Bavarian Football Works - Bayern Munich vs Liverpool: Champions League Round of 16 second leg full coverage + updates Manufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2019-03-18T17:50:00+01:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/180197792019-03-18T17:50:00+01:002019-03-18T17:50:00+01:00UEFA investigating Bayern Munich and Leon Goretzka for wearing a Bundesliga jersey in loss to Liverpool
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MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 13: Leon Goretzka FC Bayern Muenchen and James Milner of Liverpool in action during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool at Allianz Arena on March 13, 2019 in Munich, Bavaria." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Xiy9IG8v4Gf7fuyyOxZbr7Mcgoc=/887x87:4000x2162/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63257167/GettyImages-1135610140.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>FC Bayern Muenchen v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 13: Leon Goretzka FC Bayern Muenchen and James Milner of Liverpool in action during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool at Allianz Arena on March 13, 2019 in Munich, Bavaria. | (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)</figcaption>
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<p>Yes, this is really happening. This is UEFA we’re talking about, after all. </p> <p id="yTxzcM">Unfortunately, this isn’t a<em> Bavarian Fashion Works</em> joke. UEFA is actually opening up an investigation into <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> and <span>Leon Goretzka</span> for a minor jersey slip up during the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> loss to <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> at the Allianz Arena (per <a href="https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.zeugwart-panne-aerger-um-goretzka-trikot-jetzt-ermittelt-die-uefa-gegen-den-fc-bayern.f9c292c1-348c-43ae-ab89-03baa2b9dd19.html"><em>Az</em></a>). </p>
<p id="MP3XVB">Goretzka came on as a second half sub in the 72nd minute to replace <span>Javi Martinez</span> and he was wearing a Bundesliga kit instead of Bayern’s European kit. At first glance, there’s really no difference between the two jerseys, but the sleeve patches are different. On Bayern’s regular Bundesliga kit, they have the white and gold Bundesliga “<em>Deutscher Fussballmeister 2017/2018</em>” patch on the right sleeve, and the “Qatar Airways” patch on the left sleeve. The problem with this is that UEFA only allows one sponsor on jerseys for the Champions League, so Goretzka’s kit would’ve been in violation of that law since he was sporting both Qatar Airways and T-Mobile on his kit. </p>
<p id="IA0j6A">Additionally, the Champions League jerseys are supposed to feature the official Champions League soccer ball logo on the right sleeve, with the “Respect” badge on the left sleeve along with the Champions League trophy emblem signifying that Bayern have won the competition five times. </p>
<p id="fUhTdP">Not for nothing, either, but the Champions League jerseys for Bayern only have the number and the player’s last name displayed above the number on the back. Normally, the league kits have “FC Bayern Munchen” above the number and the player’s name beneath the number. </p>
<p id="UYpIOd">A close look at the kit slip up:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leon Goretzka wore the wrong shirt with a Bundesliga patch last night <a href="https://t.co/cMVttvfWPm">pic.twitter.com/cMVttvfWPm</a></p>— Bayern & Die Mannschaft (@eMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/eMiaSanMia/status/1106234760769273857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a>
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<p id="YMJFCm">We’re not really sure who to blame for this one, but we can assure you that it wasn’t <em>Bavarian Fashion Works</em> trying to send UEFA a message on fashion trends. We could’ve easily made this a “UEFA is too mainstream for fashion” type of satirical post, but it does seem rather far-fetched that this is actually a big deal to UEFA. Maybe Bayern’s kit man is going to be forced to run laps and do extra push-ups by Niko Kovac. Or, what would be even better, perhaps Goretzka will come out with a public statement saying “<em>Champions League jerseys are so last year.</em>”</p>
<p id="qZZ1Id">This situation has us feeling like Mugatu, a true legend in the fashion game:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yeah, Mugatu, I've been feeling the same lately... <a href="https://t.co/Kf2YYTGebX">pic.twitter.com/Kf2YYTGebX</a></p>— FrancescoFrancavilla (@f_francavilla) <a href="https://twitter.com/f_francavilla/status/810560904219738112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2016</a>
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<p id="75zEDm">Regardless, a decision on whether or not Bayern will be punished for this will take place on May 16th, when the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of UEFA meets. </p>
<p id="t5HnBB"> </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/18/18270930/uefa-investigating-bayern-munich-leon-goretzka-bundesliga-jersey-liverpool-champions-league-uclTomAdams712019-03-18T14:15:00+01:002019-03-18T14:15:00+01:00Uli Hoeneß talks about a Club World Cup, Liverpool, and Borussia Dortmund
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<p>After a 6:0 win against Mainz 05, Bayern’s president answered questions on some hot topics.</p> <p id="EtKMTa">After <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s dominant display against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/mainz-05">Mainz 05</a>, the club’s president talked about various topics. The focal point of the interview was about Bayern’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> failure and the upcoming upheaval for the Bavarians.</p>
<p id="wgD0Jn">Hoeneß was very pleased with the team’s performance on Sunday and stated via <a href="http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/startseite/744813/artikel_klub-wm-mega-wm-liverpool-und-bvb_das-sagt-hoeness.html"><em>kicker</em></a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="jnjBKB">The team played very committed and deserved a dominant win. </p></blockquote>
<p id="wn8OTm">Bayern is now first in the Bundesliga, in front of <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com/">Borussia Dortmund</a> thanks to goal differential: </p>
<blockquote><p id="b3BWgi">It can definitely be important. It looks like it will be a neck-and-neck race until the last matchday, so that’s a small advantage.</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="kHzuQo"><strong>Liverpool has not been digested yet</strong></h3>
<p id="0yhQ8z">For the first time since the 2010/11 season <em>Die Rekordmeister</em> finds itself out of the UCL round of 16 and Wednesday’s poor display is still in Uli’s mind.</p>
<blockquote><p id="4774S4">I need a few more days. I have to say that on Wednesday the performance was very weak. The players have, in my opinion, played without gut.</p></blockquote>
<p id="XGYOzr">After the loss at home stadium, Bayern faced critique for the bad display, but Hoeneß thinks one bad game does not define Bayern’s status.</p>
<blockquote><p id="IFMg84">You cannot take a game and make a general criticism of Bayern Munich. I think that we have been playing good football for about three months, after all, to say tht Bayern is not internationally competitive, it’s too far-fetched. </p></blockquote>
<h3 id="8oIEFp">
<strong>Kovač has to decide what will happen with </strong><span><strong>James Rodriguez</strong></span>
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<p id="amwQoL">The most notable performance against Mainz was James as the Colombian star scored his first hat trick for Bayern. The 27-year-old’s future is still uncertain and it is heavily rumored that he wants to return to <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p id="UwzYkn">He played very well today and on the whole he’s a great player, so the coach has to tell us what he wants.</p></blockquote>
