Bavarian Football Works - Champions League: Bayern Munich vs. Viktoria Plzen
Manufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png
2022-10-03T08:00:00+02:00
http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/4787491
2022-10-03T08:00:00+02:00
2022-10-03T08:00:00+02:00
Bavarian Podcast Works S5E14: Is Sadio Mané overrated?; Jamal Musiala for the Kopa Trophy; + Viktoria Plzen preview (Champions League)
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<img alt="FC Bayern München v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3k0RsKL6QChQCkTxSu8nnv6aTIc=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71446047/1429176938.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>“Hey Jamal, thank you for securing my job!” | Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In a “special” solo episode, Schnitzel goes off on multiple tangents and discusses various topics, including the upcoming UCL fixture against Viktoria Plzen.</p> <p id="1g9bk2"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> ended their poor spell of results with a clinical dissection of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Now, they will move their attention to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>, where Viktoria Plzen needs attending to. This will be yet another parked bus to test Nagelsmann’s prowess, and both the team and the coach need to bring their A-game and put the game to bed quickly since this fixture could go some distance in securing Bayern’s qualification to the Round of 16.</p>
<p id="ZHgja3">In this episode, Schnitzel discusses the following topics at length:</p>
<ul>
<li id="YMs6B0">Is Sadio Mané better as a left winger?</li>
<li id="cCyG3a">Should Sadio Mané even be starting games right now?</li>
<li id="KVC08u">Jamal Musiala is the world’s best winger currently and deserves the Kopa Trophy</li>
<li id="SKU1hO">The 4-2-2-2 and why it is the way to go</li>
<li id="NCLnJ0">Is Nagelsmann getting things right tactically?</li>
<li id="VL7sgF">Throwing some shade at Ligue 1, as always.</li>
<li id="bHpc8l">How Viktoria Plzen might line up</li>
<li id="urDwA1">Bayern’s formation to face Plzen</li>
<li id="CqgbTM">A scoreline prediction for the UCL tie.</li>
</ul>
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<p id="pUcceF">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, @TheBarrelBlog, @tommyadams71, @bfwinnn, and more.</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2022/10/3/23383731/bayern-munich-podcast-s5e14-viktoria-plzen-sadio-mane-jamal-musiala-nagelsmann-pedri-lewandowski
Schnitzel01
2013-10-24T07:21:14+02:00
2013-10-24T07:21:14+02:00
Goal Breakdown: Schweinsteiger's counterattack
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6OuDtC5cxirAjoRI0f4sslwEe4M=/0x216:3063x2258/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21669923/185649978.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alexandra Beier</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Breaking down Bastian Schweinsteiger's first, and Bayern Munich's fourth goal, in yesterday's 5-0 rout of Czech champions Viktoria Plzen.</p> <p>On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bayern Munich</a> played host to the Czech champions Viktoria Plzen at the Allianz Arena. The game was complete domination from start to finish as Bayern ended the match with 34 shots to Viktoria's zero. Despite that absolutely lopsided performance, Plzen looked in the game until a 64' minute counterattack goal off the restart following the second goal from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110243/franck-ribery" class="sbn-auto-link">Franck Ribery</a> absolutely demoralized and destroyed the Czech team. That goal is the subject of this installment of the goal breakdown.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3447721/pilzen_goal4_1.png"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3447721/pilzen_goal4_1_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Pilzen_goal4_1_medium" float="left"></a> <br id="1382587774440">
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<p>Coming off the restart in play, Bayern were up 3-0 and Plzen were looking for the quick goal to begin to salvage something, anything. They started by playing it back into Tomas Horava for his first touch of the match. He came under immediate pressure from the left in Mario Mandzukic. The Czech opted to retain possession dribbling forward into what was already shaping up to be a Bayern trap. The Mandzukic press leaves no way for Horava to move left so he darts forward on the left into a waiting cavalcade of Bayern bodies already moving in that direction.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3447737/pilzen_goal4_3.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3447737/pilzen_goal4_3_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Pilzen_goal4_3_medium"></a> <br id="1382588550388">
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<p>As Horava charges forward, he increasingly loses control of possession as Mandzukic challenges him. Meanwhile the Bayern net closes as Kroos cuts off possession to the middle while Robben and Götze cover any attempts at reversing and playing back. A heavy touch from Horava gives Rafinha all the incentive he needs as he charges in with a sliding tackle that strips the ball from the Czech's control completely and out to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110495/arjen-robben" class="sbn-auto-link">Arjen Robben</a>. Even without Rafinha's tackle, Bayern wins this ball simply due to numbers on the press. 5 men pressing 3 will always win the ball back. Perhaps not immediately, but they will win it back. Even more so when the press is as dynamic as Bayern's. This immediately catches the majority of the Plzen squad on the wrong side of the ball as Bayern begins their attack.</p>
<div style="float: left; margin: 10px"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3447745/pilzen_goal4_4.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3447745/pilzen_goal4_4_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Pilzen_goal4_4_medium"></a></div>
