Bavarian Football Works - Barcelona vs Bayern Munich: 2021 Champions League group stage full coverageManufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2021-12-09T03:30:00+01:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/224322662021-12-09T03:30:00+01:002021-12-09T03:30:00+01:00Julian Nagelsmann proud of the way Bayern Munich dominated Barcelona in 3-0 win
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<img alt="Bayern Munich - FC Barcelona" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f-Y0CRQTsiXtg14lQ-3Rewm0z8g=/39x0:3195x2104/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70247916/1237101886.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bayern never really gave Barcelona a chance, even when the onus was on the La Liga side to get a result. </p> <p id="lPwqst"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> completed their perfect group stage record in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> with their 3-0 win over FC Barcelona thanks to goals from Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, and Jamal Musiala to make it six wins out of six in Group E. </p>
<p id="UvEwJf">Bayern had already clinched advancement to the knockout stages as well as the top spot in the group, but by stark contrast, Barcelona needed a result to have any chance of progressing out of the group. Despite Barcelona coming to the Allianz Arena confident they could do what it takes to fight for their Champions League survival, Bayern proved too big of a hurdle for them to clear and quite literally outplayed them in every single department.</p>
<p id="j6UkL2">Speaking to DAZN after the match, Julian Nagelsmann, who made some changes to his starting lineup from the 3-2 win over <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a> last weekend, said he was very proud of his side for never really letting Barcelona gain a foothold in the match. Without Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka available for selection, Nagelsmann started Corentin Tolisso alongside Musiala for the double midfield pivot just behind Muller, Robert Lewandowski, Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane. The unsuspecting pair stood firm against Barcelona, tipifying what was a well rounded, dominant performance from Bayern. “It is also important that we played to a shutout today, that is always chalked on us a bit. I think we conceded three goals in the group phase, scored 22 — already a good number,” Nagelsmann said, grateful for his side recording the clean sheet (<a href="https://www.tz.de/sport/fc-bayern/fc-bayern-muenchen-fc-barcelona-stimmen-interviews-julian-nagelsmann-hasan-salihamidzic-zr-91167327.html">Tz</a>).</p>
<p id="HGylxV">A lot of question marks have surrounded Nagelsmann’s tendency to toy between a back three and back four in defense, which has shown to have its holes. Against Barcelona, though, he was pleased with the way his side defended, especially in the second half when Bayern sat just a little bit deeper having gone 2-0 up before the halftime interval. “We played against an opponent who, of course, has a very big name and actually had to win today. We have never really let it unfold properly. In the second half we clearly defended deeper and let them have the ball a little more, but I believe that if we put it on properly, then we could have scored significantly more goals than three,” he explained.</p>
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<img alt="Bayern Munich - FC Barcelona" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YNz1IwqJ9nLpgYDCmi6H0OxqQmA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23074655/1237102649.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sven Hoppe/picture alliance via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="yTx9a1">Even all of the financial losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Bayern has found great success and sustainability. The same can’t be said for Barcelona, who are in a serious amount of debt and just lost Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a>. For the first time in what feels like a very long time, Barcelona is struggling, and Bayern’s two commanding wins over them in the Champions League group stages highlight just how different of a place the two clubs are at. Nagelsmann said that he feels the club’s financial struggles are clearly effecting the performances on the pitch and it’s hard to notice it. “I believe this immense mountain of debt simply hovers over the club. They may not be able to do what Barcelona typically does on the transfer market. When you just have 1.5 billion in debt — I don’t think it’s a pleasant way to go through life,” he said. </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/12/9/22825206/bayern-munich-barcelona-uefa-champions-league-julian-nagelsmann-reaction-win-knockout-stages-messiTomAdams712021-09-25T20:00:00+02:002021-09-25T20:00:00+02:00Barcelona’s catastrophic decline makes Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win almost meaningless