<p id="sDHF7D">Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is a huge fan of James and recently said that it is <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/8/18256473/bayern-munich-rummenigge-james-rodriguez-purchase-option-madrid-oliver-kahn-bastian-schweinsteiger">very likely that Bayern will purchase the Colombian</a>.</p>
<p id="rJsyE8">After that, Hoeneß was asked about Joachim Löw’s <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/6/18252580/bayern-munich-germany-national-team-sport1-jogi-low-thomas-muller-mats-hummels-jerome-boateng">radical decision</a> regarding the Bayern trio of <span>Thomas Muller</span>, <span>Mats Hummels</span>, and <span>Jerome Boateng</span>, but he refused to answer. He has decided to “discuss the issue with the Jogi Löw in private, and that’s what I have to say,” said Hoeness, who had originally announced an official statement after the Liverpool game.</p>
<p id="7PmYBt">In conclusion, Hoeneß also stated that he is a fan of a Club <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="DM4WZk">I think Club World Cup is great. With great teams every four years instead of the Confederations Cup.</p></blockquote>
<p id="7LjWzz"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/18/18270681/bayern-munich-interview-uli-hoeness-ceo-club-world-cup-liverpool-james-rodriguez-real-madrid-ucl-bvbMiranKoFCB2019-03-16T18:22:32+01:002019-03-16T18:22:32+01:00Niko Kovač addresses criticism of his tactics vs Liverpool FC
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<img alt="Nico Kovac head coach of Bayern Muenchen looks during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool at Allianz Arena on March 13, 2019 in Munich, Bavaria." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0eyfKarz3gVYmj91m73w0oU0EHg=/0x0:3453x2302/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63249844/GettyImages-1130398524.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nico Kovac head coach of Bayern Muenchen looks during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool at Allianz Arena on March 13, 2019 in Munich, Bavaria. | Photo by Ahmad Mora/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bayern Munich’s head coach Niko Kovač addressed Robert Lewandowski’s critique that Bayern did not play aggressively enough.</p> <p id="LBMxwJ">After <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>'s unfortunate collapse at home against <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> FC, everybody was eagerly waiting for what Niko Kovač has to say about the result. The boss has now spoken up and reacted to his players' comments about the game and the team’s tactics (via <a href="https://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.nichts-gegen-meine-person-fc-bayern-das-sagt-niko-kovac-zur-kritik-an-seiner-taktik.5ac4a4a5-1fe0-4d25-849a-febb66907151.html"><em>AZ</em></a>).</p>
<p id="4Vqe9o">Out of all the players in the team, <span>Mats Hummels</span> is someone who knows Jürgen Klopp perhaps best. The defender admitted that the team had a tough time coming into the game:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ISywat">Jürgen Klopp is outstanding at taking opponents’ strengths out of the game. He did it again today. We had a hard time coming into our game.</p></blockquote>
<p id="0XWC6W"><span>Robert Lewandowski</span> disappeared, yet again, when the team needed him the most. The Pole was clearly unhappy about the result. In comments in English after the game, Lewandowski and felt that the team had played too defensively:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/lewy_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lewy_official</a>: – I think we were too defensive.<br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/JanAageFjortoft?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JanAageFjortoft</a> <a href="https://t.co/0WABXEwz4A">pic.twitter.com/0WABXEwz4A</a></p>— Viasport Fotball (@ViasportFotball) <a href="https://twitter.com/ViasportFotball/status/1105968745355329546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
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<blockquote><p id="Gswi7P">I think we played too deep — we probably didn’t want to [take] too much risk. I don’t know why. Because sometimes we tried to ... push Liverpool, but in offense it was sometimes like two against four players... That wasn’t our game.</p></blockquote>
<p id="HCzbY2">Questioned by the media about Lewandowski's comments, Kovač explained that the team's approach to the game was the same as that in their previous Bundesliga matches:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ZctkiB">I have to make this clear: the approach was the same as against Gladbach and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/vfl-wolfsburg">Wolfsburg</a>. We scored eleven goals in these games. The high line was the same. We had round about 60 percent possession. I can’t agree with that [i.e. Lewandowski’s assessment].</p></blockquote>
<p id="qct79z">Bayern had more possession throughout the game (approximately 58 percent total), but they were unable to alter the scoreline in their favour. Kovač thinks that the problem was that the team failed to move the ball forward and support Lewandowski the way he needs:</p>
<blockquote><p id="wAAbrq">We didn’t need to defend more than in the Bundesliga. We struggled going forward, didn’t find the necessary spaces, couldn’t support Lewy like he needs. The statistics show that we had the ball more, but then didn’t know what we wanted to do with it.</p></blockquote>
<p id="VytyRa">Importantly, Kovač rejected the interpretation of the press that Lewandowski’s comments were intended as a direct criticism of himself. The boss did not draw anything negative from Lewy's assessment of the game. Kovač acknowledged that Lewandowski is entitled to his view, while in his own opinion it is important to acknowledge Liverpool’s game:</p>
<blockquote><p id="B74Wvx">There was nothing negative there. If Lewy experienced it that way, that’s fine. There was nothing against me personally. Mats brought up what wasn’t put into action. On the other side stood an opponent that did it really great. You just have to be honest and say: “That’s how it was!” We didn’t manage things well up front.</p></blockquote>
<p id="MWRFRl">Liverpool played so well that Bayern failed to connect the dots after Sadio Mané's opener. Just like Kovač said, Bayern had too few options to make plays:</p>
<blockquote><p id="7mCOK5">When the opponent presses, especially collectively, it’s hard for any team to escape it. You have to be courageous, call for the ball, offer the player with the ball options to play it so that you can break out of these situations — [options] in which he can make a transition. If you have too few options to make plays, all that’s left is a desperate pass or a long ball.</p></blockquote>
<p id="tvapYy">Kovač then raised an important point that has been a theme since the summer when he was hired: the club has not invested in the roster. Two starters in particular, <span>Franck Ribery</span> and Rafinha, obviously have their best years behind them. This is what Kovač had to say about that (via <a href="http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/chleague/startseite/744628/artikel_kovac-verteidigt-sich-und-stellt-eine-grundsatzfrage.html"><em>kicker</em></a>): “What do we have to do as a club to be better equipped in the new season?” Referring to the transfer market and escalating prices, he said, “Do we want to go along with it or not? If not, then we’ll have to live with the fact that the others will leave us behind.”</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/16/18268490/niko-kovac-champions-league-bayern-munich-liverpool-fc-lewandowski-mats-hummels-tactics-criticismGopika CPBJohn Dillon2019-03-14T13:15:00+01:002019-03-14T13:15:00+01:00Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Liverpool; Julian Brandt coveted by Bayern and Dortmund (?!); and MORE!
