxF4"> We lost our qualification chances in the first leg, so this game was just a formality. We want to win the Turkish Super league again and come back to the Champions League stronger next season.</p></blockquote>
<p id="UL7Um6">The quarterfinals draw will take place on Friday and the first legs will be played on 3/4 April, the second legs will be staged just a week later on 10/11 April. </p>
<h2 id="oO3rX7">Positives:</h2>
<ul>
<li id="solrG8">Sandro Wagner keeps showing that he’s a worthy backup to <span>Robert Lewandowski</span>
</li>
<li id="6PinJy">
<span>James Rodriguez</span> played his first minutes back on the pitch since injury. </li>
<li id="SaN20O">Bayern didn’t get any yellow card suspensions — <span>Joshua Kimmich</span>, Robert Lewandowski, and Sebastian Rudy were all spared. </li>
<li id="Ilc8AW">The cat was kinda cute. </li>
</ul>
<h2 id="CEOeLI">Negatives:</h2>
<ul>
<li id="FwgiWd">Silly yellow cards for Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels puts Jupp Heynckes under unnecessary pressure. </li>
<li id="4dZugf">The injury to Thiago Alcantara was a huge blow. </li>
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<h2 id="OkwY99">Twitter:</h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Passmaps & xGplot for Besiktas against Bayern. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/passmap?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#passmap</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/xGplot?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#xGplot</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/autotweet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#autotweet</a> <a href="https://t.co/Paa2e9whc9">pic.twitter.com/Paa2e9whc9</a></p>— 11tegen11 (@11tegen11) <a href="https://twitter.com/11tegen11/status/974041397182582784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Besiktas 1-3 Bayern | Player ratings [Bild] <a href="https://t.co/65SQos37Dw">pic.twitter.com/65SQos37Dw</a></p>— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/974273074706120706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> All-clear for <a href="https://twitter.com/Thiago6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Thiago6</a> - just a few days rest for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> midfielder: <a href="https://t.co/mhrqXbOpqV">https://t.co/mhrqXbOpqV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/JwGXM963bN">pic.twitter.com/JwGXM963bN</a></p>— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/974267121722183680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Purrfect day! <a href="https://t.co/dA7sCkGa0C">pic.twitter.com/dA7sCkGa0C</a></p>— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernUS/status/974095403598704641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"It was special to play here!" <br><br>All the reaction to last night's win in Istanbul ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/weEB6GnqoU">https://t.co/weEB6GnqoU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a></p>— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/974246929466122241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I don't know how many cats live in the stadium, but it was a funny moment. She was a bit scared, and that's why we were happy when she jumped over the advertising board and joined us."-Thomas Müller on the cat incident [Bild] <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/z4WBHfQhub">pic.twitter.com/z4WBHfQhub</a></p>— Bavarian Tweets (@BavarianTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/BavarianTweets/status/974195515985293313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out some of the best from our win against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Besiktas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Besiktas</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/Y1rYse3Qrr">https://t.co/Y1rYse3Qrr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/EbQ577nzsM">pic.twitter.com/EbQ577nzsM</a></p>— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernUS/status/974114237961375744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">3-1 win at Istanbul and we‘re through to the last 8 <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@championsleague</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToKiev?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToKiev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/miasanmia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#miasanmia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fcbayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fcbayern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fr7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fr7</a> <a href="https://t.co/3DnPJPtFPl">pic.twitter.com/3DnPJPtFPl</a></p>— Franck Ribéry (@FranckRibery) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranckRibery/status/973998506242400256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was pleasure to see two of the best crowds at the same stadium. What an atmosphere! