Wide rotations, switches and Execution: How can Flick inspire Bayern to a comeback in the second leg

The quarter-finals of the 2020-21 Champions League have begun and we have already seen some interesting clashes in the first leg. The game between Bayern Munich and PSG was the most awaited given the superstars present in each team. The first leg lived up to the neutral expectation with PSG winning the clash 3-2 and almost in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals. The tie is not done yet given Bayern Munich’s domination in the first leg did not reflect in the scoreline and they would be looking to go all guns blazing in the second one. 

This tactical preview will discuss how both teams line up in the build-up to the clash and also look into the interesting tactics that might make headlines during the match. 

Predicted Lineups

Pochettino would be expecting to field the same lineup but given the injury, to Marquinhos he might have to shift Danilo to the centre-back position like in the first leg. Ander Herrera would be the obvious choice to come in and also given that Paredes is available, he might be drafted in for Draxler for a 3rd midfielder. It would also be interesting to see whether PSG go with a 3 man defence but given the lack of an obvious centre-back Pochettino might have to settle with 4 defenders. 

Bayern, on the other hand, might be tempted to retain the same lineup which is probably their strongest on the paper. But they were dreadfully exposed on transitions and given the circumstances they will again go into the match looking to dominate possession and territory. A shift to a 3-man backline could be on the cards about which we will discuss in detail in this analysis. Probably a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-1-2.

PSG: Keylor Navas, Colin Dagba, Danilo Pereira, Presnel Kimpembe, Abdou Diallo, Ander Herrera, Gana Gueye, Leonardo Paredes, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Angel Di Maria