Bavarian Football Works - Chelsea vs Bayern Munich: Champions League Round of 16 first leg full coverageManufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2020-02-28T03:57:05+01:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/209137562020-02-28T03:57:05+01:002020-02-28T03:57:05+01:00Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: Bon Jovi says he saw Bayern sipping whiskey *before* smashing Chelsea
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<figcaption>Lol. | MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Legendary rock star Jon Bon Jovi claims he spotted Bayern players sipping whiskey at the hotel bar before their Champions League clash with Chelsea!</p> <p id="YN9T4D">Most would call <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s 3-0 win over <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> in London impressive. However, if one rock star is to be believed, this win is even more impressive. In an interview with <a href="https://talksport.com/football/674864/bayern-munich-chelsea-whiskey-beer-jon-bon-jovi/">TalkSPORT</a>, Jon Bon Jovi claims that he saw several Bayern players drinking in a hotel bar the night <em>before</em> the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> clash. He said,</p>
<blockquote><p id="SjA5FA">I was minding my own business in the bar and the team were in there the night before last and how they, on the power of whisky and beer, overpowered Chelsea last night doesn’t say much for Chelsea’s drinking habits. The Bayern guys were certainly sipping whisky and having a good old time and then they went and shellacked Chelsea. I’m going to get everybody in trouble.</p></blockquote>
<p id="vuHEHJ">While Bon Jovi thought that drinking <em>One Wild Night</em> before a game would be <em>Bad Medicine</em>, Bayern said<em> It’s My Life</em> and proved him wrong. With a brace from <span>Serge Gnabry</span> and a third from <span>Robert Lewandowski</span>, we have a <em>Runaway</em> on our hands in this knockout round. After scoring six goals in two games in London this campaign, Gnabry is <em>Wanted Dead or Alive</em> in <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england">England</a> these days. Overconfident Chelsea fans will say, “Wow, we’re (only) halfway there”, but they are <em>Livin’ on a Prayer</em>. <em>Keep the Faith</em>, Chelsea fans! </p>
<p id="o8bbqT">We want to hear from you, BFW readers. Who do you think was definitely there drinking whiskey that night? </p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/28/21157046/bon-jovi-bayern-munich-drinking-whiskey-beer-champions-league-chelsea-fc-londonLKChuggz2020-02-26T21:07:43+01:002020-02-26T21:07:43+01:00Report: Bayern Munich to offer Alphonso Davies lucrative new contract in wake of huge win over Chelsea (Updated)
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<p>The Canadian youngster blitzed the Blues off the pitch. He’s earned this. </p> <p id="rrHjt0">Following <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s big win over <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, one of the club’s key performers is set for a tidy raise. <span>Alphonso Davies</span>, who came to Munich from MLS team <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> last winter, still has a plenty of time remaining on his current contract. However, according to Florian Plettenberg of <em>Sport1</em>, the Bavarians want to tie him down to a brand new contract with a higher salary, which would keep him at the club until 2025.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> To my information <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> wants to renew the contract of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davies</a>. Plan: A new contract until 2025. Talks have already taken place. <a href="https://twitter.com/SPORT1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPORT1</a></p>— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Plettigoal/status/1232639502373588994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a>
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<p id="rCvsNM">Given his age and the fact that he came directly from MLS, Davies is underpaid compared to his contemporaries at the club. The Canadian has cemented himself as the starting left-back at Bayern, with his incredible pace allowing him to mop up fast counterattacks that used to be Bayern’s kryptonite. Despite plenty of competition from both <span>David Alaba</span> and Lucas Hernandez, he looks set to continue in the role. </p>
<p id="xoqzaF">Against Chelsea, Davies absolutely dominated the highly-rated Reece James on the flank, often making it look effortless. Even on the few occasions that a Chelsea player slipped behind him, Phonzie just chased them down with his incredible speed and dispossessed them before anything could happen. He’s matured a lot since he first arrived in Munich, and it shows. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bayern Munich fans showing their love to Alphonso Davies at full-time <br><br>( : <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZN_CA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DAZN_CA</a>)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBAY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBAY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/uWsQulBLfu">pic.twitter.com/uWsQulBLfu</a></p>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1232427206875500545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a>
