The 5-0 aggregate score acquired by Real Madrid last Champions League served Bayern Munich the bitter blow. A disastrous goal drought for the Bavarian side earned them their devastating loss against the giants of Madrid; this was something that many did not expect, but also what a great amount feared. It really was crushing to wave goodbye to Philipp Lahm and co, but with the dawn of the next bout of UCL action almost upon us, Pep Guardiola’s side will carry with them the burden of trying to pierce through to the final and avenge themselves.
What happened last time?
The first leg of Bayern’s semi-final campaign against Real Madrid brought with it immense pressure. Both sides have been phenomenal throughout the history books, and the degree of expectancy from supporters is borne out of their many infallible games and scores. A host of accolades between the two meant they were surely going to lock horns, but Karim Benzema was the only to strike the ball into the back of the net, placing Real ahead for their second meeting against the Bayern boys. Unfortunately, Guardiola et al. were ousted rather smoothly, following 2 ace goals from Sergio Ramos, and another 2 from the quick-footed demon that is Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo. It was a terrible failure for the German side, but a wholly deserved triumph for the Spanish contenders, who demonstrated great composure and talent. For this reason alone, fans and team members will certainly be out for blood, and the semi-finals just won’t do.
What gives them their edge?
Bayern Munich generally enjoys a fair amount of winning exclusivity within their division: The Bundesliga. Their overwhelming prowess often puts off the opposition and can rather place them leaps and bounds ahead of the majority of other German clubs. Despite Borussia Dortmund being ferocious candidates for the league title, Bayern can often be swift at dismantling their attempts. Although their current position in the Bundesliga is a disappointing 5th (joint with Frankfurt), this is not an issue yet. They are ruthless, stealthy, and their bid for the trophy sometimes doesn’t start with them topping the table. In the Champions League, Bayern have always revelled in doing well and getting through to the later stages; the main expectation this year is that they will at least maintain this.
Another ‘edge’, per se, would certainly be their new, spritely boss, Pep Guardiola. Not only is he bold, courageous and a mastermind when it comes to concoctions of flawless strategies, he has a breadth of experience. Prior to his sabbatical beginning in 2012, Guardiola managed Barcelona, so he has a great deal of tactical awareness in several leagues and tournaments.
Furthermore, the watertight team co-operate spectacularly, with the unstoppable Manuel Neuer in goal, Dante, Jérôme Boateng and co in defence, then Philipp Lahm as the glue between the back line and Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger etcetera in midfield, who then merge with Thomas Müller, linking finally with Robert Lewandowski, and so on. This is just a sniff at how Bayern merge eleven players as one, and supersede many of even the greatest teams.
Wealth of talent
Bayern Munich often acts as the springboard for many young Germans’ careers in football; where Philipp Lahm is one of the veterans, Mario Götze and Sebastian Rode, among others, are the newbies in the pack. Young and old, Bayern has always nurtured players to an excellent extent. Not only this, but the club comprises a tight-knit community of backgrounds and nationalities, most of which being German. However, Javi Martinez, one of their more longstanding midfielders is among many Spaniards, which now includes Xabi Alonso; Dante and Rafinha are both Brazilian, and so forth. The real mixture of calibre has brought them such joy in the past, whilst they retain their stance as a great starting point for Germans. This is something that could easily put them ahead in the Champions League. In fact, I’m rather counting on it.
New for this season
Following Germany’s grandiose success at the World Cup, they have been in fresh, elated spirits. This new energy should be at the forefront of each of the German players’ minds, and therefore, they will be raring to achieve more. Guardiola should be able to mould his team accordingly, understanding that not only does most of his squad have a new, enriched sense of positivity within the sport, but Lahm has retired from international football. This will allow his full focus to be smack bang on Bayern’s bid to win some silverware this season.
- Out
Two of their most vital players have left for new sides; Toni Kroos has gone to Real Madrid, whilst Mario Mandžukić will make a fitting rival for the elder Kroos brother, as he now holds a place at Atlético Madrid. These two men are arguably the strongest ones to head to new clubs, which could have placed Bayern in a bit of a pickle had Guardiola not been on the case…
- In
Spanish Juan Bernat and Moroccan Mehdi Benatia have both signed with the side this season and should shake the Bundesliga up nicely. If these two don’t entice enough, the old foes, Real Madrid, have parted with Xabi Alonso. The team to knock them out in the last Champions League have essentially given Bayern their trick book, in the form of a rugged, bearded Spanish star.
The largest expectation
Bayern will rain on the parade of their fellow Group E contenders, wipe the floor with Real Madrid (if they face one another again) and eventually win the Champions League. Perhaps not as tall an order as it sounds.
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