<p>As we can see the Plzen defense is a bit shambolic yet still relatively intact. Bayern has a 3 on 5 counterattack which is very sustainable should Plzen play it smart which to the most extent they do. As the left back Limbersky is caught up the field, he opts to withdraw as the play unfolds with the intent of reforming his defensive line and cover, which is exactly what he should do. The sole CDM left from the double pivot puts <span>Mario Götze</span> non goal side of himself, marking him appropriately. The important concerns at this juncture for Plzen here on out are going to be how they handle reforming their midfield line while dealing with the locomotive force of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110271/bastian-schweinsteiger" class="sbn-auto-link">Bastian Schweinsteiger</a> at full sprint that is bypassing their midfield reinforcements.</p>
<div style="float: right; margin: 10px"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3447873/pilzen_goal4_5.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3447873/pilzen_goal4_5_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Pilzen_goal4_5_medium"></a></div>
<p>As we approach the box, Plzen has already reformed it's back defensive line as Arjen Robben cuts in on his left foot. Limbersky tracks him and Prochazka steps out to press and double team preventing the pass to Schweinsteiger and forcing Robben to reset the play and end the counter. Robben instead sees the run of Götze along and picks out the 20 year old with a pass on the outside wing. While Horava and Kolar are in full sprint to return to their compatriots on the defensive, and perhaps atone for his terrible error to start the play in Horava's case, their 60 yard sprints are going to end up costing them in a minute.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3447885/pilzen_goal4_6.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3447885/pilzen_goal4_6_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Pilzen_goal4_6_medium"></a> <br id="1382589769826">
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<p>As Götze picks up the pass, Schweinsteiger has completed his faster-then-a-speeding-bullet routine by blowing past the Plzen defense and actually ending up offside. 'Atta boy Bastian. The turn from Götze is met by an alert Limbersky and the Plzen back line completely reforms while the midfield lines is coming back into shape. In some ways, Plzen are almost out of the woods, stopping a very dangerous counterattack from Bayern, but their next few choices are their undoing.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3447905/pilzen_goal4_8.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3447905/pilzen_goal4_8_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Pilzen_goal4_8_medium"></a> <br id="1382590305277">
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<p>Limbersky marks and sets up to play Götze towards the by-line, attempting to force him into an easy cross for a clearance or to turn and recycle possession. However, Götze cuts back, and with the still reforming defensive line, Limbersky challenges Götze with the intent to disrupt the cross. Only problem is now the space behind his centerbacks is exposed. Ideally, Horava should step out to cut down the passing lane and force Götze to recycle possession, but having just completed a turnover and a 60+ yard run, what's one more error for good measure? He allows Götze the time and space to wait for Schweinsteiger to find room to receive his ball.</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3447913/pilzen_goal4_9.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3447913/pilzen_goal4_9_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Pilzen_goal4_9_medium"></a> <br id="1382590890329">
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<p>Ultimately, the final play is just an amalgamation of errors as CDM Vaclav Prochazka decides to showcase his potential future as a statue leaving the attacking midfielder Daniel Kolar to attempt to defend while the covering centerback has a thought process that probably ultimately ended in "whoa, there's just like, not enough space". While no one could probably have foretold that Bastian Schweinsteiger would execute a world class collect, spin, shoot that should make <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> "super jelly", Plzen did almost everything right in this entire sequence of play until they just completely fell apart at the end. This was an exhausting counterattack for Plzen, and it completely broke their spirit as they basically went through the motions for the remainder of the match.</p>
<h4>More from Bavarian Football Works:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/24/5022550/cska-moscow-racism-bayern-munich-manchester-city-yaya-toure-uefa-champions-league-2013?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Racism in Moscow: Ramifications for FC Bayern München</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/24/5010928/uefa-champions-league-fc-bayern-munich-vs-viktoria-plzen-recap-5-0?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">UEFA Champions League: FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzen | Recap</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865290/bayern-munich-viktoria-plzen-uefa-champions-league-2013-lineups-televeision-streaming?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzeň | Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865026/rekordmeister-podcast-ep-22-fcb-beat-mainz-we-look-ahead-to-plzen-and-hertha?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Rekordmeister Podcast Ep. 22: FCB beat Mainz, we look ahead to Plzen and Hertha</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/24/5023066/uefa-champions-league-goal-breakdown-bastian-schweinsteiger-mario-goetze-counterattack
Ryan Cowper
2013-10-24T06:12:49+02:00
2013-10-24T06:12:49+02:00
Racism in Moscow: What will Bayern Get Into?
