Bayern Munich – Paris Saint-Germain: Efficient Bayern Performance Sinks PSG (2-0)

Bayern Munich took on a slightly more passive approach than they had in the first leg, letting their opponents have more of the ball. Paris Saint-Germain’s own performance was improved from last week, but Bayern’s compact defending was hard to break through, and in the second half they conceded twice in transition, sending Bayern through to the next round.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Julian Nagelsmann’s Bayern Munich side had largely dominated the first leg of this tie. There was still only one goal separating the two sides though, meaning that it was still anyone’s game as Paris Saint-Germain arrived at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape here, with a back four of Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Matthijs de Ligt, and Alphonso Davies. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka were in central midfield with Kingsley Coman and Jamal Musiala wide. Thomas Müller then played as number ten behind Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

For PSG meanwhile it was a 3-5-2 system as Danilo, Sergio Ramos, and Marquinhos started as center-backs, flanked by wing-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Marco Verratti was joined by Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz in midfield, while Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé partnered up front.

A more passive Bayern
Unlike the first leg where Bayern had completely suffocated PSG for much of the game, especially early on, this time they were more passive in their approach. This may have been because they now had a scoreline to defend as they . . .