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LittleSetback?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LittleSetback</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AgainstTime?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AgainstTime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayern</a> <a href="https://t.co/ysbWTsmZum">pic.twitter.com/ysbWTsmZum</a></p>— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thiago6/status/974018887376424961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">100 - <a href="https://twitter.com/Thiago6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Thiago6</a> scored the 100th <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernEN</a> goal in all competitions 2017/18. Milestone. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a></p>— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaFranz/status/973973057793601540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Football friends <br><br>Which <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> player would you swap shirts with? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/JZPCyZtolB">pic.twitter.com/JZPCyZtolB</a></p>— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/974235028740886528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/15/17123646/besiktas-vs-bayern-munich-review-champions-leagueGopika CPB2018-03-14T22:48:47+01:002018-03-14T22:48:47+01:00Five observations on Bayern’s strange win against Besiktas
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<img alt="A cat runs and jumps on the field during the UEFA Champions League Round 16 return match between Besiktas and FC Bayern Munich at Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkey on March 14, 2018. Match is interrupted for a while by a cat." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V2T1eDK8Gz2aJ6a44RC47p7qYL0=/0x361:1745x1524/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59030947/GettyImages-931987392.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Besiktas' ginger cat at Vodafone Park in Istanbul, March 14, 2018. | Photo by Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look at the good, bad and the weird in a Bayern Munich win that somehow didn’t really feel like a win.</p> <h2 id="ZlrkYJ"><strong>Unusual glaring deficits in the defence</strong></h2>
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<img alt="Besiktas midfielder Jeremain Lens (C) is tackled by Bayern Munich's German defender Mats Hummels (L) and Bayern Munich's German defender Jerome Boateng (R) during the second leg of the last 16 UEFA Champions League football match between Besiktas and Bayern Munich at Besiktas Park in Istanbul on March 14, 2018." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I_bXTbrT_iNRsjJCX6grXVcyzmo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10427305/GettyImages-931958460.0.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, March 14, 2018.</figcaption>
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<p id="6p8gdh">For the first time that I can remember I really had the feeling today that the defence looked old. <span>Jerome Boateng</span> and <span>Mats Hummels</span> both got yellow cards within 6 minutes of each other, meaning that Süle had to come on at the start of the second half. Hummels was beaten over the top and looked a bit slow, while Boateng’s tackling wasn’t clean and he couldn’t clear Vágner Love’s shot off the line.</p>
<p id="B1aQgT">Rafinha got a yellow in the second half that should have been a red. Besides almost being sent off, Rafinha played a host of shoddy passes, sometimes straight to the opposition and came late on more than one tackle. Rather than using his chance, he showed that he is by no means an adequate replacement for Joshua Kimmich. His deflected pass that became an own-goal does not change that fact.</p>
<p id="PhYwJC">The epitome of the bad play was Besiktas’ goal, which started with a sloppy Alaba, then lots of space for Besiktas to play into, Vidal sliding in wildly (which would have probably made it a penalty if it hadn’t been a goal) and Boateng and <span>Sven Ulreich</span> failing to stop the shot. Ulreich, although stopping well for most of the game, also made some unusually bad passes.</p>
<p id="1ahmgF">In a post-game interview with <em>ZDF</em> Heynckes said that it is only human to switch off a little when you’re leading so high. Let’s hope that the central defence don’t decline further as the year goes on. Otherwise the rejuvenation conversation we are having about <span>Franck Ribery</span> and <span>Arjen Robben</span> this year may be about our central defence next year.</p>
<h2 id="oj1MxI"><strong>Müller [the only] standout</strong></h2>