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<img alt="Cadiz CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kJ1ay_9WhzXFa0Xq1A6CZ8veud8=/0x0:3619x2413/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69908272/1235453179.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A week since Bayern’s win at the Camp Nou, it looks like anyone can beat Barcelona these days. </p> <p id="nQqOS7">If you’re expecting a deep or longwinded analysis today, prepare to be disappointed. The headline gives you the gist of the article — you can head on down to the comments section without reading the rest. </p>
<p id="00uODa">In case you’re still here, then let me say it again — <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> beating Barcelona 3-0 doesn’t mean anything. The statement may be self-evident, but the sentiment is not. The Barca game changed opinions and narratives when it shouldn’t have. There is far too much weight given to the name <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">FC Barcelona</a> when compared to the state of their team. Just to recap, this is a team that:</p>
<ul>
<li id="Ldj3bc">Is currently 8th in La Liga. </li>
<li id="K8Bj9J">Has scored only 8 goals in 5 games. </li>
<li id="lCtVAL">Lost Leo Messi over the summer. </li>
<li id="Sbdz1N">Faced Bayern without Ansu Fati, Ousmane Dembele, and Sergino Dest. </li>
<li id="FOmdFI">Has a tactically-clueless <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com">Everton</a> reject as their coach. </li>
<li id="XqCgWh">Can’t even beat Granada and Cadiz. </li>
</ul>
<p id="b49SeI">Does it matter that Bayern Munich beat them 3-0? Does it mean the team was challenged? They honestly looked like Schalke out there — setting up to defend and hoping to not get steamrolled. Manuel Neuer didn’t have to make a save. Even last-placed Greuther Furth gave Bayern more of a challenge this season. </p>
<h2 id="fYGWqQ">We get it, Barca suck. What’s your point?</h2>
<p id="sUeFhD">The point is that the significance of the game, at least from a Bayern standpoint, is being overblown. There was a healthy cautiousness in the fanbase before we faced Barca, where the abilities of the team were scrutinized with the harshness you’d expect. Bayern fans have always been demanding. </p>
<p id="HecXNd">However, this Barca game — it was just a 3-0 win, but it changed things. Suddenly, you have people saying that Bayern’s defense is fixed, that the team looks so solid now. Nagelsmann’s credentials are rising in the eyes of fans. People are feeling confident in their team now. We can see ourselves winning the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> from here. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f750WT5Z-qe22cZhTDlpAQBJz84=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22877316/1340502851.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Barca vs Bayern simply wasn’t competitive enough. </figcaption>
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</div>
<p id="8qmkY0">Why is that? Because we beat Barcelona? Anyone can can beat them these days. Granada and Cadiz are La Liga fodder teams, and they drove Barca up the wall. They had freaking Luuk de Jong starting up top — what kind of Bayern defense would let him score? Ronald Koeman has never been more than a mediocre coach at club-level, and he was supposed to challenge Nagelsmann? The game was meaningless, but fans and the media are giving it too much importance. </p>
<p id="KePVAG">Not that there’s anything wrong with that, fans will be fans. This is what we’re <em>supposed</em> to do. We’re supposed to hype up our team. We believe in these players. We believe in the manager. We firmly believe that we can take on anyone. That is the joy of being a Bayern fan, and everyone should savor it. </p>
<p id="b1rtuv">But ... the fact is, Julian Nagelsmann has not been tested yet. Not by a long shot. The three biggest games of this season — the Supercup, RB Leipzig, and Barcelona, were all against teams not at their best (BVB), weakened compared to previous seasons (RBL), or both (Barca). Nagelsmann’s Bayern hasn’t met a true elite team on the field yet. It doesn’t mean we have to face <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> — but without even facing a team on a lower level, like <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>, Inter Milan, or a fully-fit <a href="https://www.fearthewall.com">Borussia Dortmund</a>, the quality of this current Bayern side remains in doubt. </p>