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<p id="8IqDTU">In terms of maturity, physicality, and sheer talent, Davies is perhaps one of the top players young players in Europe at the moment — it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to put him right up there with the likes of Jadon Sancho. Given how well he’s performed so far, it’s a good sign that the bosses are moving quickly to tie him down to a new contract. Now that he’s shown his talent on the world stage, it won’t be long before clubs across Europe start knocking at his door.</p>
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<h2 id="14jr24">Update</h2>
<p id="BGp11J"><em>Sport Bild</em> confirms the report that Davies will be offered a new contract that will give him a decent raise. </p>
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<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Mit dem Davies-Management fanden in London erste Gespräche über einen neuen Vertrag statt. Das Gehalt des Schnäppchens soll angepasst, die Leistungen honoriert werden - vernünftig! Schließlich beobachtet auch die Konkurrenz den Weg von Davies. Gleich mehr bei <a href="https://twitter.com/SPORTBILD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPORTBILD</a>-online</p>— Tobias Altschäffl (@altobelli13) <a href="https://twitter.com/altobelli13/status/1232650177372151808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a>
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<blockquote><p id="pb5lKp">Initial talks about a new contract with Davies’ management took place in London. The salary of the steal will be adjusted, his performances rewarded - smart! The competition, after all, is also monitoring Davies’ progress.</p></blockquote>
<p id="B0IxwN">So, teams have taken notice of Davies, have they? Well too bad, he’s ours. We won’t give him up. </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/26/21154131/bayern-munich-report-alphonso-davies-new-contract-chelsea-champions-league-winIneednoname2020-02-26T15:30:15+01:002020-02-26T15:30:15+01:00Match reactions to Bayern Munich’s Round of Sixteen victory over Chelsea
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<p>Hansi Flick, Thomas Müller, and Alphonso Davies were in high spirits after Bayern’s dominant performance in London.</p> <p id="ejP5FL"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/?_ga=2.242039362.1316502231.1582660188-1587989576.1582388644"></a><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/"><strong>Bayern Munich</strong></a> had an incredible night at the Stamford Bridge as Hansi Flick’s boys were able to secure an away-victory against <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/?_ga=2.207958610.1316502231.1582660188-1587989576.1582388644"><strong>Chelsea</strong></a> in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league"><strong>Champions League</strong></a> pre-quarters. In an eventful second half, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/players/221679/serge-gnabry?_ga=2.139925107.1316502231.1582660188-1587989576.1582388644"><strong>Serge Gnabry</strong></a> scored a brace and <span><strong>Robert Lewandowski</strong></span> added another to make the scoreline 0-3, leaving the hosts in utter despair.</p>
<p id="F8owAI">While reacting to the victory, which also gave Bayern the advantage of 3 away-goals in hand, the coach and the players shared their thoughts on the match and individual performances.</p>
<p id="hWSJ5u">It was indeed a very special night for Hansi Flick. The victory strengthened the chances of an offer for a permanent deal at the club, to which <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/26/21153733/bayern-munich-chelsea-karl-heinz-rummenigge-hansi-flick-birthday-pen-permanent-contract-extension">CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge alluded with a very special birthday present</a>. Flick did not forget to mention the brilliance of Serge Gnabry, which made the bigger difference in the scoreline, during the post-match interview. He said (<a href="https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2020/02/reaction-from-the-champions-league-match-at-chelsea">FCBayern.com</a>),</p>
<blockquote><p id="2Db2AU">Today it was a very focused team performance for the whole 90 minutes. We put pressure on our opponents from the beginning and dominated the game. In the first half we could have capitalised on one or two chances. In the second half we were able to do so. We are very, very happy. I’ve known Serge Gnabry for a very long time. He has developed so well. Serge is very good in one-on-one situations and in front of goal. We’re very happy to have him.</p></blockquote>
<p id="5ks7rQ"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/players/110278/thomas-muller?_ga=2.207958610.1316502231.1582660188-1587989576.1582388644"><strong>Thomas Müller</strong></a> had a few very good chances in the first half which, unfortunately, did not end up in goal. Der Raumdeuter did not have very pleasant memories associated with the Blues before last night. He said that he is happy that the team’s hard work had paid off:</p>
<blockquote><p id="PZAgV1">That special extra something is in knockout matches. We had a maximum of one or two nervous moments at the back. In the first half we should have rewarded ourselves with a goal. That last piece of the puzzle was just missing. The adrenaline from the game is still in me. All in all it’s an absolutely deserved 3-0 win. We ran from the beginning until the 92nd minute, the team performance was really good. We had prepared a lot and came here with a lot of confidence.</p></blockquote>