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<img alt="Rafinha (13) of Bayern Munich celebrates with his teammates after his cross turned into an own goal scored by Gokhan Gonul of Besiktas during the UEFA Champions League Round 16 return match between Besiktas and FC Bayern Munich at Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkey on March 14, 2018." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PboQM2P9lZYocQVJoAJHE-2M0a8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10427335/GettyImages-931984482.0.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emrah Yorulmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Rafinha celebrates his wayward cross with Thomas Müller, Istanbul, March 14, 2018.</figcaption>
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<p id="uNv8IF">In a game where the whole team had a rather shaky game, Thomas Müller made the difference, picking out Thiago and showcasing his danger off the right wing. Thiago also showed promise until the premature end to his evening early in the game. As a side note, on many goals that Thiago scores he manages to make good runs into the box from deep midfield, usually at the back post. Would he therefore be wasted if he is played too deep, as part of the<strong> 2 </strong>no.6 players in a 4-<strong>2</strong>-3-1?</p>
<h2 id="cdpICV"><strong>No rest for the best</strong></h2>
<p id="R0vgd7">Heynckes didn’t let anyone take a day off, playing arguably his best lineup. The performance didn’t show it. Kimmich was out because he already has 2 yellow cards, other players due to injury. But tiredness can’t have been an excuse for the bad performance, especially when Bayern's last game was against Hamburg and the opposition today was resting 5 key players. In an interview with <em>ZDF </em>after the game Müller himself said that “the second half [particularly] didn’t feel good,” noting that the team had an unusually negative feeling after a 3:1 win in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>.</p>
<h2 id="P0k5PO"><strong>Wagner vs Lewy</strong></h2>
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<img alt="Sandro Wagner of FC Bayern Munich celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League Round 16 return match between Besiktas and FC Bayern Munich at Vodafone Park in Istanbul, Turkey on March 14, 2018." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Fn1-W4BfMZUgBZq1gyMTWsBC8_8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10427339/GettyImages-932005112.0.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emrah Yorulmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Sandro Wagner turns it up in Istanbul, March 14, 2018.</figcaption>
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<p id="e27mxz">Sandro Wagner came on for the last 22 minutes and arguably played better than <span>Robert Lewandowski</span> in the previous 68. Both had two shots on goal in that time (Wagner scored, Lewy didn’t). Wagner also had two successful dribbles to Lewy’s one. Both Wagner and Lewy had only two incomplete passes, although the Pole attempted two more. Wagner, in turn, completed a cross, while Lewy did not.</p>
<p id="FnNswR">Most of all, however, Wagner’s presence could be felt more than that of the Polish captain when he came on. He challenged the ball more fiercely, defended it well to win Bayern time and a free kick, and he even almost started a counter attack with his limited speed. The big difference was the effort he put in.</p>
<h2 id="ck9URS"><strong>It was a weird game</strong></h2>
<p id="qaIhGb">While the game as a whole had a weird feel to it, there were certain things that definitely stood out:</p>
<ul>
<li id="iJ0woT">The stadium of Besiktas Istanbul is loud, very loud and known for it. <em>ZDF </em>commentator Béla Réthy said during his in-game commentary that they had measured 100 decibels. That is comparable to a jet take-off at 305 meters or a jackhammer. Funnily enough, after the 1:0 it became so quiet that you could very clearly hear the few thousand Bayern fans chanting.</li>
<li id="nXnzTs">At the start of the second half Besiktas forgot that they had switched sides. A Besiktas player scored within 30 seconds of the restart; unfortunately he clearly didn’t realise that after the break it was the wrong goal to score in.</li>
<li id="uLAdko">Istanbul is also known as the city of cats. Not without good reason as we found out int he second half when a ginger cat managed to make it onto the pitch causing a halt to the game for a few minutes. Time that, incidentally, was not added at the end of the game because the referee probably wanted to put Besiktas out of their misery.</li>
</ul>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/14/17116148/observations-match-analysis-bayern-munich-besiktas-muller-thiago-hummels-boateng-wagner-gingercatpaddy_p2018-03-14T21:21:09+01:002018-03-14T21:21:09+01:00Jupp Heynckes breaks record for most consecutive Champions League wins