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<p>It was a Wednesday to forget.</p> <h2 id="zVZq1Y"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/13/18262089/bayern-munich-vs-liverpool-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-champions-league-updates-highlights"><strong>Die Folgen: Bayern’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Liverpool (</strong><em><strong>Bavarian Football Works</strong></em><strong>)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="rPgVPz"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> did not put forth its best effort while losing at home to <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>. Here are some quick hitters on the match: </p>
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<li id="fpOztJ">There will no doubt be a lot of doom-and-gloom after the result, but Liverpool outplayed Bayern, plain and simple. Jürgen Klopp’s team was just better. The lack of passion in Bayern’s play at times was the most disappointing aspect of the effort. </li>
<li id="3f8KeI">As much as I think Niklas Süle is a future top-rated center-back, he’s still may only be the third-best central defender on Bayern at the moment. While Sadio Mané ultimately beat Rafinha and subsequently <span>Manuel Neuer</span> for the game’s first goal, Süle’s poor initial positioning and awful angle while trying to support Rafinha gave Mané just the sliver of space he needed. It was not a good game for Süle overall and he has not been nearly as consistent this season as he was last year. Again, his potential and physical tools make him a strong candidate to lead the defense for years to come, but he’s not quite there yet.</li>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a finish by Sadio Mané <br><br>He scores the first goal of the tie and hands Liverpool a crucial away goal. <br><br>( via <a href="https://twitter.com/brlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brlive</a>)<a href="https://t.co/Cwu3GUPizB">pic.twitter.com/Cwu3GUPizB</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1105929647936561153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
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<ul>
<li id="G39N9o">Possibly unpopular opinion: VfB <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/vfb-stuttgart">Stuttgart</a>’s Benjamin Pavard would rank fourth on that list of center-backs heading into next season. </li>
<li id="RvB4jd">
<span>James Rodriguez</span> was a complete and utter non-factor. Entering the game, I was worried that James’ skill set might not be as effective because Liverpool was going to play too fast for him. The Colombian just never looked comfortable on the pitch. This was a game that was much more suited for Goretzka’s relentless and physical style of play. Unfortunately, Kovac reacted too late. James has great skill and against a different team may have been more effective. More than any other player, Liverpool was a bad match-up for the Colombian star.</li>
<li id="igrEiw">Kingsley Coman might have been able to do a little better with some of the opportunities that <span>Franck Ribery</span> had on his feet. Ribery was mediocre at best yesterday, but Coman’s dynamic style just creates more issues for the opposition right now. </li>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lewandowski criticises the tactics: "We knew it would be a tough game, But in both games we played too defensive. We didn’t try to push forward to create situations – in the first game and today. We were playing too deep, we didn’t take risks, I don’t know why." [Viasport] <a href="https://t.co/QVmJOjjj9A">pic.twitter.com/QVmJOjjj9A</a></p>— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1105985719359688706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2019</a>
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<ul>
<li id="xv0J7R">
<span>Robert Lewandowski</span> will get a lot of heat after this for not producing, but Bayern’s offense was a jumbled, chaotic mess for the most part. The striker’s criticism of the team after the game was spot-on. Bayern was not aggressive moving forward and played too cautiously. </li>
<li id="w4RHGQ">More than anything, Bayern missed <span>Thomas Müller</span> and Joshua Kimmich. Kimmich is one of the best right-backs in the world, so his absence was obvious, but what Müller brings to the table was noticeably absent. There was no creativity, no one to exploit space in the defense, and generally no one effective at working with Lewandowski. Despite what his detractors say, Bayern is simply a better team with the <em>Raumdeuter</em> on the pitch.</li>
<li id="yiioPQ">The double pivot of <span>Javi Martinez</span> and <span>Thiago Alcantara</span> was not bad, but they weren’t great either. Much like the rest of the squad, the duo just needed to be better and more sharp.</li>
<li id="RKg0R9">
<span>Mats Hummels</span> was very good on the night. If there was a bright spot, it was the play of the Joachim Low cut down victim.</li>
<li id="wSSXqv">Neuer’s gaffe was the third major boneheaded play by a German goalkeeper in the last calendar year. <span>Sven Ulreich’s</span> howler against <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a> and forrmer Liverpool goalkeeper <span>Loris Karius</span>’ concussion-induced blunder (also against Real Madrid!) happened in more prominent games, but as much as Kovac wanted to defend Neuer after the game, it was a mistake unbecoming a man considered by some to be the world’s best. </li>
<li id="1Muex1">You can feel the pain from various players during in these post game comments compiled by <a href="https://youtu.be/Qo3ot_xPvPk">FCBayern.com</a>: </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li id="m8FTX0">The bottom line is that this is just one chapter of the season that has been closed. Agreed, however, that it was the most important chapter, and it calls for improvements to be made this summer. </li>
<li id="BEryIp">More than any team, Liverpool was the draw that was most likely to induce an early exit for Bayern. Call it bad luck, call it a bad match-up, or just say Liverpool was the better side, but it’s not the end of the world. Bayern has plenty left to play for this season and a very good core to build around. Bayern will be back...they always rise again.</li>
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<p id="SrZiAL">If you missed our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18264621/bayern-munich-liverpool-match-awards-champions-league-player-ratings-hummels-martinez-gnabry-thiago">Match Awards</a> or <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18264726/bayern-munich-liverpool-champions-league-observations-match-analysis-robert-lewandowski-manuel-neuer">Observations</a> give them a look: </p>
<aside id="Pfdrfu"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Match awards from Bayern’s disappointing 3:1 loss against Liverpool","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18264621/bayern-munich-liverpool-match-awards-champions-league-player-ratings-hummels-martinez-gnabry-thiago"},{"title":"Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 1-3 loss to Liverpool FC","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18264726/bayern-munich-liverpool-champions-league-observations-match-analysis-robert-lewandowski-manuel-neuer"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="a8u8mr"><a href="https://www.merkur.de/sport/fc-bayern/fc-bayern-julian-brandt-waere-ein-schnaeppchen-schlaegt-bayern-nach-hoeness-aussage-jetzt-zu-8259353.html"><strong>Brandt subject of a bidding war between Bayern and Dortmund? (</strong><em><strong>Münchner Merkur</strong></em><strong>)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="luZzV5">Could <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/bayer-leverkusen">Bayer Leverkusen</a>’s <span>Julian Brandt</span> be the rope in a tug of war between the Bavarians and <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com/">Borussia Dortmund</a>?</p>
<blockquote><p id="Us9aRJ">Julian Brandt is coveted by top German clubs. At the moment he is in focus at Borussia Dortmund. According to <em>SportBild</em>, Borussia is ready to put 25 million euros on the table for Brandt. Is that enough to outmaneuver Bayern?</p></blockquote>
