UCL 2023/24: How Lazio’s tactical triumph mirrors Bayer Leverkusen, amplifying Bayern’s woes – tactical analysis

In the aftermath of a gripping UEFA Champions League encounter between Lazio and FC Bayern that culminated in a 1-0 scoreline, the footballing world is abuzz with discussions surrounding the potential ramifications for FC Bayerns head coach, Thomas Tuchel.

Following the Bundesliga summits disappointing 0-3 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday, Thomas Tuchels team experienced another significant setback with a 0-1 loss in the first leg of the Round of 16 against underdog Lazio Rome. This comes despite Thomas Tuchel opting against personnel experiments this time. Instead of employing a surprising three or five-man defence, Bayern adhered to the trusted 4-2-3-1 system.

This tactical analysis seeks to unravel the intricacies of the match, delving into the tactics, player performances, and overall team dynamics that may have contributed to FC Bayerns unexpected setback. As the whispers of Tuchels job security gain momentum, we meticulously examine the key moments and tactical nuances that unfolded during this decisive clash, exploring whether the outcome might cast a shadow over Tuchels tenure at the helm of one of footballs powerhouses.

Line-ups

Lazio faced uncertainties in their lineup as they approached the match. Matias Vecino, Patric, and Mattia Zaccagni were all contending to regain fitness, with coach Maurizio Sarri suggesting that a decision on Vecinos participation would be made on the morning of the game.

The Lazio lineup included Provedel in goal, Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, and Hysaj in defence, Cataldi, Guendouzi, and Alberto in midfield, and Isaksen, Immobile, and Anderson leading the attack.

The German giants arrived in Rome for their last-16 first leg, still reeling from a dismal 3-0 defeat to title rivals Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern faced the challenge without key players, including the injured trio Serge Gnabry, Alphonso Davies, and Kingsley Coman. January signings Eric Dier and Sacha Boey were thrust into the spotlight with mixed results. Meanwhile, Bryan Zaragoza, a newcomer hoping to overcome illness for his debut in Italy, found himself on the bench alongside Dier and Boey.

In a strategic move, Joshua Kimmich, who had come off the bench in Leverkusen, slotted into the midfield for this game. Raphael Guerreiro replaced Boey at left-back and experienced option Thomas Muller was poised to enter the attack. Tuchels pragmatic decisions, opting for Muller and Kimmich, highlighted the coachs emphasis on experience and leadership qualities, aiming to instil confidence and stability in the team during a challenging phase.

The Bayern Munich lineup featured Neuer in goal, Mazraoui, Upamecano, Minjae, and Guerreiro in defence, Kimmich and Goretzka in midfield, and Müller, Musiala, Sané and Kane leading the attack.

Build-up

Bayern Munichs build-up play was structured around the nominal 4-2-3-1 formation. Notably, Lazio strategically borrowed from Bayer Leverkusens recent tactics by overloading the centre of the pitch. Despite allowing Bayern to progress and circulate the ball around the defensive lines, Lazio effectively closed off passing lanes to the centre, specifically nullifying the involvement of Jamal Musiala, who once again didnt actively drop deep during this phase.

The approach mirrored Bayer Leverkusens defensive strategy against FC Bayern last weekend, masterminded by coach Xabi Alonso. Leverkusen deployed a narrow attacking block to congest the middle of the pitch, aiming to defend more effectively against the dynamic duo of Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané, who often look to exploit the half-spaces. Musiala, in particular, attempted to drop deep into the midfield to become an additional passing option. However, Granit Xhaka, along with Robert Andrich marking Sané, maintained the positional discipline to disrupt Bayerns defence from playing the ball to these dangerous players, who thrive when given the space to turn and run.