There was a lot of action in Bayern Munich Barcelona on the second Matchday of the 2023 Champions League campaign in which Bayern triumphed over their rivals in a 2-0 victory. well, the recent history between these two clubs shows that Barcelona was mostly on the receiving end.
Barcelona is on a right track
Xavi's Barcelona looked more composed, and balanced, and was constantly pressuring Bayern's backline but even after securing Robert Lewandowski Barcelona was blank in front of the goal. Even though the goal-scoring instinct was not there but the intent was clear, Possession with penetration.
Barcelona looked comfortable with the ball against Bayern Munich, A thing which we did not see during the previous meetings between the two, Barcelona looked demanding of the ball in some instances even breaking on counters. Barcelona couldn't simply match Bayern's Mentality.
After the game Xavi Pointed out the mentality was quite not there for this Barcelona still, Barcelona all attempts were either firing out blank or missing the target, Manuel Neuer saved Bayern a couple of times with his unbelievable reflexes.
New singing has made an impact for Xavi's team but it was their academy players who shined against Bayern with Pedri having an overall good game even though he missed an easy chance in front of goal. Alphonso Davies was able to silence Raphinha throughout the game same with Jules Kunde having an average game.
After going in behind, for a moment it looked like the same-old sluggish Barcelona after what seemed like a momentarily lapse in concentration for the Catalonian side. Bayern was able to score two inside five minutes.
Alphonso Davies was the man to look out for.
By far the best player for Bayern Munich was Alphonso Davies, the Canadian was Bayern Munich's best player for the night, he was excellent down that wing against Raphinha, and he shut the door for any movements of Attack for Barcelona from the Right-wing.
So Much was Davies to handle that Xavi played Dembele on the Right-wing and Raphinha on the Left-wing allowing Raphinha to have peace of mind.
Alphonso Davies's frightening paca and excellent feet not only made him a strong defender in the back but were also very essential going forward, Davies probably made more runs carrying the ball forward than Mane, he was beating defenders dancing around Raphiinha and Kounde taking the ball up to the final third of Barc's defence.
No doubt Davies has a stellar performance against Barcelona while his teammates were having a horrible time in keeping the ball Possession within their half. Alphonso Davies looked sharp and dangerous with the ball.
Bayern was Sluggish despite their win.
Bayern Munich was thoroughly kept silent by the Star Barcelona attack of Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and also with a few shots from Raphinha shooting it high above the goal post.
Midfield was a big question for Bayern in that game with the players constantly losing possession to Barcelona players all coming from mistakes, It looked as if the Bayern Midfielders were not confident carrying the ball forward.
Till the 20th minute Benjamin Pavard was also silenced by the duo of Fernando Alonso and Pedri, closing him down that channel, After Pavard's injury the substitute Noussair Maraoui made a significant impact for Bayern Munich, A young Left-Back from ajax ready to prove his worth in the world biggest stage and sure he delivered.
Goretza was also very impactful coming on in halftime for Sabitzer, Sabitzer was not up to his full best, he lacked sharpness giving away the ball cheaply and losing possession. his substitute enabled Goretza to apply his hard physique nature helping Bayern Munich thoroughly retain the ball.
even though it was not the dream performance for Bayern Munich against Barcelona they managed to win the game thanks to the header from Lucas Hernandez and a solo effort from Sane.
Watch the Highlights here
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