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<img alt="Jupp Heynckes, Manager of Bayern Munchen speaks during a Bayern Muenchen press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Besiktas at Vodafone Park on March 13, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0hBTi-1BFlyWTr3SwIakWQD7hHI=/0x813:2661x2587/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59029665/GettyImages-931451492.0.1521058868.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jupp Heynckes March 13, 2018, in Istanbul, Turkey. | Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Jupp Heynckes is still setting records with Bayern Munich at 72 years old.</p> <p id="3XF6yB">Jupp Heynckes has set the record for most consecutive wins by a manager in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> (11) after <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> defeated Besiktas 3-1 in leg 2 of the round of 16. Heynckes’s winning run stretches all the way back to the 2012-2013 campaign, when Bayern won all five of their knockout matches from the quarterfinals onward, en route to their famous 2-1 victory over <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com/">Borussia Dortmund</a> in the final at Wembley Stadium.</p>
<div id="MUrwz4">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ELEVEN consecutive wins for Jupp <br><br>A <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> record! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/wXqk9UcJrQ">pic.twitter.com/wXqk9UcJrQ</a></p>— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundesliga_EN/status/973996630302175232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="s8gc2D">Both Louis van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti were level with Heynckes with 10 consecutive Champions League wins for their tenures with Bayern (van Gaal) and Real Madrid (Ancelotti), respectively. </p>
<p id="WW8MtY">Having won the competition twice already as a manager—once with Real Madrid, once with Bayern—Heynckes can add yet another individual accolade to his Champions League trophy cabinet. He’ll have the chance to extend new his record, too, as the draw for the quarterfinals takes place this Friday.</p>
<p id="ev4RBI">If Bayern make it all the way to the final, Heynckes could stretch his consecutive-wins record as far as 16, although Bayern technically do not have to win <em>e</em><em>very</em> match from here on out to reach the final.</p>
<p id="SjgRoe">In typical Heynckes fashion, the manager was quick to play down the plaudits he received for reaching this impressive record following the win vs. Besiktas (via <a href="http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2544729.html#/">UEFA.com</a>):</p>
<blockquote><p id="srsAHS">Managers think differently than the media. It turns out I had a record of scoring in successive home games, but I only learned about it when Lewandowski came close to breaking it. For me, it’s about playing good football, seeing my team improve and offering a good spectacle. </p></blockquote>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/14/17121270/jupp-heynckes-consecutive-wins-record-bayern-munich-besiktas-uefa-champions-leagueTomAdams712018-03-14T20:59:12+01:002018-03-14T20:59:12+01:00Thiago scores, comes off with injury (update)
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<img alt="Thiago Alcantara of Bayern Muenchen gestures during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Hamburger SV at Allianz Arena on March 10, 2018 in Munich, Germany." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z_gdMQR6YpDGiBxatYA5_8EsNFg=/0x0:3732x2488/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59027569/GettyImages-931709812.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thiago Alcantara, March 10, 2018. | Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Shortly after putting Bayern ahead 1:0, Thiago had to come off with an injury.</p> <p id="5qhhyZ">A half of mixed emotions for Thiago.</p>
<p id="qMCVlZ">The match started off well for the Spaniard, as he put Bayern ahead 1:0 in Istanbul after 18 minutes with a beautiful one time finish off of a pin-point <span>Thomas Muller</span> cross, bringing his goal tally to 2 in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> this season.</p>
<div id="CEBmQe">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bayern take the lead at Besiktas! Müller picks out Thiago perfectly to go up 6-0 on aggregate. <a href="https://t.co/sXJSvMvcmX">pic.twitter.com/sXJSvMvcmX</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/973972375669653504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="KF7Mle">The goal will surely have ended any and all hope Besiktas may have had of overcoming their 5-0 deficit coming into the match.</p>
<p id="eTK9pR">Unfortunately, things didn’t continue that way. Ten minutes from half-time, Thiago picked up a knock and had to be substituted off with what appears to be a left foot injury. The 26-year-old was replaced by <span>James Rodriguez</span>. </p>
<div id="OPxd3R">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After opening the scoring Thiago Alcantara has taken a knock to his left foot. James Rodriguez comes on 10 minutes before half time. Bayern lead 1-0 - 6-0 on agg vs Besiktas.</p>— Mark Lovell (@LovellLowdown) <a href="https://twitter.com/LovellLowdown/status/973976085200285700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="Geb4h4">TV footage did show that he was able to walk down the tunnel under his own power with no noticeable limp. Hopefully his substitution is just a precaution, as Thiago is vital to Bayern’s success in both the Champions League and DFB Pokal.</p>