<p id="6fouPE">Bayern was already rumored to be a target for Bayern before the news broke that BVB might make a play for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a> international. Back in late February, the <em>Münchner Merkur</em> reported: </p>
<blockquote><p id="CGWk6w">For a long time, FC Bayern has been considered a hot contender for a transfer of Julian Brandt. The fact that the German national player is playing a strong second half at Bayer Leverkusen makes the probability of a transfer to the record champions a bit bigger. </p></blockquote>
<aside id="XzvITN"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Daily Schmankerl: Matthijs de Ligt close to FC Barcelona deal; Bayern scoping Hakim Ziyech; Thiago’s son takes the pitch; a Champions League prediction; and MORE!","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/13/18261564/bayern-munich-liverpool-champions-league-thiago-alcantara-matthijs-de-ligt-hakim-ziyech-dusan-tadic"},{"title":"Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich celebrates its 119th birthday! Also, transfer rumors on Dani Olmo, Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Lucas Hernandez, and MORE!","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/27/18241368/bayern-munich-dani-olmo-timo-werner-lucas-hernandez-jann-fiete-arp-kai-havertz-julian-brandt"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="x1WiMb"><a href="http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/wechselboerse/2018-19/1/1-bundesliga/transfermarkt.html"><strong>Bayern still scoping Pepé (</strong><em><strong>kicker</strong></em><strong>)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="Cb156Y">It appears that Bayern is still kicking the tires on Lille winger Nicolas Pepe, but they have some reservations about about his overall game:</p>
<blockquote><p id="RXDlHI">Bayern Munich’s interest in Nicolas Pepé of Lille OSC is confirmed. The Ivorian possesses enormous qualities on offense, but the Bavarians have doubts whether the 23-year-old is the right man when it is tight 30 meters in front of the opponent’s goal. FCB scout Laurent Busser watched Pepé (28 games in Ligue 1, 17 goals) three weeks ago in Strasbourg, so he is again under the microscope.</p></blockquote>
<aside id="eFIEwV"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Bayern Munich vs. Wolfsburg; Pep Guardiola to Juventus (?!); Real Madrid to pursue Nicolas Pepe; and MORE! ","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/10/18258441/bayern-munich-wolfsburg-real-madrid-thomas-muller-mats-hummels-jerome-boateng-pep-guardiola"},{"title":"Daily Schmankerl: Bayern Munich and Barca are battling for Matthijs DeLigt and Nicolas Pepe; Timo Werner news; some Bayern vs. Wolfsburg tidbits; and MORE! ","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/9/18257327/bayern-munich-fc-barcelona-matthijs-de-ligt-nicolas-pepe-wolfsburg-robert-lewandowski-timo-werner"},{"title":"Daily Schmankerl: Barca closing in on Matthijs de Ligt; Adrien Rabiot in more trouble with PSG; Lille put a price on Nicolas Pepe; and MORE!","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/8/18255866/bayern-munich-barcelona-closing-ajax-matthijs-de-ligt-psg-adrien-rabiot-lille-nicolas-pepe"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="hFyzb1"><a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1105924385213427713"><strong>Bayern Twitter still rules (</strong><em><strong>@FCBayernEN</strong></em><strong>)</strong></a></h2>
<p id="EToMJf">If anything, this tweet from <em>@FCBayernEN</em> made me laugh yesterday.</p>
<div id="w7Lu7Y">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's almost like they're brothers <a href="https://t.co/a46w1Tj28y">https://t.co/a46w1Tj28y</a></p>— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1105924385213427713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18264013/bayern-munich-liverpool-borussia-julian-brandt-nicolas-pepe-robert-lewandowski-thomas-muller-suleCSmith19192019-03-14T12:15:00+01:002019-03-14T12:15:00+01:00Niko Kovac: Liverpool exposed Bayern Munich’s “limitations”
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bh1BPVNt9zM2dAASJWdwuAOZzZ0=/0x0:2422x1615/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63236076/Kovac_16.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images for FC Bayern</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bayern Munich’s 3-1 loss was disappointing for everyone associated with the club, especially Niko Kovac. </p> <p id="bVPPiB"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> coach Niko Kovac was obviously disappointed in his team’s performance as the Bavarians dropped a 3-1 decision to <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> yesterday. </p>
<p id="NtKh37">As captured by <a href="http://Football365.com">Football365.com</a>, the 47-year-old coach was complimentary toward Jurgen Klopp’s side after the game. </p>
<blockquote><p id="mgjs5w">We were up against very, very strong opponents. I’d like to congratulate Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. They were the better team over the two matches. We kept the contest open until Liverpool’s second goal. You saw a set-piece can be decisive in a match like this.</p></blockquote>
<p id="iELsZD">It was Virgil van Dijk’s header off of a corner that proved to be the game-winner, but Bayern’s coach was also disappointed in how his team performed against the Liverpool’s defensive corps. </p>
<blockquote><p id="KFJsrE">They closed us down well. We didn’t manage to play calmly and set up (Robert) Lewandowski, that’s why it was a deserved defeat. Our opponents attacked very early and at a high pace. We tried to use our full-backs to attack. We didn’t succeed because our opponents did a really good job, whereas we didn’t have our best day.</p></blockquote>
<p id="EtxuQG">In the end, it was Liverpool’s ability to attack and expose Bayern’s “weaknesses” that was the difference in the tie according to Kovac. </p>
<blockquote><p id="JjVUaW">Liverpool are a top team. They were finalists last year and are among the top teams in the Premier League. They exposed our limitations.</p></blockquote>
<p id="ZB7YiO"><a href="https://sportbild.bild.de/fussball/champions-league/champions-league/bayern-liverpool-niko-kovac-frust-neue-saisonziele-60656332.sport.html"><em>SportBild</em></a> captured a more emotional response in which Kovac expressed his feelings on the team’s overall dissatisfaction with the result:</p>
<blockquote><p id="hkr3s9">We have the right to be disappointed. We are bitterly disappointed. We deserved to lose today. In two games Liverpool was the better team. </p></blockquote>
<p id="z45zqA">As for other reactions to the loss, the assessments were all relatively similar. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic was complimentary of Liverpool, but also lamented his squad’s assertiveness on offense per <a href="https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2019/03/reaction-to-fcb-v-liverpool">FCBayern.com</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="s5b2Gh">We weren’t able to build up pressure at any time. We never managed to get our fans completely behind us. We have to congratulate Liverpool, they turned in a very good performance, they were just better. Liverpool were more physical. Usually we have this dominance and possession. We didn’t manage today. We never camped out in our opponents’ half and never created chances.</p></blockquote>
<p id="xJVB82">Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, whose own miscue helped to the Liverpool’s first goal, also criticized the offense’s lack of prowess on the day. </p>
<blockquote><p id="sDi5HT">The victory wasn’t undeserved today. We lacked punch up front, we didn’t create enough chances. Taken altogether the result is okay, even if it hurts. We were highly motivated, we were fired up, the attitude was right. It would have helped to take the lead when it was 1-1. The goal from a set-piece at an awkward moment settled it.</p></blockquote>
<p id="TR1fHD">Finally, center-back <span>Mats Hummels</span> assessed that Bayern just never was able to establish itself in a frantic contest. </p>