<p id="3RBUzD">Before joining Bayern, Gnabry spent four years in London with <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> but could not deliver the best of his performances there. Now, however, the 24-year-old is ruling London in Bayern colors. Müller quipped how grateful he is for Gnabry failing to have a good career in the Premier League (via <a href="https://www.kicker.de/770683/artikel/mueller_man_muss_wieder_mit_uns_rechnen_"><em><strong>kicker</strong></em></a>),</p>
<blockquote><p id="W1Rqri">I’m glad that he’s doing that just now and not five years ago. Otherwise he perhaps wouldn’t be with us at all!</p></blockquote>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Serge Gnabry is the first player in Champions League history to score each of his first six goals in the competition all against sides from the same nation (4 v Tottenham, 2 v Chelsea) [Opta] <a href="https://t.co/zVGJqVYYH5">pic.twitter.com/zVGJqVYYH5</a></p>— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1232449005977628672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a>
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<p id="MVxWZY">Another commendable performance came from <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/players/277474/alphonso-davies?_ga=2.242039362.1316502231.1582660188-1587989576.1582388644"><strong>Alphonso Davies</strong></a> — the Canadian prodigy who stole Bavarian hearts within a very short time. Just like everyone else who watched him play, Müller is very much impressed by the 19 year old. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p id="dg4ebU">He’s blessed with a body and sprinting — we have not quite had that before at Bayern. What’s even more impressive is that he has learned so much more in terms of tactics in the past year. He probably came seeing himself as a left winger, but now he has delivered world-class performances at left-back.</p></blockquote>
<p id="gm1N0I">Bayern fans are ecstatic after the victory and Chelsea fans do not want to be reminded of the game. But there is one thing we are not sure of: what might Alphonso Davies’ father have felt after the match? Davies said,</p>
<blockquote><p id="NnHpP2">This was a dream come true to play in this stadium, as my dad supported this team growing up. I think we played well overall; we were defensively sound. We attacked well in first half and stepped it up in the second half.</p></blockquote>
<p id="TuTdu2">It is a horrible feeling to have your team get beaten in front of the home crowd. Frank Lampard looks into what went wrong with his men and shares his respect for the Bavarians:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ENpWLd">In the first half we had problems in some situations, but we defended well and were lucky to stay in the game. We simply have to show more in the 90 minutes than we did today. Bayern have a very experienced team with players like Lewandowski, Müller, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/players/110254/manuel-neuer?_ga=2.242039362.1316502231.1582660188-1587989576.1582388644"><strong>Neuer</strong></a> or <span><strong>Alaba</strong></span>, we’re full of respect for them.</p></blockquote>
<p id="1AxxX9">With Bayern thrashing Chelsea at home, all the Bundesliga teams that have played in the knockout rounds in Europe have managed to secure a win. Here we go!</p>
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<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Bundesliga teams have won EVERY knockout game so far!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a><br>Borussia Dortmund 2-1 PSG<br>Tottenham 0-1 RB Leipzig <br>Chelsea 0-3 Bayern Munich<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a><br>Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Porto<br>Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 RB Salzburg<br>Wolfsburg 2-1 Malmo<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/wTieALLwXN">pic.twitter.com/wTieALLwXN</a></p>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1232435100861652993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/26/21153993/bayern-munich-chelsea-reactions-champions-league-hansi-flick-thomas-muller-gnabry-alphonso-daviesGopika CPB2020-02-26T00:32:26+01:002020-02-26T00:32:26+01:00Four observations from Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory against Chelsea FC
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<p>Playing Chelsea only for the second time since the 2012 final, Bayern secured a victory that gives them the optimal chance of advancing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. </p> <p id="hAt2Kc">After Bayern Munich dominated <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> for the first 30 minutes of the game, Chelsea came back into the game in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Bayern played well but went into the halftime break frustrated not to have scored a crucial away-goal. Clues that Bayern was the better team were present — but so was the ghost of 2012.</p>
<p id="rqiYeq">A clinical and overall fantastic second half by Die Roten followed. Bayern now has a foot and a half in the quarter-finals of the 2019/20 edition of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>. Here are BFW’s observations on yet another triumph in London:</p>
<h2 id="Bva5yk">A game won in the midfield</h2>
