3 things we learned from Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win over Atlético Madrid

Bayern Munich salvaged some pride in a deserved 1-0 victory at home to Atlético Madrid in the final round of Champions League group stage action. Despite Robert Lewandowski’s winning goal, the Bavarians progress only in second place, with Atléti having already secured top spot before today’s game kicked off.

Bayern dominated possession throughout the first half, though it was Atléti who looked more dangerous in the opening exchanges. Attacker Yannick Ferreira Carrasco was presented with two fine chances in the space of five minutes early on, though twice failed to seriously test the hosts’ goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The result was that Bayern only grew in confidence, and they created their first opportunity in the 19th minute. The excellent Renato Sanches prodded the ball into the Atléti penalty area for his teammate Douglas Costa, though his near-post poke was parried to safety by Jan Oblak.

Gradually the Bavarians’ stranglehold over the game increased, though they required a set-piece to break the deadlock just short of the half-hour. Lewandowski was left licking his lips after his teammate Juan Bernat was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, with the Polish striker duly stepping up to curl a perfect free kick past Oblak and into the top corner.

From there Bayern remained in total control for the remainder of the opening period, with Atléti looking uncharacteristically impotent on the ball. However, their defence stayed resolute, and weathered the Bavarian storm through to the halftime interval. They remained very much in the contest.

However, it was Bayern who continued on top early in the second period, with their visitors forced ever further back towards their own goal. Diego Simeone attempted to shake things up in the second half with the introduction of attackers Kévin Gameiro and Ángel Correa, though it was without any real effect. The Spanish side’s defence held out, but their impotent attack left much to be desired.

Bayern should’ve killed the game off once and for all with just over 10 minutes left, when a perfect cross by Costa was met in the 6-yard box by an unmarked Thiago Alcântara. The Spanish international should’ve stabbed the ball into the gaping goal, but instead contrived to sky a chance it looked easier to score. Fortunately his blushes were spared, with Bayern hanging on for the 1-0 win.

Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer; Juan Bernat, David Alaba, Mats Hummels, Rafinha; Renato Sanches, Arturo Vidal, Thiago Alcântara; Douglas Costa (Javi Martínez 87’), Robert Lewandowski (Thomas Müller 80’), Arjen Robben.

Goals: Lewandowski (28’).

Atlético Madrid: Jan Oblak; Lucas Hernández, Stefan Savić, Diego Godín, Šime Vrsaljko; Nicolás Gaitán (Ángel Correa 60’), Koke (Thomas Partey 68’), Gabi, Saúl Ñiguez; Yannick Ferreira Carrasco (Kévin Gameiro 60’), Antoine Griezmann.

Goals: None.

Though they’ve occasionally struggled for consistency so far this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked impressive in this encounter. It is hard to think up a more dynamic midfield trio in world football than that of Renato Sanches, Arturo Vidal, and Thiago Alcântara, whose constant movement caused great headaches for Atléti’s anchormen throughout much of this match. We should make no mistake: Bayern remain a serious force to be reckoned with in the Champions League this season.

Atléti’s success over the last few years has been entirely based on Diego Simeone’s outstanding defensive coaching. They’ve never been the most prolific scorers, but have more than made up for that with their excellent shape. However, when they do concede, their impotence becomes rather more of a problem. They finish the Champions League group stages having found the net just seven times in six matches (Bayern, in contrast, have scored twice as often).

Star striker Antoine Griezmann, who was anonymous in this encounter, has netted just thrice in his last 11 games in all competitions. It could be that Simeone needs a more attack-minded Plan B if his side are to improve further. They finished the evening having had just three shots on target all game.

Despite their recent goal drought, Simeone certainly won’t be too worried. That’s because his side’s defence could still reasonably claim to be the very best in world football, and they did eventually end up losing this game only by virtue of a singular moment of unstoppable individual skill from Lewandowski. It was only the second goal they’ve conceded throughout the group stages, having let the other slip in a 2-1 home win over Russian outfit Rostov. We can expect to see minor tweaks rather than major overhauls at the Calderón.