<blockquote><p id="KQ0tgq">It was a very scrappy game until Liverpool’s second goal. There wasn’t a lot of action at either end, both teams were very cautious. We struggled to get into the game. Liverpool took their first chance to score the opener, we leveled with our first chance. Liverpool’s second was a bit of a blow to our confidence. Liverpool were the better team then. It was all very tight until that goal, even if it wasn’t a great match.</p></blockquote>
<p id="W1Epgl">The result will certainly sting for Bayern, but there is no rest for the weary as a Bundesliga date with <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/mainz-05">Mainz 05</a> awaits the club on Sunday. An international break is set to commence after that fixture and Kovac will no doubt be looking to map out his strategy for the team to capture the league title and DFB-Pokal moving forward. </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18265238/bayern-munich-niko-kovac-liverpool-champions-league-limitations-virgil-van-dijk-robert-lewandowskiCSmith19192019-03-14T00:44:46+01:002019-03-14T00:44:46+01:00Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 1-3 loss to Liverpool FC
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<img alt="13 March 2019, Bavaria, München: Soccer: Champions League, knockout round, round of sixteen, second leg: FC Bayern Munich - FC Liverpool in the Allianz Arena. Munich's Robert Lewandowski (r) and Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp stand side by side after the match." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tXCj3j2mh89JH0RcCVbpPkoXJHI=/689x0:3249x1707/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63234087/GettyImages-1130295827.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Peter Kneffel/dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bayern Munich’s Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end after a poor showing at the Allianz Arena. The loss exposes the flaws of a team in the midst of change.</p> <h2 id="E3HyLo">A lack of quality</h2>
<p id="ns6Jeh">Bayern fans were worried this summer when club president Uli Hoeness made it clear that the transfer policy was to save rather than spend. After a shaky start in the league and a couple unconvincing games in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, Bayern supporters’ worries about the quality of the team were somewhat silenced by the great start to 2019. Today, Bayern’s weak squad showed. Bayern’s offense withered without <span>Joshua Kimmich</span> and Thomas Müller, who missed the game due disciplinary suspensions; Robben’s creativity was also needed today. Yet it’s no secret that the team Kovac inherited was weaker than those of previous years. </p>
<p id="eBzH0A">Compared to a <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> team who has had a resurrection under Klopp, Kovac’s Bayern looked like a team that was incapable of creating an offensive threat. Two shots on target in Munich is simply not good enough from a club that should be considered as one of the greatest in Europe.</p>
<h2 id="QtsPA4">A lack of creativity </h2>
<p id="bns9zS">The game was won today by Liverpool’s ability to cancel out the creativeness of both Thiago and James. Even at the Allianz, Bayern uncharacteristically were unable to create any clear-cut chances. After a relatively solid first half in terms of defense, Bayern had everything to play for in the second half. Yet the offense could not get it done. The fact that the team collectively managed only 3 key passes the whole game shows just how far the mighty have fallen. For most of the game, Bayern’s midfield lacked creative ideas and resorted either back-passes back to the defense or to long balls towards an empty target. The fact that Renato Sanches was subbed on to replace superstar James only goes to show how far short Bayern’s creativity fell today. </p>
<p id="FlBH9H">Bayern’s only goal today was not a product of creative play but rather one of fortune. Credit is due to Liverpool’s midfield and defense, who managed to cancel out our world-class players for a full 90 minutes. However, this also reflects the first observation above: Bayern simply did not have the creative quality in their squad today to compete with one of the best teams in the world. </p>
<h2 id="wo7Eq8">
<span>Ribery</span>, <span>Neuer</span>, and <span>Lewandowski</span> have seen their best years </h2>
<p id="pIMDdK">Sadly, Ribery created nothing against the exciting Liverpool-native Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manuel Neuer made a crucial mistake for Liverpool’s first goal, and Robert Lewandowski was anonymous for 90 minutes. Three previous superstars who today showed that, against one of the best squads in the world, they have too little to offer. This may seem like a harsh observation, but an elite club like Bayern expects more of its key players in the most important game of the season.</p>
<p id="LCFhPS">Just like against Real Madrid in Bayern’s last Champions League campaign, Lewandowski again failed to score in two vital games. Admittedly, Lewandowski received little to work with from his teammates against Liverpool — but standards should be raised when evaluating the performance of the highest foreign goalscorer in the Bundesliga.</p>
<p id="SWStiS">And another disturbingly familiar theme: after his long-term injury and his poor <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s captain Manuel Neuer has simply not been the same player. He can still be a world-class keeper, but today he again committed a mistake that gave Mané the first crucial goal.</p>
<p id="TTUEi5">Lastly, and unsurprisingly, Ribery has obviously seen his best years. The Frenchmen and Bayern legend featured in the starting eleven today primarily due to Kingsley Coman’s recent recovery from yet another injury. Yet, it does not change the fact that he was nullified by Alexander-Arnold, 15 years his junior. Coman himself also disappointed in his half-hour performance.</p>
<h1 id="EDdLYK">Other observations:</h1>
<p id="6nFVFg">— <span>Javi Martinez</span> was, in my view, Bayern’s best player on the pitch before he was subbed off. He fought hard on the defensive end on the pitch, making crucial tackles throughout the game. He was subbed off only out of desperation when Bayern was already 1-2 down.</p>
<p id="aYY7PH">— The Bayern ultras deserve an 11 out of 10 today. The team enjoyed fantastic support from them until the final whistle. Half of Madrid’s fans left the stadium before the final whistle during their game against Ajax. The Bayern ultra’s never stopped singing. Makes you proud to be a Bayern fan.</p>
<p id="DE3L3C"></p>
<p id="u9DwIp">There is always next year. Mia San Mia! </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18264726/bayern-munich-liverpool-champions-league-observations-match-analysis-robert-lewandowski-manuel-neuerMarcusIredahl2019-03-14T00:28:09+01:002019-03-14T00:28:09+01:00Match awards from Bayern’s disappointing 3:1 loss against Liverpool
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<img alt="MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 13: Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels of Bayern Munich look dejected in defeat after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Liverpool at Allianz Arena on March 13, 2019 in Munich, Bavaria." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gCqvB30mm4nrdCblr3zLexHN9O8=/0x0:2782x1855/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63234039/GettyImages-1135612317.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The first half gave us hope of a potential comeback, but after a poor second half, Liverpool eliminated Bayern in the first knock-out round of the Champions League.</p> <p id="xzntay">In an amazing match against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/vfl-wolfsburg">Wolfsburg</a>, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> was bested by <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com">Liverpool</a>. The first half gave us some hope of eventually going through to quarterfinals, but Liverpool dominated the second half and scored two goals. In the end, Bayern fans can be disappointed by the team’s performance. Even though the final score is poor, some performances are still worth mentioning. </p>
<h2 id="jAc8KN"><strong>Jersey Swap: Sadio Mané</strong></h2>