<p id="qN0tPQ">Chelsea was very much in the game until the first goal. After Gnabry’s opener, a very clinical Bayern exposed the gap in class between them. This was in large part due to a fantastic performance by <em>Die Roten</em> in the middle of the park. Winning most 50-50 battles, retaining possession, and transitioning with devastating speed from midfield to attack were key in today’s victory.</p>
<p id="bsxGF2">Flick decided not to change his tactical set-up at halftime. Bayern played offensively throughout the game with their standard high-press and offensive full-backs. Bayern dominated possession and, thanks to the brilliance of Thiago and <span>Joshua Kimmich</span>, played through Chelsea’s press with ease. Further up the pitch, both <span>Thomas Müller</span> and <span>Robert Lewandowski</span> were fantastic, as they roamed between the Chelsea back-three providing build-up play for Bayern’s wingers.</p>
<p id="nr69SR">Muller’s constant running provided the crucial link between the offense and midfield. Chelsea’s midfield, who missed N’Golo Kante severely tonight, was thus out-manned the whole night. While Ross Barkley played higher up the pitch, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic were often left alone to fight a losing battle between Thiago, Kimmich, and the ever-running Thomas Muller.</p>
<h2 id="SgwC0a">Interim only for tonight</h2>
<p id="59d3Nk">It is hard to imagine that this is the same side that a bit more than three months ago suffered their biggest defeat of the 21st century against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/eintracht-frankfurt">Eintracht Frankfurt</a>. In a loss that was spurred by <span>Jerome Boateng</span>’s 9th-minute sending off, Niko Kovac left as Bayern’s head-coach a few days later. His assistant coach Hansi Flick took over.</p>
<p id="Fn2uv3">Flick took over a team that was low on confidence and, by the end of 2019, so injury-ridden that they struggled to fill the bench with more than one professional player. Despite the limited squad and the complications that come along with it, Flick quickly implemented his own playing philosophy. It is hard not to overstate the overwhelmingly positive effect he has had on <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>, transforming it from a team in crisis to one of the leading Champions League favorites. Let’s hope Bayern Munich announces Hans-Dieter Flick’s contract extension the next thing in the morning.</p>
<h2 id="PSYeWQ">Rejuvenated individual performances</h2>
<p id="edkISo">What is so impressive is how Flick has managed to get the most out of certain individuals. Thomas Müller was benched by Kovac and is now back arguably playing in the form of his life. The Bayern-faithful was fantastic today as he was Bayern’s most creative player throughout the first half and large parts of the second.</p>
<p id="DX6tZR">Also, Jerome Boateng’s comeback from being frozen out by the club for two summers in a row is incredibly impressive. One would think that the constant summer transfers regarding the recently-dropped German international would affect his professionalism, yet this season Boateng has proved that he is still a solid center-back who can provide consistent performances at the highest level.</p>
<p id="AdKi1I">Tonight, Boateng won the battle against Oliver Giroud and later against Tammy Abraham who both failed to provide Frank Lampard’s Chelsea any type of build-up play. Boateng might not be the player he once was, but he is still a world-class option to have.</p>
<h2 id="HNtikH">The ultimate silver-lining?</h2>
<p id="daNVQV">Niko Kovac already tested <span>David Alaba</span> as a center-back and <span>Alphonso Davies</span> as a left-back, yet I struggle to remember the last time I’ve seen this clear of a silver-lining to an injury crisis.</p>
<p id="ez67St">The last time I can remember a domestic injury working to Bayern’s advantage was when <span>Toni Kroos</span> was injured in the 2013 Champions League quarter-final against <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a>, forcing the much more energetic Thomas Müller to play between <span>Franck Ribery</span> and Arjen Robben. Much keener to track back defensively, Muller’s performances in the attacking-midfield were crucial in Bayern’s legendary 7-0 thrashing of FC <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a>.</p>
<p id="zFabfY">Even that, however, was hardly as surprising as David Alaba and Alphonso Davies surpassing Bayern supporters expectations, and doing so in unfamiliar positions. Although neither player was completely new to his respective position, they were more or less forced to play there due to the injuries. It is incredible that Flick (and the club) now must decide whether they should ever return to the positions they started off this season.</p>
<p id="sCZwID">Words on how good Alphonso Davies is and can be might feel overstated at this point. The 19-year-old with four lungs is so incredibly fast that he can allow himself to be defensively naïve in his positioning at times. There were many situations tonight in which Davies gave the Chelsea wingers meters of unnecessary space to exploit, only to catch up with them in a matter of seconds.</p>
<p id="KLWr8s">Offensively, Davies has been a revelation, and his gazelle-like sprints split Chelsea’s defense open in the second half.</p>
<p id="1DqR1F">For the second time this season, London is Red.</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/26/21153507/bayern-munich-chelsea-champions-league-observations-muller-lewandowski-flick-gnabry-kante-boatengMarcusIredahl2020-02-26T00:04:03+01:002020-02-26T00:04:03+01:00Match awards from Bayern’s amazing 3:0 win over Chelsea FC!
