Bayern Munich have had a dominant 2019/20 season by winning the treble. The team seemed unbeatable at times, thanks to their star players and squad depth. Cast your mind back seven years ago, to 2013, when another Bayern Munich side was terrifying Europe, led by ‘Robbery’, the famous duo of wingers Arjen Robben and Frank Ribéry. They also won the treble that season and looked unstoppable. But then, the team collapsed and never got close to another Champions League, despite their dominance in Germany. The similarities between 2013 and 2020 are striking. Is history going to repeat itself or can this version of Bayern dominate Europe for years to come?
History to Repeat Itself at Bayern Munich?
Similarities – The Players
The starting eleven for both the 2013 and 2020 Champions League finals are very alike. Both were played as a 4231. In goal, Manuel Neuer both times. Right-back featured a smart, ball-playing fullback (Phillip Lahm in 2013 and Joshua Kimmich in 2020). At centre-back, Jerome Boateng featured both times, alongside David Alaba this season but turned out as left-back in 2013. This time around, he was replaced by emerging talent Alphonso Davies, heavily reliant on his pace, just like Alaba did.
In holding midfield, it was both times a Spaniard (Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara) who accompanied a German (Sebastian Schweinsteiger and Leon Goretzka). The number ten was Thomas Muller both times, but the main difference was the wingers. Even though Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry are great players, they are not at the level of Robben and Ribéry. The dip in quality is more than made up for up-front, thanks to one of the best number nines in world football with Robert Lewandowski replacing Mario Mandzukic.
Not only are the players similar, but the style of play also correspond to their previous Champions League triumph. When attacking, both sides liked to keep possession and pass their way to the goal. When they lost the ball, a big team press is noticeable in both finals.
The Journey to the Final
The word to describe this year’s campaign for Bayern Munich would be dominance. They didn’t lose a single game and only trailed once against Tottenham Hotspur before equalising three minutes later. They smashed Barcelona 8-2 on their way to the final.
Many parallels can be traced to 2013. Although they didn’t look as untouchable, loosing once to Lille in the group stages, Bayern also demolished Barcelona 7-0 over two legs.
Can Bayern Munich Continue to Dominate?
A few factors could indicate that Bayern’s success will not be temporary. Firstly, left-winger, Leroy Sané has joined the club and will improve their strike force. Lucas Hernandez was also brought in to strengthen the defence, and although it hasn’t worked out yet for him, he will probably find his feet in Germany and break into the starting eleven shortly.
Secondly, the football “food chain” is disrupted. Barcelona and Real Madrid are no longer European kings. Juventus are no longer head and shoulders above their competition in Italy. Three clubs remain at the top: Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern, who have an edge over the abovementioned.
Of course, this could all change in the current transfer window, if Lionel Messi signs for Manchester City or if another big player shifts the balance of power in Europe. Bayern, however, have their opportunity right now to take over and become top dog, just like Real Madrid did between 2016 and 2018.
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