The dream of Paris is over. Bayern Munich made a bad crash landing when attacking Europe's football throne and missed the long-awaited goal of the semi-finals in the Champions League.
© Reuters
The dream of Paris is over. Bayern Munich made a bad crash landing when attacking Europe's football throne and missed the long-awaited goal of the semi-finals in the Champions League with a 1-1 against outsiders FC Villarreal.
The shock of being eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals, and against an outsider at that, was too deep for everyone involved at first. Immediately after the 1-1 (0-0) in the second leg against FC Villarreal, the FC Bayern coach did not think it made sense to go into an initial analysis, but many questions arise after the defeat against Villarreal. Facing the truth, coach Julian Naglesmann is certain that his first year at FC Bayern would not end satisfactorily. Apart from winning the Supercup, Nagelsmann's record will probably only include the Bundesliga title, but immodestly said, being the first to finish the Bundesliga for the tenth time in a row is almost the minimum goal for the Munich team. Being knocked out of the DFB Cup in the second round due to a 0:5 debacle in Mönchengladbach doesn't live up to expectations any more than this quarter-final in Europe.
What happened in the first leg?
It was simply not good enough. With a rather powerless defence the chances to win the ball over and score sank drastically, only to lose even more control in the second half. The intention to score a goal overpowered the tactique. The will to risk more resulted in making more mistakes ending up with the early Danjuma goal to decide the match. Bayern put more pressure on in the second half, but could have conceded a goal or two. They were lucky when Moreno hit the post.
Waving goodbye in the second leg
The pressure was high and the line-up was bold. After Villarreal's desolate performance, Nagelsmann tried with a three-man chain and a very attacking midfield. Still, as in the first leg, Bayern failed to create promising chances. A sharp cross from Leroy Sane, which Geronimo Rulli fended off with his foot, was about it in the early stages. The hosts found it difficult against their Spanish opponents. Only with a header from Jamal Musiala (29th) did it become almost dangerous. Otherwise there was a lack of momentum and ideas. Villarreal defended quite well in the first 45 minutes, waiting for their chance through a counterattack. Such one gave Danjuma an open path to Bayern's goal in the 41st minute, but this turned out to be a rather desperate shot, considering the fact it would have been an offside even if he had scored. By the end of the first half, Moreno still had a chance for the guests, but he was inaccurate. All in all, quite a solid half-time for Bayern, but more was expected. There was no sign of Lewandowski until the 52nd minute in the next half, when he managed to free himself and with the addition of Müller, eventually scoring the 13th goal in the Champions League this season with a ground shot. By the end, Bayern's players tried to score another goal and secure a place in the semifinals with furious attacks. Still, Villarreal defended and then Chukwueze struck. In the 88th minute with the assistance of Moreno Chukwueze defeated Neuer for the complete collapse of Bayern and the farewell of the Champions League. There was little time left, but Bayern failed to score another goal.
What's next now?
With the Semi Finals soon to kick off, the favourites final is Liverpool vs Manchester City. You may find all available match odds in this detailed research and comparison if you are looking for the latest
Champions League Odds in Germany. With the pair challenging for the Premier League title too, arguably they are the best two teams in the world right now. But you can never write off Real Madrid - and with Villarreal as they showed - you never know!
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