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<figcaption>Alex Grimm</figcaption>
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<p>Considering Jérome Boateng and David Alaba of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent, the Yaya Touré incident is a little more queasy-feeling. New UEFA disciplinary actions could make a trip to Moscow bearable.</p> <p><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bayern Munich</a> tied their biggest winning margin of the season in their 5-0 defeat of Viktoria Plzen in Wednesday's Champions League match. With big results, that may not be the biggest storyline of the third round of the champions league, but the attention may not be football at all.</p>
<p>Yaya Touré is the latest victim of racism in football, the 28-year-old Ivorian hearing speckled monkey chants in <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City's</a> 2-1 win against PFC CSKA Moskva. The words "stupid" and "very very sad" exited his mouth as he tried to verbalize his frustration.</p>
<p>Incidents involving racism is a hot-button topic in 2013, but never involving FC Bayern players. Now with the trip coming to Russian's capital, one cannot help but worry about how <span>David Alaba</span> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110259/jerome-boateng" class="sbn-auto-link">Jérôme Boateng</a>, both of African descent, will experience Moscow.</p>
<p>Boateng unfortunately has a personal connection with racism, having is brother become the victim of racist chants in an <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">AC Milan</a> friendly match against Pro Patria. Kevin Prince Boateng is now a United Nations ambassador for racism, <a href="http://www.tz-online.de/sport/fussball/kevin-prince-boateng-rede-zr-2813326.html">comparing racism to malaria in a UN speech in March</a>. Jérome was in complete support of his brother throughout the entire incident, even though some thought his actions were not the right ones.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I am proud of my brother well done bro</p>
— Jerome Boateng (@JB17Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/JB17Official/statuses/286886731733671936">January 3, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>David Alaba, whose father is Nigerian and mother is Philippine, has not been the subject of racist chants, at least not ones loud enough to foster front-page news flashes.</p>
<p>PFC CSKA Moskva did not have a huge history with racist chants. Neighbors Lokomotiv Moskva had fans thank the club for selling Peter Odemwinge with racist posters. Zenit St. Petersburg has made the most news, including the front office <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1268282/zenit-st.-petersburg-fans-demanding-all-white,-non-gay-team?cc=5901">denying a fan manifesto wanting non-white and homosexual players excluded from the team</a>.</p>
<p>In light of the possible racism that Boateng, Alaba, or Dante could face, <a href="http://www.uefa.org/disciplinary/news/newsid=1960117.html">UEFA has added new "no-tolerance" regulations</a> that sanction guilty supporters with partial supporter bans as a minimum defense. Paragraphs 2 of Article 14 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations states the following:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If one or more of a member association or club's supporters engage in the behavior described in paragraph 1 [who insists the human dignity of a person or group of persons by whatever means, including on the grounds of skin colour, race, religion or ethnic origin], the member association or club responsible is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure.</p>
<p>– <a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/Tech/uefaorg/General/01/95/84/21/1958421_DOWNLOAD.pdf">UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (Edition 2013)</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>One could infer that in the context of the circumstance of the Mancester City could cause CSKA Moskva's next match to involve a partial stadium closure at their next UEFA home game, which is the November 27 match against FC Bayern.</p>
<p>Barring supporters would certainly sit well with Manchester City, who filed a formal complaint with UEFA following the game <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/oct/23/manchester-city-yaya-toure-racist-chanting?CMP=twt_gu">according to the <i>Guardian</i></a>. The report also mentions the referee noted Touré's complaint, one that he wants actions taken on.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I'm very, very disappointed about what those fans have done today and I think Uefa have to take action because players with the same colour of skin will always be in the same position."</p>
