UEFA Champions League 2020/21: Bayern Munich vs Atlético Madrid – tactical analysis

Gameweek one of the UEFA Champions League saw Bayern Munich host Atlético Madrid. Before the match, there was lots of discussion about the tactics of both sides, particularly their defensive tactics, with many excited to see the Bayern Munich high block against the Atlético Madrid block which is far less aggressive than Bayern’s block, in the opposition defensive third. Bayern are also the defending champions, beating PSG 1-0, courtesy of a Kingsley Coman header.

Notably, Marc Roca, Luis Suarez and Lucas Torriera were able to make their Champions League debuts for their new sides. Atletico lost Thomas Partey to Arsenal and this will have come as a blow for Simeone’s side as he looked to nullify the Bayern attacking threat.

This tactical analysis will provide video analysis, with the additional use of statistics, to analyse the tactics of both sides and particular events in the game. As Bayern won 4-0 against Atlético, though, Atlético made it much harder for Bayern than it might sound.

Line-ups

The hosts lined up in their standard 4-2-3-1 formation, Lucas Hernandez kept his place at left-back with Golden Boy nominee Alfonso Davies left on the bench. Joshua Kimmich replaced Serge Gnabry as the German winger, unfortunately, tested for positive for COVID-19, with Corentin Tolisso pushing up into the central attacking midfield role and Thomas Muller moving out wide into Gnabry’s position. Winger Leroy Sane missed out due to injury.

Diego Simeone made six changed to the side that beat Celta Vigo 2-0 away at the weekend. Renan Lodi and Felipe replaced Manuel Sánchez and Mario Hermoso on the left-hand side of defence. Marcos Llorente and Yannick Carrasco were rested at the weekend and came back in the side and Hector Herrera replaced new signing Torriera in central midfield. Joao Felix was the last change as he came in for Diego Costa.