UEFA Champions League 2016/17, Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid: 5 Talking Points

#2. Bayern Munich missed Lewandowski more than they should have. Oh, and poor Arturo!

For a team that has the kind of squad that Bayern Munich has, it is incredible just how much they missed Robert Lewandowski. Most of it, of course, had to do with just how piss-poor Thomas Muller was on the night, as he has been all season.

Der Raumdeuter (The Space Investigator) discovered neither space nor chances in his investigations today, and missed chances that he would have buried with his eyes closed a couple of seasons back. His lack of runs and, of course, wasteful finishing, stood as a sharp contrast to the Pole’s ruthlessness through the season. You’re never more loved than when you are missed, and the longing for Lewandowski was palpable.

Arturo Vidal, meanwhile, had an immense game. Mostly. His header for the opening goal was textbook – a superb run followed by a superb jump that ended with a superb header – and his movement throughout the game was excellent. As was his passing (this is where Muller’s wasteful finishing comes into play). All in all, he was arguably Munich’s best outfield player tonight.

Everyone, though, will only ever talk about his penalty miss.

Such is the cruel nature of the spot.