<p>"I want to see Uefa do something and take some action. We have to be as strong as possible, otherwise they will continue like that. Maybe they could ban the stadium, I don't know, for a couple of years or a couple of months."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>With this implication in mind, a match in Arena Khimki may be less of an away match than originally expected. FC Bayern has dodged racism issues in the past, an optimism would suggest a continuation of that.</p>
<p>No player deserves racist chants, especially a world class player like Yaya Touré.</p>
<h4>More from Bavarian Football Works:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/24/5010928/uefa-champions-league-fc-bayern-munich-vs-viktoria-plzen-recap-5-0?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">UEFA Champions League: FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzen | Recap</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/23/4947630/uefa-champions-league-bayern-munich-vs-viktoria-plzen-lineups-gamethread-live-update-score-news?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">UEFA Champions League: FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzen | GameThread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4866390/uefa-champions-league-matchday-3-tuesday-matches-television-streaming?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">UEFA Champions League Matchday 3: Tuesday Matches | LiveThread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865290/bayern-munich-viktoria-plzen-uefa-champions-league-2013-lineups-televeision-streaming?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzeň | Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865026/rekordmeister-podcast-ep-22-fcb-beat-mainz-we-look-ahead-to-plzen-and-hertha?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Rekordmeister Podcast Ep. 22: FCB beat Mainz, we look ahead to Plzen and Hertha</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/24/5022550/cska-moscow-racism-bayern-munich-manchester-city-yaya-toure-uefa-champions-league-2013
Davis VanOpdorp
2013-10-24T00:21:31+02:00
2013-10-24T00:21:31+02:00
UCL: Bayern Munich vs. Viktoria Plzen | Recap
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZdQJKyBoa24q3GHaYlFyX3SX84E=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21657171/185655297.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alexandra Beier</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A brace from Franck Ribéry and further goals from David Alaba, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Mario Götze settled any concerns of a major upset at the Allianz Arena, as Bayern Munich stormed to a 5-0 victory against Viktoria Plzen to continue their perfect record in Champions League group D.</p> <p>On paper, this always looked to be an easy win for <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bayern Munich</a>. <br><br>Bayern, now unbeaten in 34 straight Bundesliga games, were set to face a side languishing at the bottom of Champions League group D with zero points. But although it was difficult to envision anything other than a third straight European defeat for the Czechs, the build-up to the match was not without its complications. <br><br>With Jérôme Boateng suspended and Dante out through injury, <span>Pep Guardiola</span> faced a defensive conundrum that saw him turn to the central partnership of Van Buyten and Contento for this match. Even without these issues, the Bayern manager is not one for complacency. "I have a lot of respect for our opponents," he said before the game. "I saw them against Manchester City and they performed very well in the first half." With an Aguero-inspired City breathing down their necks at the top of the group, this was not a game Die Roten were going to take lightly. <br><br>Viktoria manager Pavel Vrba, conversely, was hesitant in wishing for anything greater than a goalless draw in his pre-match interviews. His side, who are currently second in their home league, were set up in a nominal 4-2-3-1 formation that at times looked more like a flat 4-5-1 as they sought to stifle Bayern's impressive passing game. <br><br>Predictably, Bayern moved the ball at a steady pace, calmly executing the metronomic combinations and movement we've come to expect under Guardiola this season. The Czechs, seemingly happy to let their opponents venture into their half, were left chasing shadows as full-backs <span>David Alaba</span> and Rafinha rarely withdrew from their side of the pitch. <br><br>To their credit, Viktoria frustrated the hosts for much of the first half thanks to a combination of resolute defending and wasted chances. Their back line worked hard to force Bayern into shooting from range, and goalkeeper Matúš Kozáčik pulled off some fine reaction saves to deny the Bavarians. It's telling that, despite conceding