<h2 id="SNDDWf">Update: Thiago in tears on the bench</h2>
<p id="33EmWO">Thiago burst into tears after forlornly taking a seat on the bench by Juan Bernat, who tried to comfort his compatriot. Jupp Heynckes told <em>ZDF </em>(via <a href="https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.diagnose-steht-noch-aus-thiago-schock-bittere-traenen-nach-erneuter-verletzung.1f87b55c-4c20-4304-9905-8d99f8eff9b9.html"><em>AZ</em></a>) that Thiago’s substitution “was not a precautionary measure”:</p>
<blockquote><p id="L4zJXo">He indicated that he had pain under the sole of his foot. Tomorrow he’ll have an MRI, then we can say more.</p></blockquote>
<p id="kyh85Y">We’ll post an update when we know more.</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/14/17120758/thiago-injury-bayern-munich-champions-league-besiktas-jkValentin King2018-03-14T20:21:05+01:002018-03-14T20:21:05+01:00Match awards from Bayern Munich’s uninspired 3-1 win over Besiktas
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<img alt="Bayern Munich's German forward Thomas Mueller gestures to supporters after the second leg of the last 16 UEFA Champions League football match between Besiktas and Bayern Munich at Besiktas Park in Istanbul on March 14, 2018." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yPL2ljYVCY_8AF4THyTx5PNGBAk=/0x76:5340x3636/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59028625/GettyImages-931995796.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas Müller in Istanbul, March 14, 2018. | Photo by Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It was choppy, ugly, and yielded some unsettling moments (down goes Thiago!), but Bayern advances on to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. </p> <p id="78LKrz"><strong>Jersey swap:</strong> <strong>The cat.</strong> Elusive, quick, instinctual...the cat had all the tools for success on the pitch and walked in like he owned the place. Total boss. Honorable mention to the raucous Besiktas fans. Great atmosphere and loud for the majority of the game. </p>
<div id="YU54eU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeowSanMeow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeowSanMeow</a> ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/SABfXG2b6z">pic.twitter.com/SABfXG2b6z</a></p>— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/973985129747148800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="3Lh2yY"><strong>Tip of the cap: Arturo Vidal. </strong>Vidal brought his normal tenacity to the game and gave <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> some energy when it needed it in the first half. In a game where most of the lineup seemed to be experiencing a little bit of a hangover from the weekend, Vidal was a motivated presence in the central midfield. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jFLNkOPqlHNKKwrnpPFsudb0nGQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10425845/822191774.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images for ICC</cite>
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</div>
<p id="fjcZrO"><strong>Golf clap: Rafinha. </strong>With the Bayern central defense only needing some clowns, a tent, and a ringmaster to get the circus started in the first half, the box-to-box play of the wily Brazilian veteran was super important to Die Roten as they needed some sort of stability on the back line. In addition to his defensive work, Rafinha ventured upfield and was involved offensively as well. His attempted cross just moments into the second half resulted in an own goal, which provided some much-needed breathing room at that stage of the game. </p>
<p id="JyM0Mw"><strong>Standing ovation: Thiago Alcantara.</strong> Before he left the game <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/14/17120758/thiago-injury-bayern-munich-champions-league-besiktas-jk">with an apparent foot injury</a>, Thiago scored Bayern’s first goal on a beautiful feed from Thomas Müller. It is Thiago’s one-hundredth goal for Bayern Munich across competitions. Much like the rest of Thiago’s tenure with Bayern, his impressive play was overshadowed by injury woes. Get well soon, Thiago!</p>
<div id="t3XGyz">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bayern take the lead at Besiktas! Müller picks out Thiago perfectly to go up 6-0 on aggregate. <a href="https://t.co/sXJSvMvcmX">pic.twitter.com/sXJSvMvcmX</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/973972375669653504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="s2AQAD"><strong>Meister of the match:</strong> <strong>Thomas Müller. </strong>Playing on the right wing, Müller was at his play-making best as he constantly applied pressure in the first half, looked to get teammates involved, and ultimately set up Thiago’s goal to give Bayern an early lead. Müller was sharp and quite frankly looked like one of the only Bayern players motivated to take the pitch at times. He was active and always looking to push forward and on this day, that was more than enough to garner him our Meister of the Match honors.</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/14/17120632/match-awards-player-ratings-bayern-munich-besiktas-jk-champions-league-thomas-muller-thiagoCSmith19192018-03-14T18:30:54+01:002018-03-14T18:30:54+01:00Besiktas vs Bayern Munich: Gamethread