<p id="ECmjyI">Flick’s Bayern proved its credentials even before the treble. They beat Chelsea and Dortmund convincingly, and took Barcelona to the sword. Heck, they even proved it after the treble too, by crushing <a href="https://www.intothecalderon.com">Atletico Madrid</a> (the eventual La Liga winners) without breaking a sweat. </p>
<p id="CK7NMA">Until Nagelsmann gets the same kind of victories under his belt, we can’t claim that he’s proven himself. This team hasn’t proven itself. There’s still a very long way to go, and people shouldn’t forget that. </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/25/22693101/bayern-munich-barcelona-catastrophic-decline-win-meaningless-leo-messi-dest-koeman-nagelsmann-neuerIneednoname2021-09-20T10:50:24+02:002021-09-20T10:50:24+02:00Manuel Neuer says Philippe Coutinho can be the solution to Barcelona’s problems
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<img alt="FC Bayern Muenchen v SV Werder Bremen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1SYmfy3-Kz2JH0ANL9hq-CoJDOA=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69879080/1193976994.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bayern Munich captain was full of praise for his former teammate. </p> <p id="ww5vZ9">It’s been a few days since <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> effortlessly dispatched Barcelona at the Camp Nou, and the Catalans still seem to be in disarray. Without a new game to distract them (Barca don’t play Granada until Monday) the midweek <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> failure continues to haunt Ronald Koeman and his team. Talks of managerial changes have emerged since the defeat, with Joan Laporta said to be a critic of the Dutchman’s coaching style. </p>
<p id="iGx9UD">Luckily for Koeman, he can call on the advice of a man who watched Barcelona more closely than anyone else during the 3-0 game — Manuel Neuer. The Bayern captain was basically an honored spectator in that fixture, as Barca barely made it close to his goal. However, Neuer felt that a certain player gave Barca more of an edge when they came on. Coincidentally, this same player was his teammate at Bayern last year. </p>
<p id="sNopSn">“If Barca want to improve, they should put Coutinho on more,” said Neuer (via <a href="https://twitter.com/mariagarridos/status/1438932284736954370">Maria Garrido</a>). “I felt more fear when he came on and tried to score a goal against me. I know him very well and I know his talent, because we were teammates when he was at Bayern and in training we played against each other.”</p>
<p id="PNEYCT">The Bayern game was actually Coutinho’s first time back after a very long injury layoff, and Neuer is right — the Brazilian was FAR more threatening than Dutch striker Luuk de Jong, whom he replaced. Coutinho hasn’t had an easy time since he left <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>, being a misfit at both Bayern and Barcelona despite being paid very high wages. However, at 29-years-old, he still has a chance to revive his career with the Catalans, especially now that Leo Messi and Antoine Griezmann, the chief claimants to his preferred attacking midfield spot, have left the club. </p>
<p id="AcLhlc">Will Koeman follow Neuer’s advice and give Coutinho a bigger role this season? He probably has no choice, given that Barca’s attacking options are slim right now. After that, it’ll be up to the Brazilian to make the most of his chances. He has the talent, but can he deliver with performances? </p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/19/22681945/bayern-munich-manuel-neuer-barcelona-philippe-coutinho-solution-problems-champions-league-liverpoolIneednoname2021-09-16T03:57:43+02:002021-09-16T03:57:43+02:00Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman couldn’t sub in against FC Barcelona due to an unexpected toilet trip
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<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern Muenchen - Group E - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Xx5JnX0RKzAAz4bFwrKthmPe_Yo=/0x0:4634x3089/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69860942/1235257823.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>If you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go... </em>Kingsley Coman’s substitution attempt had to be cancelled as Coman had to make a visit to the toilet mid-game.</p> <p id="a9pCLz">After another brilliant performance for <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> by 18-year-old wonderkid, Jamal Musiala on the weekend, it was clear that Julian Nagelsmann would rely on the German winger in the clash against <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com">FC Barcelona</a>. Kingsley Coman was also a part of Nagelsmann’s plans, but an unanticipated trip to the washroom reduced that role to a 82nd minute entrance.</p>
