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The battle of the European giants certainly lived up to its hype as Real Madrid edged out Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu. Having taken an early lead, the Spanish giants put up an inspiring defensive display to keep Bayern Munich at bay and will enter the second-leg on a high note.The timely return of Cristiano Ronaldo came as a pleasant surprise for manager Carlo Ancelotti, whod be hoping to have put one-foot into the final.Here are the five major talking points of the game.
#1 Counter Attack 1-0 Possession
Pep Guardiola paid the price yet again for playing a high-line defence against the most lethal counter-attacking side in Europe. Bayern enjoyed the lion’s share of possession (Real Madrid 35% - 65% Bayern Munich), constantly trying to find spaces in the final third only to be denied by the diligent defence of Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema’s goal in the 19th minute showed glimpses of the tactics deployed by former manager Jose Mourinho against Guardiola. However, the tactics worked largely in Carlo’s favour as it was another night which witnessed counter-attack emerging victorious against possession.
Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbaeur lashed out at Guardiola’s tactics in the first leg saying, "Possession doesn't mean anything when your opponents create the better chances. We are lucky they only scored one."
#2 The three Musketeers of Madrid
Los Blancos must sing the praises of their midfielders Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso and Di Maria as a remarkable performance from the three men made life difficult for Bayern in the centre of the park. The three have provided a balance to the Real Madrid lineup ever since Carlo opted to go for a 4-3-3 earlier this season and it was no different against the Bavarians.
Real Madrid excelled in their transition from defence to attack owing to their middle-muddle and Alonso, who was under the scanner recently for his low work-rate, saved his best for the big day.
In short, it takes some effort to make the mighty midfield of Bayern look ordinary, doesn’t it?
#3 Complacency costs Bayern Munich
Leaving the tactics aside, the complacency of Bayern Munich was absolutely evident on the pitch. The defending champions were confident on the ball looking to find spaces in the final third but defensively never seemed to be up for the challenge.
The Bavarians proved this right on numerous occasions in the first half, where they could have gone 3-0 down if not for a rare miss from Cristiano Ronaldo and a howler from Di Maria near the six-yard box. Bayern seemed to miss the cutting edge they possessed under Jupp Heynckes and looked beatable throughout the game.
However, it would be too early to write Bayern Munich off owing to their resilience and Real Madrid still have a lot more to do in the second leg.
#4 Is it time for Javi Martinez again?
Pep Guardiola raised one eyebrow too many, deploying Rafinha in the lineup for the toughest test of the season. It is widely known that Madrid have the best set of wingers in Europe today and yet Guardiola’s decision to go for Rafinha left many people bewildered.
It was certainly a gamble which didn’t pay off as Real Madrid wisely utilized the space left behind by the Brazilian on the counter to take the lead. The introduction of Javi Martinez pushed Lahm to his natural Right Back position and the Bavarians gained more control over the game.
The pairing of Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger in midfield won them games aplenty in the previous campaign and Pep seems to have let his love for Rafinha get the best of him.
#5 Allianz Arena awaits a thriller
Real Madrid have set things up perfectly for them to have a real go at Bayern Munich in the second leg. The Los Blancos have been oozing form and will give it their all to utilize the lead and enter the final for the first time since 12 years.
On the other hand, pressure heaps up on Bayern Munich, who many believe could be the first team ever to defend the UEFA Champions League title successfully. The Bavarians would be ruing to have not scored the crucial away goal but a comeback in their fortress is definitely on the cards and if Bayern are back to their usual best then it may well spell doom for Real Madrid’s road to La Decima.