<p id="CHH6dA">He was definitely the best player on the pitch today and was a constant threat to <span>Manuel Neuer’s</span> goal. He scored the opening goal after capitalizing on a big mistake by Neuer. His second goal came late in the game and ended all Bayern’s hopes of a comeback. Virgil van Dijk also put in a strong performance with a goal and an assist. His goal was probably the turning point of the match.</p>
<h2 id="Hl5yyr">
<strong>Tip of the Cap: </strong><span><strong>Serge Gnabry</strong></span>
</h2>
<p id="wRKeit">Although he did not have many chances, Gnabry was relatively good today, earning his place on the match awards with his hard work throughout the game. For the better part of the match, he was the only dangerous Bayern player in the final third. And it was Gnabry who provoked an own goal by Joël Matip after his low cross. To be fair, <span>Robert Lewandowski</span> would probably have smashed it in, but Matip denied him the pleasure of doing so. Gnaby also had another dangerous cross later in the game, but both Lewandowski and <span>James Rodriguez</span> missed the ball by centimeters. A ‘A’ for effort, but we expect more from Gnabry on the biggest stage.</p>
<h2 id="UizroU">
<strong>Golf Clap: </strong><span><strong>Thiago Alcantara</strong></span>
</h2>
<p id="PxyYyu">It was a hard game for the Spaniard, a game that was largely decided by the midfield. Thiago had a solid night, but Bayern needed him to be more creative. Liverpool managed to minimize his movement and that played well for Klopp’s side. Thiago made important interceptions and was essential for the Bavarians in transition. He managed 84% accurate passes and won two out of two tackles and five of ten duels.</p>
<h2 id="QjZK7u">
<strong>Standing Ovation: </strong><span><strong>Javi Martinez</strong></span><strong> </strong>
</h2>
<p id="4ezp4H">Another game, another solid performance by Javi. He was extremely important for Bayern tonight, standing as a bulwark in front of the defense. Javi on 75% of his duels (nine out of twelve) and made two interceptions and three clearances. He has seen his playing time increase in the past months as he has regained the coach’s trust. All in all, a solid performance from the Basque, despite the result.</p>
<h2 id="21Wpxk">
<strong>Meister of the Match: </strong><span><strong>Mats Hummels</strong></span>
</h2>
<p id="Q7NhDK">Like Javi, Mats also continued with his solid performances. It is especially good to see that <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/6/18252580/bayern-munich-germany-national-team-sport1-jogi-low-thomas-muller-mats-hummels-jerome-boateng">Löw’s radical decision</a> to cut him from the national team didn’t affect him much — at least, not his performances. Hummels made key interceptions at critical times. He was usually capable of stopping <span>Mohamed Salah</span> in his runs, at one time dispossessing him in the midfield rather embarrassingly just as Liverpool seemed poised to pounce. </p>
<p id="BtIY7a">Both Hummels and Javi were great until Virgil jumped over them, scoring Liverpool’s second goal on a set piece. After that, not only Mats’s but also Bayern’s performance in general declined. In the 84’ minute, Mané sneaked behind Hummels’ back and scored the final goal. Despite that, Hummels put in a strong performance for Bayern and he deserves a at least a consolatory ‘pat on the back’ in light of the poor performances on the team.</p>
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<p id="HffFzS"></p>
<p id="4JPhoE"></p>
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<p id="hUursn"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/14/18264621/bayern-munich-liverpool-match-awards-champions-league-player-ratings-hummels-martinez-gnabry-thiagoMiranKoFCB2019-03-13T23:04:21+01:002019-03-13T23:04:21+01:00Bayern Munich vs Liverpool 1-3: initial reactions and observations
<figure>
<img alt="(GERMANY OUT) FUSSBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SAISON 2016/2017 GRUPPENPHASE FC Bayern Muenchen - PSV Eindhoven FC Bayern Ultras von der Schickeria in der Suedkurve der Allianz Arena mit dem Banner; Keep Fighting English!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ElMOBzPcE7OjntjDvaIwui_3CZY=/7x0:2379x1581/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63226745/GettyImages-893766746.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>(GERMANY OUT) FUSSBALL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SAISON 2016/2017 GRUPPENPHASE FC Bayern Muenchen - PSV Eindhoven FC Bayern Ultras von der Schickeria in der Suedkurve der Allianz Arena mit dem Banner; Keep Fighting English! | Photo by Pressefoto Ulmer\ullstein bild via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It was a tough game against a very tough team, and Bayern came up short.</p> <p id="wnd9Cb"><strong>Initial reactions and observations:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="l5LLYk">Bayern’s offense could not get it done. The team managed a meager 3 key passes. In other words, only three passes led to shots. The passers? Süle, Javi, and Coman. Nothing came from Ribery or James.</li>
<li id="VRNnm4">Bitterly, in the one moment when Rafinha was truly called upon to defuse a critical situation, Manuel Neuer unadvisedly intervened, rushing Mané in the penalty area but failing to collect the ball. In my view, it was Neuer’s mistake that led to Liverpool’s critical first goal.</li>
<li id="T7Ejal">Virgil van Dijk is a beast. We’ll never know how Liverpool might have played with him at Anfield, but he was spectacular in Munich. He neutralized Javi and Hummels on his goal and was a rock on defense.</li>
<li id="cyRahD">Matip gaveth, and Matip tooketh away. He may have committed an unlucky own-goal off of Gnabry’s cross, but Matip was outstanding otherwise, snuffing out attack after attack and driving Lewandowski to distraction.</li>
<li id="eX7fqP">It was fitting and symbolic that Kovac put Renato Sanches on for James Rodriguez. This is the roster that he was given. James failed to create anything tonight.</li>
<li id="R3LMHa">Bayern missed Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Müller on offense undoubtedly most of all.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8SxOg5">
<p id="xj0Iug"><strong>Full time.</strong> Bayern’s Champions League quest has come to an end.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Gg7S6T">
<p id="cJ42Dy"><strong>90+1 — Yellow card for Robertson: </strong>Funny, I guess. Robertson will be suspended for the first game of the next round.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="TKR0iG">
<p id="iuMzyV"><strong>90’ — </strong>Wow, Sanches! Spins his way around his man, making him fall down and then delivers a great forward pass to Coman. Alas, it all comes to naught.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qBtfJ4">
<p id="opM6Ne"><strong>89’ — </strong>Coman somehow eludes a triple-team, but sends the ball harmlessly across the goal line.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="BzAvts">
<p id="uKGHMe"><strong>87’ — Substitution for Liverpool: </strong>Lallana on for Milner.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="cqLxzU">
<p id="PvfYcs"><strong>85’ — Liverpool score: </strong>Origi picks out Salah open on the left. Salah makes a perfect lobbed pass forward to Mané, who heads it past Neuer into the far corner.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="aXyD7f">
<p id="Tcnyea"><strong>83’ — </strong>Sanches takes a long shot on the ground wide of goal.</p>
<p id="R26W6x"><strong>Substitution for Liverpool: </strong>Origi replaces Firmino.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4aI8gi">
<p id="qmxYkQ"><strong>80’ — </strong>Neuer easily parries a direct shot by Firmino.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Maf0fT">
<p id="LEhLGA"><strong>79’ — Substitution for Bayern: </strong>Renato Sanches replaces James. James is visibly irritated as Kovac meets him on the sideline.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5MctdZ">
<p id="NtbjGm"><strong>75’ — </strong>Neuer makes a last-man clearance. Salah takes a shot wide as Mané closes in. Neuer manages to kick it away at the last second. Salah deserves a lot of credit for staying on his feet and not taking an easy penalty on a desperate tackle by Rafinha.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="JB6QUt">