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<p>The Champions League has begun for Bayern with a bang! They managed to score three goals and keep a clean sheet in London. See who won the match awards</p> <p id="8WZOiL">Tonight <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> played a very impressive match against <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> at Stamford Bridge. In the first knock-out tie, they won 3:0 against a very well organized team. In a match like this, it is hard to pick awards for players, since a good portion of them stood out with some amazing performances. But without further ado, here are the match awards! </p>
<h2 id="xlJ2H0"><strong>Jersey Swap: Mateo Kovačić</strong></h2>
<p id="kij6Dy">It was a very good match for the Croatian midfielder. He made a few excellent passes and was a constant threat to Bayern’s defense, but he also was very good to stop a good amount of attacks. Luckily for Bayern, he was one of the only players that made an impact for Chelsea, as they were smashed by the Bavarians. </p>
<h2 id="bvvHzU">
<strong>Tip of the Cap: </strong><span><strong>Alphonso Davies</strong></span>
</h2>
<p id="Y74daZ">The youngster’s performances are just mind-blowing. At the age of 19, Davies keeps impressing even on the highest stage. The pressure of playing in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, especially the knock-out phase, is very, very high. The left-back dealt with it with ease. His defending was well-timed, but he impressed more with his attacking. He found himself a couple of times dribbling past Chelsea’s midfielders and in just a couple of seconds was in the opponent’s box. With one amazing solo run, he managed to pass the ball to <span>Robert Lewandowski</span>, who put the ball in the back of the net. It’s interesting that he was the best dribbler of Bayern tonight, with six out of seven successful dribbles.</p>
<p id="wcXb1n">On another day, the Canadian would have probably been ranked higher on the match awards list, but tonight he was slightly outdone by some of his colleagues.</p>
<h2 id="58dv1H">
<strong>Golf Clap: </strong><span><strong>Thiago Alcantara</strong></span>
</h2>
<p id="qSWqwT">His performance was of great importance for Bayern. The Spaniard played a key role in Bayern’s midfield. He was constantly on the move and contributed both defensively and offensively. It is amazing how Thiago manages to win duels and headers and intercepts balls the entire time he is on the pitch. Chelsea was dangerous on a couple of occasions in the first half, but Thiago was there to put an end to the attacks or to help out his teammates in the defense.</p>
<p id="k9PG6k">He finished the match with four out of five successful tackles, 92% pass accuracy and almost scored a goal, but Marcos Alonso defended the shot with his hand. All in all, a mesmerizing performance by Thiago! </p>
<h2 id="ZMbHNv">
<strong>Standing Ovation: </strong><span><strong>Serge Gnabry</strong></span>
</h2>
<p id="DqiV9r">Serge Gnabry just loves scoring in London. All his Champions League goals were scored right in London. It is good to see our winger getting back in his goal-scoring form. He had a good match today and was a serious contestant for the “MOTM” award. He scored two goals and was assisted by Lewandowski on both occasions. He almost scored a hat-trick, but his volley shot went too high. He was also very close to an assist when his perfect cross found <span>Thomas Muller</span>, but Muller’s header hit the bar. Gnabry was very energetic and tormented James and Azpilicueta until he came off.</p>
<h2 id="C23s88"><strong>Meister of the Match: Robert Lewandowski</strong></h2>
<p id="ZtQHih">You can say it was a slow burn for Lewandowski tonight. He was almost completely closed off in the first half. He had a few good chances, but Caballero got the job done. In the second half, Robert started using the space to his advantage. His runs were well-timed and it is remarkable how he used Chelsea’s back-foot defense at times to create goal-scoring chances. It is also very impressive how he put the team first and tried to provide good passes rather than score alone. He was rewarded with two assists. Robert Lewandowski also scored the last goal for Bayern after Davies crossed him the ball. The Pole was involved in every goal tonight and rightfully deserved the title of the Meister of the Match, although it was a very close call.</p>
<ul><li id="UqGssp">
<strong>Honorable mentions:</strong> <span>David Alaba</span> and <span>Jerome Boateng</span> should give themselves a pat on the back for a solid performance tonight. They managed to help Neuer keep his clean sheet. What was specifically interesting in how Alaba played tonight — he didn’t use his speed or physical abilities, but he rather anticipated where the ball would land and cleared it out. <span>Manuel Neuer</span> also showed why he is one of the best keepers of today! </li></ul>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/26/21153407/bayern-munich-chelsea-champions-league-match-awards-player-ratings-robert-lewandowski-gnabry-thiagoMiranKoFCB2020-02-25T23:35:08+01:002020-02-25T23:35:08+01:00Coman injured in Champions League clash with Chelsea (Updated)