<p id="eNmaxv">A little after Musiala set up Lewandowski’s for the 2-0 goal after Musiala’s initial shot came off the woodwork in front of the net, his time on the pitch was supposed to end. Kingsley Coman was ready to come on and the fourth referee light up the scoreboard with the lights “42” and “11”. However, no such substitution was made.</p>
<p id="SslnYY">So what happened to Coman? The Frenchman wait to until the 82nd minute before being subbed in and had minimal impact in the game. So why was Coman held on the bench?</p>
<p id="AKKFh5">Turns out Coman had some stomach problems and wasn’t ready to come into the game. “Kingsley had a bit of stomach problems shortly before being substituted on. That is why we had to wait a moment for the toilet visit to be over,” <a href="https://www.tz.de/sport/fc-bayern/fc-bayern-muenchen-kingsley-coman-einwechslung-barcelona-klo-champions-league-zr-90981860.html">Nagelsmann stated</a> after the match.</p>
<div id="AbQb0r">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nagelsmann says Kingsley Coman had stomach problems before his substitution and had to go to the toilet for a while [<a href="https://twitter.com/kessler_philipp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kessler_philipp</a>]</p>— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1437894160758067210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="EnvHi2">This is a pretty funny incident and may seem silly to many (probably not <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/9/30/21495056/bayern-munich-tottenham-hotspur-pierre-emile-hojbjerg-toby-alderweireld-jose-mourinho">Eric Dier</a>, though), but just shows that incredible athletes are still human. If you’ve got to go, you’ve go to go. Perhaps the funniest incident of a washroom visit during a professional sports match is when <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com">Boston Celtics</a> player Paul Pierce <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OupX279cObI&ab_channel=GD%27sLatestHighlights">faked an injury during the NBA Finals to go to the washroom</a>.</p>
<p id="EfWqhp">If you haven’t seen this, you absolutely must. Paul Pierce had to relieve his bladder so badly during an NBA Finals game that he pretended to be injured and was wheelchaired out to the locker room. Only to return less than two minutes of gameplay later, he remarkably recovered from his “horrific injury” and re-entered the game immediately. In fact, the player received a standing ovation for his commitment to fighting through this “injury.” </p>
<p id="YCpSYo">Now that is a funny story.</p>
<aside id="RXoXKW"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Off the Crossbar: Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier hit with flaming spear...and survives","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2020/9/30/21495056/bayern-munich-tottenham-hotspur-pierre-emile-hojbjerg-toby-alderweireld-jose-mourinho"}]}'></div></aside><p id="qshtCG"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/15/22675203/bayern-munich-kingsley-coman-sidelined-against-barcelona-due-to-an-unexpected-visit-to-toilet-uclJack Laushway2021-09-15T13:30:00+02:002021-09-15T13:30:00+02:00Julian Nagelsmann thinks Bayern Munich can be one of the favorites in Champions League race
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<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KvRWj-M79Y3Js82Eh_xuCRzlzQc=/0x0:2967x1978/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69860655/1340305220.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After downing FC Barcelona, Julian Nagelsmann thinks Bayern Munich could be built for Champions League </p> <p id="pLkS9P"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> manager Julian Nagelsmann think his squad could be poised for great things — but it must keep improving to achieve the ultimate goals that it has for the season. </p>