<p id="1nkGZ4"><strong>72’ — Substitution for Bayern: </strong>Leon Goretzka replaces Javi Martinez. Coman swiftly wins a corner, but Bayern cannot capitalize.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ZfdYgj">
<p id="bfLhrQ"><strong>71’ — </strong>And two more corners. Bayern is struggling to get back into the game.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="imvVil">
<p id="UHxl0g"><strong>69’ — Goal for Liverpool! </strong>Alexander-Arnold sends the corner into the center of the scrum. Van Dijk launches skyward over Javi and Hummels and heads the ball into the left corner.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lxvWwG">
<p id="hbYkZ5"><strong>67’ — </strong>Milner wins a corner off Süle. Neuer swats a good ball to Matip at the far post back out of bounds. Rinse and repeat.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="b01xiJ">
<p id="8aIysy"><strong>65’ — Yellow card for Thiago: </strong>Thiago wipes out Wijnaldum from behind. Javi then steps on him for good measure, but escapes the notice of the referee...</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="P8dOrd">
<p id="rrXv7U"><strong>63’ — </strong>Lewy finally gets his personal pest in trouble: Matip receives a yellow card for fouling Lewy from behind. Javi Martinez connects with the freek kick, but sends it over the goal — and is offside.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="5rLeIj">
<p id="GYAe9F"><strong>61’ — </strong>Another brutal missed chance: Ribery finds Gnabry open out left. Gnabry sends a perfect cross to Lewandowski across the face of goal, but Lewy is a hair late, and the ball keeps rolling.</p>
<p id="uHksPE"><strong>Substitution for Bayern: </strong>Kingsley Coman is on for Ribery!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sdiv2v">
<p id="ABctEt"><strong>60’ — </strong>A Bayern breakaway is snuffed out when Thiago plays the ball into the ref’s legs. Fortunately, Liverpool promptly loses it.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zIIBIc">
<p id="X1b5XN"><strong>57’ — </strong>Bayern just can’t get the ball out. The ref finally awards them a free kick on a foul. Lewandowski makes a run, but Liverpool’s Matip is there first.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KleZuZ">
<p id="utNIXq"><strong>55’ — </strong>Bayern remain on the defensive. They haven’t seen much of the ball for several minutes, although they’ve managed to keep Liverpool at bay.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="kRHSNh">
<p id="A85BRE"><strong>50’ — </strong>Liverpool break, as Salah collects the ball out wide on the left. Salah goes for goal, although Milner is wide open on the left. Neuer punches the ball off to the side.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NCVSsr">
<p id="v9mRHx"><strong>48’ — </strong>Yikes: Thiago goes down, but it seems as if he was only bumped by an elbow.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dZ79qq">
<p id="wwu1Lz"><strong>46’ — Yellow card for Liverpool: </strong>Mané sees the yellow card for catching Thiago on the foot.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="cVhueX">
<p id="GnJmym"><strong>Kickoff of the 2nd half! </strong>And we’re back! The ball rolls yet again. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="iDQosH">
<p id="sgUoBF"><strong>Halftime — </strong></p>
<p id="jGLz5x">Here are some observations on the match to tide you over:</p>
<ul>
<li id="N8M70j">Bayern’s defense has been solid, allowing Liverpool just three shots. Hummels, Süle, and Javi have been outstanding. But one of two on target went in after a very costly error by Manuel Neuer.</li>
<li id="z6w4cB">Serge Gnabry may have produced the own-goal, but he has seen the ball relatively seldom. Most of Bayern’s offense has run through Ribery, but the Frenchman seems just incapable of breaking through Liverpool’s defense.</li>
<li id="8bS6U1">Robert Lewandowski has, perhaps unsurprisingly, been starved of touches (14 at halftime). He has a single shot. His teammates need to get the ball to him.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UwVNIH">
<p id="AfysBx"><strong>45’ — </strong>So tantalizing. Robert Lewandowski breaks away with the ball and manages to get past Alisson, but the ball rolls out of bounds and the line ref (rather late) calls offside anyway.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="AbWtTw">
<p id="DuqoDi"><strong>44’ —</strong> Alaba’s free kick is right on target from impressive range, but Alisson is ready.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="AXgNN5">
<p id="9ik9Nx"><strong>43’ — Yellow card for Liverpool: </strong>Fabinho brings James down on a tackle from behind. The ref lets the play continue briefly, but when Lewandowski is called offside, the free kick and yellow card are awarded. Alaba lines up to take the shot.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NpyF8c">
<p id="lHJKuz"><strong>40’ — GOAL for Bayern! </strong>JAAAAA! Gnabry runs behind the defense to collect a long ball. He crosses it inside and Liverpool’s own Matip puts it in his own net before it can reach Lewandowski!</p>
<div id="V2TNw9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OWN GOAL! Bayern are level on the night as Matip sends it into his own net, but Liverpool still lead on the away goal. <br><br>( via <a href="https://twitter.com/brlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brlive</a>) <a href="https://t.co/OgsUeeQoLC">pic.twitter.com/OgsUeeQoLC</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1105933187698450432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Gidnj3">
<p id="A2tiKX"><strong>36’ — </strong>Bayern sniff a chance, as Gnabry connects with a cross, but Alisson is ready.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lhVElb">
<p id="86ijbo"><strong>35’ — </strong>Mané and Robertson orchestrate a perfect one-two, as Robertson splits Rafinha and Süle. Neuer comes up big with the save at the near post.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Wz0Sp8">
<p id="2Xnmg1"><strong>33’ — </strong>Javi Martinez finds himself one on one with Mo Salah. He’s manages to keep Salah outside long enough for James to clear the ball out of bounds with a really nice tackle.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HUjnBS">
<p id="2wg03N"><strong>29’ —</strong> Lewandowski sends an easy shot in for Alisson to collect. Liverpool respond with an attack of their own.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WrUexq">
<p id="VTgl6u"><strong>26’ — GOAL for Liverpool: </strong>A long ball out of the back falls to the feet of Sadio Mané. Rafinha is caught outside on his left, while Neuer is well of his line in the middle of the penalty area. Neuer closes in to stop him, but misses, and Mané lobs the ball into the empty net. Bayern need at least two goals now.</p>
<div id="ZssJQT">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a finish by Sadio Mané <br><br>He scores the first goal of the tie and hands Liverpool a crucial away goal. <br><br>( via <a href="https://twitter.com/brlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brlive</a>)<a href="https://t.co/Cwu3GUPizB">pic.twitter.com/Cwu3GUPizB</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1105929647936561153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="izjz6s">
<p id="jurFn4"><strong>25’ — </strong>A close call for Bayern: Salah surprises Bayern with a forward lob into the path of Firmino. Firmino strikes, but the ball flies wide of the right post.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="ew6wkD">
<p id="HQ7SON"><strong>23’ — </strong>Mané on the left wing sends a low pass into the box, but Firmino doesn’t make a move for it. Neuer calmly picks it up.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="APMUG6">
<p id="9Kr3zA"><strong>21’ — </strong>Neither side has been especially threatening yet. Both are patiently attempting to build up through the midfield without taking too many risks.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="MFpfmj">
<p id="NX5DZ0"><strong>17’ — </strong>Ribery called offside — probably wrongly — spoiling a really nice long ball right to him.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KcNYYB">
<p id="VLYaxg"><strong>16’ — </strong>Now Bayern are circulating the ball. It looks as if Mané and Salah have returned to their usual positions on the left and right respectively.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="DSTNUt">