five times, he was the Czechs' outstanding player for much of the game. <br><br>It was <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110495/arjen-robben" class="sbn-auto-link">Arjen Robben</a> who eventually found a breakthrough for Bayern on 23 minutes. Dancing past two defenders, he tumbled under a sloppy tackle to earn his side a penalty which was duly converted by Franck Ribéry. The outstanding Alaba soon added a second after neatly controlling a Mandžukić header and finding space at the edge of the box to fire home. The score was 2-0 at half-time, but Bayern's lead could have been much greater. <br><br>Any hopes of a second-half resurgence from the away side were quashed as Bayern sustained their dominance in possession. Daniel Kolář, Plzen's most advanced player, was persistent whenever he had control of the ball, but these occasions were few and far between as his teammates left him isolated up front while the onslaught continued at the other end of the pitch. After a counter-attack that seemed to have ground to a halt, Ribéry, clearly unburdened by his recent injury, eased past his marker and lofted the ball into the roof of the net for his second goal of the evening. <br><br><span>Mario Götze's</span> game-changing performance against Mainz on Saturday wasn't enough to earn him a starting spot today, but he made an immediate impact from the bench on 64 minutes by sliding an accurate pass into the box for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110271/bastian-schweinsteiger" class="sbn-auto-link">Bastian Schweinsteiger</a> to swiftly turn and finish. The former Dortmund man went on to score a deserved goal of his own in the game's dying minutes, latching onto a cross to fire into the top corner from close range. These are further signs, it seems, that Götze is returning to his best after a rather difficult start to life in Bavaria. <br><br>The final scoreline of 5-0 was a disappointing one for the visitors, who finished the match with zero attempts on goal in comparison to Bayern's 34. But rather than acting as an indictment of their own abilities, Vrba's side simply came up against a formidable opponent that appears to be buying into Guardiola's tactics more with each passing game; a side that – dare I say it – looks increasingly like emulating the form that won last year's treble. <br><br>For now, Bayern return their attention to the Bundesliga; a home game against the overachieving Hertha Berlin is followed by a trip Hoffenheim, before Guardiola's men head to the Czech Republic for the return fixture of this Champions League tie. Based on this evidence, we could be in for another emphatic display.</p>
<h4>More from Bavarian Football Works:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865290/bayern-munich-viktoria-plzen-uefa-champions-league-2013-lineups-televeision-streaming?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzeň | Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865026/rekordmeister-podcast-ep-22-fcb-beat-mainz-we-look-ahead-to-plzen-and-hertha?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Rekordmeister Podcast Ep. 22: FCB beat Mainz, we look ahead to Plzen and Hertha</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4863444/fc-bayern-frauen-beat-bayer-leverkusen-2-0-move-into-third-place?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Bayern Frauen beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0, Move into third place</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/21/4856862/mario-goetze-gotze-false-10-central-winger-guardiola-4-1-4-1-bayern-munich-vs-mainz-2-assists?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Mario Götze and the importance of the false 10 role in Guardiola's 4-1-4-1</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/24/5010928/uefa-champions-league-fc-bayern-munich-vs-viktoria-plzen-recap-5-0
Sam Carter
2013-10-23T19:54:50+02:00
2013-10-23T19:54:50+02:00
FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzen | Gamethread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L6CzMc4had4xVSTWO6hE81awHAo=/0x235:4000x2902/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21657305/185653337.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alexandra Beier</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The third match of the group stage sees Bayern Munich take on the reigning Czech champions at the Allianz Arena.</p> <p><b>Location:</b> Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany</p>
<p><b>Referees: </b><br>Head Referee: Alan Kelly</p>
<p><b>Television and Streaming:</b> <br>US: Fox Sports Plus, Fox Soccer 2 Go<br>Canada: Sportsnet<br>UK: Sky Sports 2 / Sky Go<br><span class="sbn-auto-link">Germany</span>: Sky Sports 1 / Sky Sports 2 | HD, ZDF<br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/901964/bayern-m-nchen-vs-viktoria-plze/">Other Countries</a></p>