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<img alt="Chelsea FC v FC Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FMrc985Ql5KLUR0Rspg1_milCU0=/0x0:5229x3486/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66373719/1208651779.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>According to Hasan Salihamidzic, it is “nothing serious” and Coman should be back in action soon.</p> <p id="ki9nis">Kingsley Coman has been subbed off in the 66th minute of <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> match with <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> FC with an apparent hamstring injury. The 23-year-old winger was chasing a ball down towards the goal line when he pulled up lame and signaled the medical staff. There is no indication yet as to how serious this latest knock is, but we will keep you updated.</p>
<p id="YfKYl5">Unfortunately, this is but the latest in a long line of injuries for the French Speedster who has been brilliant when on the field, but not on it nearly enough. </p>
<div id="0rpghz">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kingsley Coman - wonderful player, terrible injury history. Add hamstring to this now under 19/20.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHEBAY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHEBAY</a> <a href="https://t.co/LpyTnO58Nc">pic.twitter.com/LpyTnO58Nc</a></p>— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/1232416696469794817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a>
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<p id="tamTFc">As the potential acquisition of a certain other winger who shall not be named is looming, one has to wonder whether this latest injury knock might influence the Bayern board to move on from Coman this summer. Coman is still only 23 and under contract until 2023. This is only the latest setback in the young winger’s career.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CzutDB">
<h2 id="z7jIPU">Update: “nothing serious”</h2>
<p id="NuwkdQ">Speaking to the press after the match, Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic said that Coman’s injury was “nothing serious” and that he would be back in action soon.</p>
<div id="aJ9Vxa">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Coman hat laut Hasan Salihamidzic „nicht Schlimmes“, dauert angeblich „nicht lang“ bis er wieder ran kann <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fcbayern?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fcbayern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SPORTBILD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPORTBILD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BILD_Sport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BILD_Sport</a></p>— Tobias Altschäffl (@altobelli13) <a href="https://twitter.com/altobelli13/status/1232431730067271681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a>
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<blockquote><p id="czWy1s">According to Hasan Salihamidzic, Coman doesn’t have “anything serious,” it supposedly “won’t be long” before he can play again.</p></blockquote>
<p id="keQ330"><em>Sport1’s </em>Florian Plettenberg reports the following: </p>
<div id="rvPCdx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">K. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coman?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coman</a> hat eine Zerrung. Fällt mindestens 5 Tage aus. Hat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Salihamidzic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Salihamidzic</a> soeben bestätigt. <a href="https://twitter.com/SPORT1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SPORT1</a></p>— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Plettigoal/status/1232433232328609793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a>
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<blockquote><p id="hrViZm">K. Coman has a strain. Out at least 5 days. Salihamidzic just confirmed it.</p></blockquote>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/25/21153346/bayern-munich-kingsley-coman-injury-champions-league-clash-chelsea-leroy-saneNoVaBurgher2020-02-25T22:57:55+01:002020-02-25T22:57:55+01:00Chelsea 0-3 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations
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<img alt="TSG 1899 Hoffenheim v FC Bayern Muenchen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8pg03zwogZN-p0gbNjWDxWD83rw=/1148x0:4211x2042/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66371568/1084742336.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthias Hangst/Bongarts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bayern Munich face Chelsea for the first time in years, and it was a simple affair. </p> <h2 id="oLegGU">Initial reactions and observations</h2>
<ul>
<li id="MKp9Nl">Kingsley Coman struggled to make a direct impact but his absence was felt once he left the pitch. Bayern couldn’t stretch the play and it made it difficult for the attackers to find space in the final third, until Marcos Alonso got sent off. </li>
<li id="iCZCp6">Hansi Flick will be satisfied by the performance but disappointed with the scoreline. if only Muller’s shot off the crossbar had gone in, and the ref had seen fit to give Bayern a penalty. Oh well. </li>
<li id="I7FaTu">Robert Lewandowski turned provider rather than scorer today and it paid dividends — two assists to Gnabry. </li>