<p id="hUBhcs"><strong>13’ — Substitution for Liverpool: </strong>Henderson is replaced by Fabinho. So much for Klopp’s surprise move.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="wi751n">
<p id="LcmzhC"><strong>12’ — </strong>Now Henderson is down again. He’ll probably be subbed off. Meanwhile the Bayern players are giving the ref a piece of their mind about that non-call.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dHrVyH">
<p id="vUqW5L"><strong>10’ — </strong>Potentially a big call: Robert Lewandowski is picked out with a long ball by Javi. The ball lands at his feet, but Lewandowski goes to the ground while tangling with Van Dijk. No penalty called.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="143015">
<p id="HSJeVw"><strong>8’ — </strong>Bayern make the first attack: Liverpool retreats into their half while Henderson is being treated on the sideline. Gnabry makes a run into the box, but Liverpool clears. Thiago catches the rebound and takes a long shot over the bar.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HzmOQ7">
<p id="UUmK17"><strong>6’ —</strong>Potentially bad news for Liverpool. The captain Henderson has gone down with an ankle injury after an innocuous looking collision with James. Klopp has Fabinho warming up now.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="aKcYiR">
<p id="S1mTE6"><strong>2’ — </strong>Liverpool is pressing high, so far with Mané on the right and Salah on the left, contrary to expectations. Süle has so far kept a close watch on Salah.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="LAZlPP">
<p id="hpcCJK"><strong>Kickoff! </strong>The ball is rolling. Liverpool start in possession!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1tbmBi">
<p id="XBoDDs"><strong>One hour to kickoff: Official lineup! </strong></p>
<p id="uQgQq3">Here it is! The starting lineup:</p>
<div id="CYOvbI">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">STARTING XI and SUBS vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/LFCUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFCUSA</a>‼ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBLFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBLFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/v0F0yYqVcL">pic.twitter.com/v0F0yYqVcL</a></p>— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernUS/status/1105905101535920129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="wsWrRd">
<p id="UqraNF">Liverpool has released their official starting lineup. Interestingly, Klopp has opted not to start Fabinho, as many had anticipated:</p>
<div id="HPqj4i">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> TEAM NEWS TIME <br><br>Tonight's line-up to face <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/GSvouieTfY">https://t.co/GSvouieTfY</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1105902633699737606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="mUolie">
<p id="9dsqwp"><em>Bild </em>has learned Kovac’s starting lineup a little before the official announcement. According to them, Franck Ribery will start at left wing today, putting Coman on the bench. At center-back, Mats Hummels will be joined by Niklas Süle. Rafinha will play at right-back as expected, since David Alaba is fully fit. </p>
<div id="cEzTGZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Nach <a href="https://twitter.com/BILD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BILD</a>-Informationen tauscht <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kovac?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kovac</a> zweimal im Vergleich zum Hinspiel in Liverpool: <a href="https://twitter.com/FranckRibery?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranckRibery</a> spielt für Kingsley <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coman?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coman</a> und auch <a href="https://twitter.com/David_Alaba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@David_Alaba</a> gab am frühen Abend Grünes Licht, so dass <a href="https://twitter.com/R13_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@R13_official</a> rechts den gelb-gesperrten <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaKimmich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoshuaKimmich</a> ersetzt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBLFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBLFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayern</a></p>— BILD FC Bayern (@BILD_Bayern) <a href="https://twitter.com/BILD_Bayern/status/1105898477391937540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
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</div>
<p id="ZTVc8d">The midfield will consist of Javi Martinez at CDM, with Thiago Alcantara joining him in a flexible double-pivot. James Rodriguez plays at the 10. The rest of the lineup: Robert Lewandowski at striker, Serge Gnabry at right wing, and of course Manuel Neuer in goal.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8QYOF3">
<p id="l61WnR">It’s time for the game that will define this round of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> — <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> vs <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> at the Allianz Arena. Since the first leg of the tie ended 0-0, both teams still have everything to play for. </p>
<p id="VV34Hp">Niko Kovac is burdened with the absence of two key players — <span>Thomas Müller</span> and <span>Joshua Kimmich</span>— to suspension. Kimmich will presumably be replaced by Rafinha, a more than capable backup, but he will have to be at his best to keep <span>Sadio Mané</span> and Andy Robertson at bay. </p>
<p id="2Nrasq">In attack, since Müller is absent, <span>Robert Lewandowski</span> will have his work cut out for him breaking down the pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. He will be supported by a winger duo of <span>Serge Gnabry</span> and one of <span>Franck Ribery</span> or Kingsley Coman, but, as we saw in the first leg, it’s very difficult for a striker when he doesn’t get any touches on the ball. </p>
<p id="Q6Qivc"><span>James Rodriguez</span> may end up key to the tie. The Colombian had a terrible game at Anfield, but he’s shown a resurgence in form since. His skill and technicality could help Bayern beat Liverpool’s press, and he may have an easier time now that Liverpool’s Naby Keita is out injured. Of course, Kovac has the option of using <span>Leon Goretzka</span> instead of James, for added speed and physicality.</p>
<p id="JsQ3aq">As you can see, the tie promises to be a great tactical battle and a feast for the eyes. These are the games that the Champions League was meant for. Time for Niko Kovac and his men to show the world what they are made of. </p>
<p id="v0ITm2">It’s Bayern time. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="NaoiFW">
<aside id="oOoWR3"><div data-anthem-component="actionbox" data-anthem-component-data='{"title":"<strong>Want to know more about the game?</strong>","description":"We at BFW have been analyzing this fixture for some time now. Click on the button to get the full lowdown on Liverpool vs Bayern Munich, including team news, a preview, analyses, and more! We’ve worked really hard on this stuff, so if it’s your first time on this site, check it out!","label":"SEE MORE","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/8/18255738/bayern-munich-vs-liverpool-champions-league-updates-mohamed-salah-james-rodriguez-virgil-van-dijk"}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="nOkcgW">
<h2 id="BUSQOU">Match Info</h2>
<p id="B7Fpb3"><strong>Location:</strong> Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany</p>
<p id="LsNbM2"><strong>Time: </strong>9 pm local time, 3 pm EST</p>
<p id="G7w9Id"><strong>TV/streaming: </strong><a href="https://fave.co/2Oq9EcD" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Fubo.tv</strong></a>, <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/teams/germany/bayern-munchen/"><strong>Find Your Country</strong></a></p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/13/18262089/bayern-munich-vs-liverpool-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-champions-league-updates-highlightsIneednonameJohn Dillon