<p><i>Lineups:</i></p>
<p><b>FC Bayern München (4-1-4-1)</b></p>
<p>Mandzukic</p>
<p>Ribéry – Kroos – Schweinsteiger – Robben</p>
<p>Lahm<span class="sbn-auto-link"> (C)</span></p>
<p>Alaba – Contento – Van Buyten – Rafinha</p>
<p>Neuer</p>
<p><i>Substitutes:</i> Starke, Martinez, Kirchhoff, Pizarro, Müller, Götze,<span class="sbn-auto-link"> Hojbjerg</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><span class="sbn-auto-link">Viktoria Plzen (4-2-3-1)</span></b></p>
<p>Kolar</p>
<p>Petrzela - Horava - Rajtoral</p>
<p>Horvath - Prochazka</p>
<p>Limbersky - Hubnik - Cisovsky - Reznik</p>
<p>Kozacik</p>
<p><i>Substitutes: </i>Bolek, Hejda, Kovarik, Pospisil, Tecl, Duris, Bakos</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Enjoy the Match! MIA SAN MIA!</p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/23/4947630/uefa-champions-league-bayern-munich-vs-viktoria-plzen-lineups-gamethread-live-update-score-news
Ryan Cowper
2013-10-22T11:07:55+02:00
2013-10-22T11:07:55+02:00
UEFA CL: FC Bayern vs. Viktoria Plzeň | Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oc7goOzU1Jry4fy5H69oanNQGAY=/0x71:4000x2738/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21560277/175276795.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stuart Franklin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Odds are vastly in FC Bayern München's favor, and when previewing a predetermined result, the focus is on questions like "who" and "how many"</p> <p>Throw out all the cliches. David versus Goliath. Empire versus idiots. They all apply.</p>
<p>All the odds are stacked against the Czechs. <a href="http://www.bet365.com/home/FlashGen4/WebConsoleApp.asp?lng=1&cb=10881722494">Bet365</a> has given Viktoria Plzeň 40-1 odds to win, with 10-1 odds to get a result in Munich.</p>
<p>The result appears predetermined, but sometimes lightning strikes at the wrong time.</p>
<p>FC Bayern München were supposed to win against BATE Borisov last season, but the Belarusian side won 3-1 at home. Along those lines, PFC CSKA Moskva barely escaped out of Plzeň with three points.</p>
<p>Still, team form would suggest that a Cinderella scenario is not in a magic wand somewhere. Oh, and FC Bayern have only lost two Champions League matches in the past three seasons (not counting the final-that-must-not-be-named).</p>
<h4>The Match (3rd Meeting)</h4>
<p><b>Location:</b> Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany</p>
<p><span class="wtb-ew-v1">
<script src="http://www.worldtimebuddy.com/event_widget.js?h=2867714&md=10%2F23%2F2013&mt=20.75&ml=2.00&sts=0&sln=0&wt=ew-ltc"></script>
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<p><b>Television and Streaming: </b><br>US: Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Soccer 2Go<br>Canada: SportsNet 360, SportsNet World Online<br>UK: Sky Sports Red Button<br>Germany: Sky Sports 1 & 2 | HD, Sky Go<br><a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/901964/bayern-m-nchen-vs-viktoria-plze/">Other Countries</a></p>
<h4>The Fixture</h4>
<h5>Form</h5>
<p>FC Bayern: WDWWW<br>Viktoria Plzeň: DWLWD</p>
<h5>Results</h5>
<p>1-0 W (September 15, 1971, Plzeň, Czech Republic)<br>6-1 W (September 29, 1971, Munich, Germany)</p>
<h4>The Squad</h4>
<p>While <i>Die Roten</i> had their game farts in the past (BATE Borisov last season, SC Freiburg this season), they do not lose at home. Even a first have scare from Shawn Parker in FC Bayern's match against <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">1. FSV Mainz 05</a> was enough to shake Allianz Arena off its foundation.</p>
<p>The doubt only comes from the team sheet, not the team form. With Dante stitched up and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110259/jerome-boateng" class="sbn-auto-link">Jerome Boateng</a> suspended, Daniel van Buyten will definitely get his crack after successful spells with Belgium over the break. The no-brainer second choice would be <span>Jan Kirchhoff</span>, but after <span>Diego Contento</span> shifted to center back and played decent, perhaps <span>Pep Guardiola</span> may experiment once more.</p>
<p>Now that <span>Mario Götze</span> is on form, he is forcing his way into the Starting XI. The conundrum comes with who sits in the vacant bench spot. While Philipp Lahm was an active participant in the midfield thus far, depth issues could require his services back in defense. If Lahm stays in midfield, one of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110268/toni-kroos" class="sbn-auto-link">Toni Kroos</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110271/bastian-schweinsteiger" class="sbn-auto-link">Bastian Schweinsteiger</a> will require a warm-up jacket.</p>