<p id="pB3F2E">“If we always play like that and keep improving, we’re one of the favorites,” said Nagelsmann (as captured by <a href="https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/julian-nagelsmann-bayern-munich-barcelona-we-are-favourites-champions-league-17295">Bundesliga.com</a>). “At the start, we had some problems defending against (Memphis) Depay in the final third. But we handled that and played well after. I think Barca didn’t have any opportunities at all in the first half. We defended very well.”</p>
<p id="QyNyPd">One area where Nagelsmann would like to see his team improve is with creating more offensive opportunities. </p>
<p id="VtuB9y">“We could have created more chances when we had the ball. Overall, we had too few clear-cut opportunities given our dominance. In the second half, we were more stable and defended a bit deeper. ‘Lewy’ showed an unbelievable nose for goal. The second goal in particular was especially well taken. In the end, we controlled things and scored a third, which was fully deserved.”</p>
<aside id="frkcIs"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Joshua Kimmich wants to see Bayern Munich reduce mistakes, but is happy with Champions League win over FC Barcelona","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/15/22674889/joshua-kimmich-bayern-munich-champions-league-fc-barcelona-goretzka-nagelsmann-muller-lewandowski"}]}'></div></aside>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/15/22675179/julian-nagelsmann-fc-barcelona-bayern-munich-lewandowski-muller-upamecano-kimmich-champions-leagueCSmith19192021-09-15T10:30:34+02:002021-09-15T10:30:34+02:00Bavarian Podcast Works Postgame Show: Talking points from Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over FC Barcelona
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<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ddml1jSTrlfV097Uow0nByX4Ets=/380x321:3784x2590/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69858847/1340318057.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We discuss how Bayern Munich dismantled a hapless Barca side that seemed to have no answers. </p> <p id="26iKtD">The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> is underway and <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> have started their campaign with a big win. Barcelona may not be what it used to be, but this 3-0 was more comfortable than most would’ve expected, given the fact that the game was played away at the Camp Nou, and Bayern had a grueling schedule coming into this one. Still, Nagelsmann’s boys dispatched their Catalan counterparts with relative ease, recording a precious clean sheet in the process.</p>
<p id="IgPpdL">Here are our talking points from the game:</p>
<ul>
<li id="GDpma6">Dayot Upamecano and how Nagelsmann made the defense impregnable. </li>
<li id="oVch7Q">How Nagelsmann made adjustments to counter Koeman’s 3-5-2. </li>
<li id="aeTlp4">Analyzing how Bayern maintained the intensity while playing through fatigue. </li>
<li id="0nwViN">Why Jamal Musiala had an extremely tough time vs the Catalans. </li>
<li id="XwFIqj">How Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller seem underutilized by Nagelsmann so far. </li>
<li id="YeBImF">Bayern’s midfielders had a bad time against Barca’s 3-5-2, and why Nagelsmann shares the blame. </li>
<li id="BQ0QJ0">Barcelona fans are more than justified in their dislike of Ronald Koeman — his tactics were way too negative and he doesn’t seem to have a vision for the team. </li>
</ul>
<div id="UVaqOI"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP5941116972" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="7y499K">As always, we love your feedback and appreciate all the support!</p>
<p id="AAK57a">Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @jeffersonfenner, @TheBarrelBlog, @tommyadams71, @bfwinnn, and more.</p>
<p id="ZdYg2q"></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/15/22674493/barcelona-vs-bayern-munich-postgame-podcast-champions-league-koeman-upamecano-nagelsmann-musialaIneednoname2021-09-15T10:15:18+02:002021-09-15T10:15:18+02:00Six observations from Bayern Munich’s dominant 3-0 win against Barcelona
<figure>
<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p5waTopkwNhtjPsvQcN18VDlH4E=/0x0:3840x2560/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69858762/1340327251.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The world’s best footballer having another field day. | Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Nagelsmann’s first UCL campaign with Bayern got off to a great start with a thoroughly authoritative win against Barcelona.</p> <h2 id="HTZq7Z"><strong>Bayern start with a narrow formation</strong></h2>