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<img alt="MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 20: Thomas Mueller of Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his teams third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Besiktas at Allianz Arena on February 20, 2018 in Munich, Germany." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3hLN4tkC6glH8FAHcLXAiQE53RE=/0x0:5064x3376/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59021771/GettyImages-muller_besiktas.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 20: Thomas Mueller of Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his teams third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Bayern Muenchen and Besiktas at Allianz Arena on February 20, 2018 in Munich, Germany. | Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Please, no injuries.</p> <p id="1BGw9t">The UEFA <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is back, and this time <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> travel to Turkey to take on Besiktas! The result of the tie is more or less a foregone conclusion, with Bayern having already secured a 5-0 victory in Munich, but Jupp Heynckes will want his boys to give their all no matter what.</p>
<p id="ydqUDl">Besiktas will be missing both their starting center backs, with Domagoj Vida serving a suspension from the red card he received in the first leg, and Pepe still not being match-fit. Bayern meanwhile will be without the services of <span>Arjen Robben</span>, who suffered a pinched nerve in training and will not be risked. With both <span>Robert Lewandowski</span> and <span>Joshua Kimmich</span> a single yellow card away from suspension, Jupp Heynckes may opt to start Sandro Wagner and Rafinha in their stead. Despite this and the hostile nature of the stadium, the Bavarians will expect nothing less than a victory. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="BbIHrv"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Preview: Bayern Munich set to finish off Besiktas","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/13/17115134/preview-bayern-munich-besiktas-istanbul-champions-league-knockout-robben-injury-james-rodriguez"},{"title":"How should Bayern Munich line up against Besiktas?","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/12/17109078/bayern-munich-predicted-lineup-besiktas-champions-league-james-rodriguez-thomas-muller"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="Pc2Grp">It’s Bayern time. </p>
<p id="BUSQOU"><strong>Location:</strong> Vodafone Park, Istanbul, Turkey</p>
<p id="LsNbM2"><strong>Time: </strong>8:00 pm local time, 1:00 pm EST</p>
<p id="G7w9Id"><strong>Lineups:</strong> </p>
<div id="v6TNUs">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Unser Team für <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKFCB</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packmas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packmas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Besiktas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Besiktas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/tHS3xBURQs">pic.twitter.com/tHS3xBURQs</a></p>— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern/status/973946174418845697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a>
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<p id="wc_channels"><strong>TV/Streaming: </strong>USA (Fox Sports 2 USA, FOX Sports GO, FOX Soccer Match Pass, fuboTV), Germany (TeleClub Sport Live, Sky Go Deutschland, ZDF, Sky Sport 1 HD), Canada ( beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, TSN GO, TSN5, TSN4, fuboTV Canada, beIN Sports Canada, TSN1, DAZN Canada, RDS GO, RDS 2), India (SONY TEN 2, Sony LIV, SONY TEN 2 HD)</p>
<p id="MtGZzm"><strong>Full Listings: </strong><a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/teams/germany/bayern-munchen/">Your country</a> (via <a href="http://livesoccertv.com"><em>livesoccertv.com</em></a>)</p>
<p id="JET4CY"><strong>Tips for commenting:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="lBqE3X">If you’re a new member, feel free to introduce yourself. Don’t feel pressured or anything, we’re <s>mostly</s> very friendly. Also, we’re from all parts of the world so don’t feel shy if you’re from a country that doesn’t seem represented on the blog.</li>
<li id="BxGKpD">Refresh the page regularly to keep up with the discussion. One refresh every 55-60 seconds is ideal but if that’s too much then just try for one every five minutes and after every goal.</li>