<li id="uavOND">Serge Gnabry really loves coming to London, that’s now 6 goals in two games at the English capital. </li>
<li id="pgqztw">Alphonso Davies is a gem — we cannot stress this enough. </li>
<li id="VXekGm">There is nothing more insufferable than listening to an English commentator while an English team is losing. </li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="1u2pNO">
<p id="CmHYzZ"><strong>Full time: </strong>Chelsea 0-3 Bayern Munich. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="aXM4qC">
<p id="XQ1FI1"><strong>89’: </strong>Thiago comes off for Goretzka. Great performance from him. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="zG2Xao">
<p id="Pz22gw"><strong>82’:</strong> Marcos Alonso given a red card after VAR review for violent conduct. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="pBk3eh">
<p id="klg3xT"><strong>74’: </strong>GOAL! Lewandowski makes it 3-0! Perfect play by Davies, he’s been excellent. </p>
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<p id="ZJiwr6"><strong>64’: </strong>Disaster. Coman’s come down with an injury. Looks like Coutinho will come on. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="32Aujm">
<p id="36RfLy"><strong>53’:</strong> GOAL! Gnabry does it again! Another assist for Lewy. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UuCOYf">
<p id="dNq8bC"><strong>50’: </strong>GOAL! Serge Gnabry scores to make it 1-0!</p>
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<p id="fSyhN1"><strong>45’: </strong>Second half kicks off!</p>
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<p id="xs6UfK"><strong>HT: </strong>Here are some observations from the half:</p>
<ul>
<li id="keIzUW">Muller has been great so far. Hit the crossbar and could’ve had an assist if Lewandowski finished his golden chances. </li>
<li id="FXX3N2">Bayern are playing much more cautiously than usual, and it’s affecting the team’s attack. Chelsea’s press looks well-drilled. </li>
<li id="POzFkD">Poor passing is leading to dangerous turnovers in midfield. Chelsea have had chances they could’ve scored, and all of them came from Bayern mistakes. </li>
</ul>
<p id="2w2QIe">Hopefully, the second half is better than the first. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="R9YV2W">
<p id="j48T44"><strong>33’: </strong>Muller comes closest to scoring as his header hits the crossbar. </p>
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<p id="LK0jeV"><strong>Kickoff: </strong>We are underway in London!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Vfpwe1">
<p id="kQhX7S"><strong>One hour until kickoff: </strong>We have lineups! Exactly as predicted, Hansi Flick has gone for the jugular. Now it’s down to the players. </p>
<div id="UBhBTS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">Unsere Aufstellung für <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFCFCB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFCFCB</a>! ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packmas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packmas</a> <a href="https://t.co/kWbyLDmnkY">pic.twitter.com/kWbyLDmnkY</a></p>— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern/status/1232377044845170689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2020</a>
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<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="PpKcCZ">
<p id="Xqzngu">THE CHAAAAMPIONS!!! It’s been so long, but <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> are finally ready for some <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> action. <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> aren’t the toughest draw we could’ve had at this stage of the competition, but they’re by far the strongest opponents we’ve faced in Europe this season. </p>
<p id="YrFJYO">Hansi Flick needs to pull out all the stops for this one. That means putting <span>Robert Lewandowski</span> up front, supported by a trio of <span>Serge Gnabry</span>, <span>Thomas Muller</span>, and Kingsley Coman from left to right. With Leon Goretzka having barely played in the last two weeks, the coach will likely opt for a midfield pairing of <span>Thiago Alcantara</span> and Joshua Kimmich. It’ll be up to them to stop Chelsea’s formidable pivot of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. </p>
<p id="UJJD6s">Despite Lucas Hernandez being available, Bayern’s record transfer is not likely to start. Because having two left footers in central defense has been causing problems as of late, Flick will probably go with his tried-and-tested back four. <span>Alphonso Davies</span> will start his first ever Champions League knockout game at left back, supported by <span>David Alaba</span> at left center back. <span>Jerome Boateng</span> will take the other central defensive spot, with Benjamin Pavard rounding out the backline at right back. If you need a more detailed explanation for the lineup, check out our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/24/21150935/chelsea-vs-bayern-munich-champions-league-lineups-injuries-thomas-muller-robert-lewandowski-lampard">preview</a>. </p>
<p id="7aWXzz">It’s Bayern time. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WJAdmh">