<p id="bKlo4X"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> entered the game with a high-intensity press that aimed to stifle Barcelona’s build-up, and succeeded to a great extent in the first 10-15 minutes. It did tend to get nervy at times, especially with the dangerous high line, but the Bavarians slowly asserted dominance. However, the end product in the final third was lacking, and that could’ve been a result of the players not using the width properly. </p>
<p id="N77wqG">Narrow, direct passing led to great ball progression and some really neat moves into the final third (The sequence leading to Müller’s goal comes to mind) but without width and full-back overlaps, the ball begged to be put into the net. And then came the strategic improvements in the second half.</p>
<h2 id="OCghKP"><strong>Nagelsmann is probably very good at pep talks</strong></h2>
<p id="c5LTRT">The entire team simply looked like a different beast in the second half. Nagelsmann seems to be very good at recognizing deficiencies and making the necessary adjustments for instant impact, and this game was no different. Davies and Pavard were more active in their overlaps, Musiala and Sané used the width to devastating effect, and 10 minutes in, Bayern were 2-0 up. And they kept Barcelona pinned in their own half for the rest of the game.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dMY2Rg4NINKBNKb-0kL7jXw9q98=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22850935/1340309415.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The man in his element.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="g0bTOB">A few minor tweaks led to Bayern thoroughly outclassing Barca in every facet. If the coach continues in this manner, it wouldn’t be a far cry to suggest that another sextuple could be on the cards.</p>
<h2 id="hJqR0h"><strong>Now that is a treble-caliber defense</strong></h2>
<p id="KchmEt">Bayern Munich, the club that loves to press all the time, also kept a clean sheet against Barcelona and didn’t allow them a single shot on target. Let that sink in. </p>
<p id="8k7LxV">The defense outshone every other department today, and for good reason. Dayot Upamecano was insanely good. He was everywhere at the back, making great clearances, interceptions, and superb blocks. He was also immense with ball progression and passing. His compatriot Süle was no slouch either. The imposing German put in yet another rock-solid shift, and with Lucas Hernandez also making a solid cameo, Bayern probably have the best CB rotation in Europe. Just need to get Süle to extend, and our defense should be sorted for the next 7-8 years at the very least. </p>
<h2 id="aOtqjs"><strong>Tommy boy scores against his favorite opponent (again)</strong></h2>
<p id="VZsg3F">Müller loves scoring against Barcelona, and yet again, Bayern Munich’s talisman grabbed another timely goal from long range to take the gas off Barca’s effort. This goal is his 7th against Barcelona in the UCL, cementing his spot as the all-time <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> top scorer against the Catalans. </p>
<h2 id="5p36nj"><strong>Lewandowski cannot be denied</strong></h2>
<p id="v8fL3Y">Death, taxes, injuries at Bayern and Lewandowski scoring: the 4 inevitables. Barcelona started the game determined to stop Bayern’s hitman from scoring. With their triple-teaming and constant man-marking, they managed to do that for the entirety of the first half. But it stopped there.</p>
<p id="4Vx6eQ">The Pole returned to the pitch in the second half on a mission, one he managed to fulfill with aplomb. His movement and positioning got him a goal around 10 minutes into the second half, and some superb skill and a powerful shot completed his brace at the 85th minute. And thus, Barcelona learned their lesson. Lewandowski is the world’s best footballer, and it is close to impossible to keep him from scoring at the moment. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mBbJQaAPmaZxW7W-6ew50QQQteo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22850975/1340327159.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Lewandowski celebrates after the brace.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="ajRXiV"><strong>Smart pressing ... W for Nagelsball</strong></h2>
<p id="AOxdoH">Bayern’s performance was excellent, and that was largely due to the ease with which they dominated proceedings. It almost seemed a bit too easy at times. Barcelona are certainly in need of some major restructuring and renovation, but that shouldn’t take any credit away from the Rekordmeister, who are looking at their best right now. It sometimes felt like they were playing on 3rd gear, and this might be another crucial aspect of Nagelsball: smart pressing.</p>