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<p id="vsRy4P"><strong>Looking for an unending well of Bayern Munich content? Sign up for an SBNation account and </strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/signup?community_id=398&return_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bavarianfootballworks.com%2F"><strong>join the conversation on Bavarian Football Works</strong></a><strong>. Whether it's full match coverage and analysis, breaking news or something completely different, we have it all.</strong></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/14/17118750/besiktas-vs-bayern-munich-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-champions-leagueIneednoname2018-03-13T18:21:06+01:002018-03-13T18:21:06+01:00Preview: Bayern Munich set to finish off Besiktas
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<img alt="A general view during a Bayern Muenchen training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Besiktas at Vodafone Park on March 13, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oyALdT8nhbIrd6lvuTkNKso7n2g=/0x0:5335x3557/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59012423/GettyImages-931471294.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>A general view during a Bayern Muenchen training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 match against Besiktas at Vodafone Park on March 13, 2018 in Istanbul, Turkey. | Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bayern are making a whirlwind tour to Istanbul to finish of their Champions League adversaries.</p> <p id="zcBJe7">The time has come: <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> take a 5-0 lead over Besiktas JK with them onto the pitch tomorrow to seal advancement to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> quarterfinals. Both sides will be missing key players, but the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/odds">odds</a> are still lopsided in Bayern’s favor.</p>
<h2 id="RnWsTX">No Robben, no problem</h2>
<p id="1ehfBR">After drubbing Hamburg on Saturday, Bayern must make do without two players on the squad: Corentin Tolisso will remain in Munich while he recovers from the severe bruise he suffered on his shin. <span>Arjen Robben</span> was scratched from the squad yesterday, after suffering a pinched nerve. He had taken part in individual training along with <span>Thomas Muller</span>, <span>Franck Ribery</span>, and <span>Robert Lewandowski</span>.</p>
<p id="ETMwRP">Here is how Jupp Heynckes may line Bayern up:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b3OLPUdd3unRkaINLpXewq5gxRU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10417029/Bayern_Besiktas_CL_2018_2.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="oeCW82">Since Lewandowski, <span>Joshua Kimmich</span>, and Sebastian Rudy all face suspensions if they receive another yellow card, it is unlikely that any of them play. Sandro Wagner can lead the offense in his first Champions League start for Bayern. Franck Ribery will aspire to keep the incredible momentum he showed in his start against Hamburg. Thomas Müller can drift out wide, while <span>James Rodriguez</span> may make his comeback at the 10—James recently rejoined full team training.</p>
<p id="9qlpxQ">In the midfield, <span>Thiago Alcantara</span> may relieve <span>Arturo Vidal</span> and continue his return to form, while <span>Javi Martinez</span> holds down the defensive midfield. In the back four, Niklas Süle might take a turn instead of <span>Jerome Boateng</span> (or perhaps <span>Mats Hummels</span>), while Rafinha replaces Kimmich on the right.</p>
<p id="P5p4lt">This lineup should be more than sufficient to overcome Besiktas—provided the players are not overwhelmed by the deafening noise that awaits them in Istanbul.</p>
<h2 id="J0VUjr">Besiktas: no center-backs, big problem</h2>
<p id="VjhozW">As if the odds against Besiktas could not get any steeper, they find themselves not only in a 5-0 hole, but also without their starting center-backs from last game, and another one on top of that is also injured.</p>
<p id="daNYRy">Besiktas's coach Senol Günes revealed that neither Dukso Tosic nor Pepe are fit to play (Pepe suffered a broken toe in the teams' first encounter), while Domagoj Vida will serve a suspension for the red card he saw that put his team down to ten men against Bayern in Munich. Whatever the makeshift lineup Günes fields to close that massive hole in his team's defense, Uli Hoeness is not worried. <a href="https://fcbayern.com/en/news/matchpreviews/2018/03/preview-cl-l16-besiktas-v-fcb">Bayern's president stated</a>,</p>
<blockquote><p id="yApa5a">Nothing can happen. I'm not worried. Considering our displays despite the big advantage in the Bundesliga, we have nothing to worry about. None of our players will lack the necessary commitment away to Besiktas.</p></blockquote>
<p id="W6jLfU">After the match, Bayern will head straight to the airport and leave Besiktas and Istanbul in the dust.</p>
<p id="fTRVRI"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/3/13/17115134/preview-bayern-munich-besiktas-istanbul-champions-league-knockout-robben-injury-james-rodriguezJohn Dillon