Bayern Munich 4-1 Chelsea (7-1 aggregate): 5 Talking Points as Bavarians cruise past Frank Lampard's Blues to book quarterfinal spot | UCL 2019-20 

Bayern Munich eased past Chelsea to progress to the quarterfinals of the Champions League
Bayern Munich eased past Chelsea to progress to the quarterfinals of the Champions League

#3 Chelsea lost the midfield battle to Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich outplayed Chelsea with fluent passages of play
Bayern Munich outplayed Chelsea with fluent passages of play

The Blues had one goal disallowed, and another salvaged by Tammy Abraham in the form of a rare consolation. Credit goes to Callum Hudson-Odoi for the composure and stellar finish, but Bayern clearly outplayed their opponents offensively in the opening half.

They produced far more quality on the ball whenever they ventured forward. There was a sense of fluidity in the way Flick's side went about their business, while Chelsea were stung by energetic pressing, covering up and an opposition that tactically held its shape off the ball remarkably.

Every time the away side tried to stitch together a few passes through the midfield, they were hurried on by a swarm of red shirts all closely pressing.

Bayern Munich's midfield duo were simply outstanding, as they ran the races, covered every blade of grass and kept Chelsea in check.

As a result, Lampard's charges never managed to get together a string of attacks. Bayern were clearly sharper in their attempt to win the ball back, and were better in terms of sheer quality.


#4 Bayern Munich's quick transitions put Chelsea to the sword

Robert Lewandowski brutally punished Chelsea with two goals and as many assists
Robert Lewandowski brutally punished Chelsea with two goals and as many assists

Chelsea gave all they could in the second half, but never managed to carve open the Bayern backline; such was the enthusiasm and organisation from the home side's perspective.

What proved to be the difference between the two teams besides their respective levels of quality was the transition.

While Chelsea were pressed down, cornered and harried by the German powerhouse, their opponents did not find it hard to convert defence to attack. The Blues midfielders should have done better in the middle thirds of the pitch.

Bayern Munich committed bodies forward on either ends, played with an overlapping system and just kept hold of the ball so much better.

Chelsea's dismal show at the back continued, as Tolisso and Lewandowski scored to round-off a monumental victory. The latter punished a sorrowful back line with two goals and as many assists.


#5 Allianz Arena witnessed a Thiago masterclass

Thiago Alcantara had his areas covered against Chelsea
Thiago Alcantara had his areas covered against Chelsea

His future may be up in the air after he decided to snub a contract extension, but Thiago Alcantara is still pulling strings for Bayern Munich with maximum intensity and desire.

The Spaniard was arguably the best player on the evening, as he exhibited an all-round performance both with and without the ball.

There was real comfort and control whenever he was around proceedings, which was a rare sight to see in a game that was encapsulated with sustained pressing, quick movement of bodies and the attempt to break away from either side.

Thiago brought about that structure to the Bavarians' midfield, beating players just with his technical impetus and use of body weight. He sprayed passes across the pitch, while most of his contributions in possession were accurate, quick passes down the channels.

Off the ball, behind the effortless staging that Thiago had, there was a lot of work put in. The seven-time Bundesliga winner ran the races for his side, covered a lot of ground and mopped up danger whenever they were a man short.

A few vital interventions, sharp tackles and timed interceptions rounded off a masterclass from the midfield metronome.


Also read: Twitter explodes as Bayern Munich win their eighth consecutive Bundesliga title

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