<p id="QBZezw">The players knew when to slacken with the pressing and when to increase the tempo. The coach is probably implementing this to ensure that he doesn’t run the players to the ground, and it is working to a charm. Barcelona were thoroughly outclassed, and there are not many clubs in Europe that I’d back against current Bayern. Hopefully, Nagelsmann and co. are able to carry this form through the rest of the season. </p>
<p id="bL1hUw">Because if they are able to do that, they are in for trophies. Loads of them.</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/14/22674273/barcelona-vs-bayern-munich-champions-league-match-observations-analysis-muller-upamecano-sule-messiSchnitzel012021-09-15T09:55:21+02:002021-09-15T09:55:21+02:00Match awards from Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Barcelona
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<img alt="FC Barcelona v Bayern München: Group E - UEFA Champions League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i8buEwWMmv6_5TbIGLE37LUsgVI=/0x0:3864x2576/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69858687/1340335994.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Champions League is underway, and Bayern started this season’s campaign in Europe with a dominant win!</p> <h2 id="o90INy"><strong>Jersey Swap: Frenkie de Jong</strong></h2>
<p id="QHNb8f">All in all, Barcelona played decently, and Ronald Koeman organized his defense very well. But that didn’t stop <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> from scoring three goals. De Jong was one of the better players for Barcelona tonight, as he often helped his teammates make a dense defense, and as well organized attacks for his team. In the end, he couldn’t be of much help to his teammates, but he often chased down Joshua Kimmich and closed off his space.</p>
<h2 id="zpnq2z"><strong>Der Bomber: Leroy Sane</strong></h2>
<p id="Ed8MgC">Sane looks revived under Julian Nagelsmann as the young coach moved him to the left flank, he keeps playing better and better. For a long time, Sane was probably Bayern’s best player on the pitch, as he created the most dangerous chances for the Bavarians. He had two shots throughout the match, and both of them nearly got in, but Ter Stegen saved both shots brilliantly. In the end, Sane assisted Thomas Muller, as he scored his seventh goal against Barcelona. Keep it up, Leroy!</p>
<h2 id="f7XLgB"><strong>Fußballgott: Thomas Muller</strong></h2>
<p id="dXMMu1">Thomas Muller had a fantastic evening. He was his usual self — constantly pressing the opposition and making them make errors in passes. He was chasing Barca’s defenders from the first minute and left them little room to move around. Muller managed to score a goal, but his shot took a heavy deflection. The goal counted and opened the match for Bayern. Muller was also, as always active in the defensive part of the pitch, as he often dropped back and helped Kimmich and Goretzka. Muller finished the match with 87% accurate passes.</p>
<p id="Pgl58K">Goretzka was also very very good tonight, with a fantastic box-to-box performance. </p>
<h2 id="q6VwqX"><strong>Der Kaiser: Dayot Upamecano</strong></h2>
<p id="nvtXXB">What a performance from Upamecano! A fantastic match from a fantastic player. He was one of the best players on the pitch and defended Bayern’s box fiercely. Barca’s attackers just couldn’t find a solution for him, and couldn’t get past him. He proved his worth tonight. He made numerous clearances in the penalty box and is probably the main reason why Manuel Neuer didn’t have much to do throughout the match. A stellar performance from the Frenchman, hopefully, we’ll see more and more performances like these.</p>
<h2 id="HldYOw"><strong>Meister of the Match: Robert Lewandowski</strong></h2>
<p id="EAXEEn">What a player! The Pole managed to score a brace on Camp Nou and deservedly gets the MOTM award. Although Lewandowski didn’t have a particularly spectacular match, he managed to score two goals. He was pretty much closed off the entire match, but his positioning was superb. </p>
<p id="PjRSi7">Both goals came after a Bayern player’s shot hit the post, and the ball found its way to Lewy. Neither was an easy tap-in. On the first goal, he reacted brilliantly and on the first touch put the ball behind Ter Stegen’s back. On the second goal, he received the ball, dribbled past Pique, and then smashed the ball in. All in all, a brilliant match from Lewy, as he positioned himself incredibly and managed to capitalize on every chance he got.</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2021/9/14/22674402/barcelona-vs-bayern-munich-match-awards-player-ratings-champions-league-lewandowski-muller-saneMiranKoFCB