<p>A midweek game against a lesser opponent could be Guardiola's window to bench <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110495/arjen-robben" class="sbn-auto-link">Arjen Robben</a>, pushing <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110278/thomas-muller" class="sbn-auto-link">Thomas Müller</a> out to the right. Franck Ribéry will likely return after his ankle injury, so a reappearance of the 12/13 wings could materialize.</p>
<p>On a less-important note, <span>Patrick Weihrauch</span> did not play in FC Bayern II's win over TSV 1860 Rosenheim, which means he could be a candidate to appear on the team sheet from the reserves. While Javi Martinez is back practicing, he is still doubtful to appear on the bench, which means that <span>Mitchell Weiser</span> or Pierre-Emile Højbjerg could also get their first team-sheet appearance.</p>
<p><i>Projected Lineup (4-1-4-1)</i></p>
<p><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Mandžukić</span></span><span></span></p>
<p>Ribéry – Kroos – Götze – Müller</p>
<p>Schweinsteiger</p>
<p><span>Alaba</span> – Kirchhoff – van Buyten – Lahm</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110254/manuel-neuer" class="sbn-auto-link">Neuer</a></p>
<p><i>Bench:</i> Starke, Contento, Rafinha, Højbjerg, Robben, Weihrauch, <span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span>Pizarro</span><span></span></p>
<h4>The Opponent</h4>
<p>After starting the Czech Liga with four straight wins, draws have dragged down their title defense as they currently sit in second place behind Sparta Praha.</p>
<p>To give a bit of a snapshot, Plzeň operate in a 4-2-3-1 and get goals from <i>everywhere</i>. Marian Čišovský, a 33-year-old defender, and Pavel Horvath, a 38-year-old holding midfielder, scored a hat-trick a piece in the <i>Viktoriáni</i>'s 3rd-round qualifying games against Kalju.</p>
<p>While Marek Bakoš has started both Champions League matches up from for Plzeň, the top has been a crap shoot with manager Pavel Vrba mixing and matching his attackers. Vrba could turn to 25-year-old Michal Duris, but Bakoš is the favorite to start.</p>
<p>Frantisek Rajtoral has worked wonders from the right-back position, scoring four goals in all competitions. Jan Kova<span class="flag_16 left_16 czech-republic_16_left">Å™Ãk and Daniel Kola</span><span class="flag_16 left_16 czech-republic_16_left">Å™ are the two in the middle two watch, as they have a combined five goals between them in attacking midfield. Stanislav Tecl and Thomas Wagner are the two exciting youngsters who provide a spark for Vrba off the bench.<br></span></p>
<p>Vrba only made one change between the Manchester City and PFC CSKA Moskva matches, so this lineup is a little more self-evident.</p>
<p><i>Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1)</i></p>
<p>Bakoš</p>
<p><span class="flag_16 left_16 czech-republic_16_left">KovaÅ™Ãk – </span>Kolář – Petržela</p>
<p>Hořava – Horvath</p>
<p>Limberský – Procházka – Hejda – Rajtoral</p>
<p>KozáÄik</p>
<p><i>Bench:</i> Bolek, HubnÃk, Pospisil, Koukal, Wagner, Tecl, Duris</p>
<h4>The Outcome</h4>
<p>Juventus. Real Madrid. Manchester City. Barcelona. All have won their leagues in the last two years, and all have failed to get a result in Allianz Arena. A FC Basel (7-0) or Lille OSC (6-1) result should not shock you.</p>
<p><b>Projected Score:</b> <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bayern Munich</a> 5-0 Viktoria Plzeň</p>
<h4>More from Bavarian Football Works:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4866390/uefa-champions-league-matchday-3-tuesday-matches-television-streaming?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">UEFA Champions League Matchday 3: Tuesday Matches | LiveThread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865290/bayern-munich-viktoria-plzen-uefa-champions-league-2013-lineups-televeision-streaming?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Bayern München vs. Viktoria Plzeň | Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865026/rekordmeister-podcast-ep-22-fcb-beat-mainz-we-look-ahead-to-plzen-and-hertha?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Rekordmeister Podcast Ep. 22: FCB beat Mainz, we look ahead to Plzen and Hertha</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4863444/fc-bayern-frauen-beat-bayer-leverkusen-2-0-move-into-third-place?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Bayern Frauen beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0, Move into third place</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/21/4863380/fc-bayern-ii-reserves-win-2-1-rosenheim-friesenbichler-brace?utm_source=bavarianfootballworks&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">FC Bayern II wins behind late Kevin Friesenbichler brace</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2013/10/22/4865290/bayern-munich-viktoria-plzen-uefa-champions-league-2013-lineups-televeision-streaming
Davis VanOpdorp