<h2 id="BUSQOU">Match Info</h2>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="N2BoyY"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Chelsea vs Bayern Munich: Champions League Round of 16 first leg full coverage","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/23/21149715/chelsea-vs-bayern-munich-champions-league-round-of-16-first-leg-lineups-news-updates-injuries"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="B7Fpb3"><strong>Location:</strong> Stamford Bridge, London, England</p>
<p id="LsNbM2"><strong>Time: </strong>8:00 pm local time, 3:00 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="https://www.livesoccertv.com/teams/germany/bayern-munchen/"><strong>Find Your Country</strong></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. 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">SBN is a little slow to show new comments. Refresh the page regularly to keep up with the discussion, especially after goals.</li>
<li id="t8c0ia">The goal celebrations are for everyone to participate in! Even if you’re lagging behind the others, keep replying to the most recent call of the player’s name. Even if you missed the first call, just start from the second, and so on.</li>
<li id="4BBhRL">While swearing is allowed within reason, please be polite to your fellow posters and avoid gratuitous obscenities. Racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language is not allowed whatsoever.</li>
</ol>
<p id="OjEvls">Check out our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2017/8/24/16156910/welcome-to-bavarian-football-works">beginners thread</a> if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!</p>
<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/2020/2/25/21152214/chelsea-vs-bayern-munich-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-champions-league-updates-highlightsIneednoname2020-02-25T18:53:46+01:002020-02-25T18:53:46+01:00Chelsea expert taps Bayern Munich to win, but expects attacking football from Lampard’s men
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<img alt="Leicester City v Chelsea FC - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rQm5iMO1k04g1jpq2jO-00QBzfA=/0x7:2490x1667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66372011/1203359442.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Champions leage knock-out stage begins tonight for the Bavarians as they go to London to face Chelsea. <em>The Sun’s </em>reporter had few things to say about this evening’s clash! </p> <p id="smTsgS">This evening, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> will face <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea </a>in the first leg of their <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> round of 16 tie. After last season’s premature exit from the competition, Bayern’s hopes are high, especially after the team’s positive reaction to coaching change.</p>
<p id="MqZLdj">Ahead of tonight’s game, Andy Dillon, a long-time reporter covering the Blues for the British newspaper <em>The Sun</em>, had gave interview to <a href="https://www.bild.de/bild-plus/sport/fussball/fussball/fc-bayern-vor-diesem-star-zittert-chelsea-69015184,view=conversionToLogin.bild.html#fromWall"><em>Bild</em></a> in which he discussed Chelsea’s tactics and which Bayern players are they most afraid of. On question who Chelsea is afraid the most, he said this:</p>
<blockquote><p id="t1HOIH"><span>Serge Gnabry</span> is the one Chelsea is afraid of most. He has experience in the Premier League and scored four goals on his last visit to London! At 24, he still has his best years ahead of him.</p></blockquote>
<p id="xHs7QF">Andy stated that Chelsea has enormous respect for the Bavarians; he thinks that Chelsea stands little chance of going through to the next round. He said,</p>
<blockquote><p id="p1LN2Q">The people in London have enormous respect for FC Bayern. And since they are German, there is no question as to whether they can handle the physicality of their English opponents. That means that one of Chelsea’s greatest weapons may not be so useful. The Bavarians are the clear favorites to advance to the quarter-finals.</p></blockquote>
<p id="EsCM3u">The English reporter added that Chelsea coach Frank Lampard will probably play aggressively, relying on Willian and Abraham as the driving force. Dillon said,</p>
<blockquote><p id="FmaXHW">Chelsea will try to gain an advantage in the first leg. So it’s likely that coach Frank Lampard will go for the attack. I think Willian’s experience will be the most important. And I expect him to start with Tammy Abraham as the main striker. Kovacic will also be very important in midfield; he’s in very good form. The Bavarians can expect a lot of pressure. Lampard has been brave this season with his teams and his tactics.</p></blockquote>
<p id="bcAtwP">A very interesting game awaits us tonight, as both teams are very offensive and like to score as many goals it’s possible. Bayern still hasn’t forgotten the “Finale dahoam” of 2012 and will try to use every chance to take a little revenge on the English club. </p>
<p id="YFneOe">Join us tonight in our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/25/21152214/chelsea-vs-bayern-munich-lineups-live-stream-how-to-watch-champions-league-updates-highlights">gamethread and live blog</a>! </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/2/25/21152757/bayern-munich-champions-league-knock-out-stage-chelsea-the-sun-serge-gnabry-willian-finale-dahoamMiranKoFCB