Lazio – Bayern Munich: Bayern Immobilized In Rome (1-0)

Bayern Munich pressed high against Maurizio Sarri’s team and gained a high share of possession. However, they were unable to break down a Lazio side who showed good resilience to defend and take their opportunity when it came, courtesy of a penalty converted by Ciro Immobile.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Lazio qualified for the Champions League knockout rounds having finished second in Group E behind Atlético Madrid. Their task against Bayern Munich seemed a daunting one, as the away side had gone unbeaten in the group stages. Bayern did not have the ideal preparation for this game though, as they were beaten convincingly at the weekend by Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Maurizio Sarri’s side lined up in a 4-3-3 system here, with a back four of Adam Marušić, Mario Gila, Alessio Romagnoli, and Elseid Hysaj. Matteo Guendouzi, Danilo Cataldi, and Luis Alberto were the midfield trio, while Gustav Isaksen and Felipe Anderson flanked Ciro Immobile up front.

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s side started in a 4-2-3-1 shape, abandoning the back three from the weekend. Noussair Mazraoui, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Raphaël Guerreiro were in the back four, while Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka were the double-pivot. Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala played wide, as Thomas Müller then supported Harry Kane up front.

Bayern press high
Unsurprisingly for a Sarri side, Lazio were keen to attempt to build from the back rather than going long, even as Bayern attempted . . .