Atletico Madrid 1-1 Bayern Munich: 5 talking points as Thomas Muller scores late to preserve Bavarians' unbeaten run | UEFA Champions League 2020-21

#3 Atletico Madrid’s second-half malaise

Simeone's side should have held on against a weakened Bayern Munich side

This season, Atletico Madrid have been touted to achieve big things and even end their wait for some silverware. Simeone’s side are second in La Liga but can go five points clear of Real Sociedad and a whopping nine clear of Real Madrid if they win their games in hand. However, can they really achieve their full potential after showing a bit of weakness in the second half against Bayern Munich?

This is a team full of talented players, but they lack big personalities like Diego Godin and Gabi as the core to help them see through games, something you would generally associate with teams managed by Simeone.

The boss on #AtletiFCB ⤵️🔴⚪ #AúpaAtleti | ⭐ #UCL pic.twitter.com/F4B7d0JOR1

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 1, 2020

Yes, they still have serial winners like Diego Costa and Luis Suarez, but this team needs to win the narrow games and beat the best sides, like Bayern Munich, if they are to reach the next level.

#4 Bayern Munich’s quality off the bench

It’s amazing how much depth Bayern Munich have, despite not signing Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic on permanent deals and letting go of a player like Thiago Alcantara.

Hansi Flick decided to rest some of the big names with a tough clash against RB Leipzig coming up. While some of the young players found it hard at times, they dug in and managed to stay in the game.

Flick gave Muller and Serge Gnabry some playing time towards the end, and the duo was instrumental in the comeback. Driving at the Atletico Madrid defence from his half, Gnabry’s pass found Muller in the box, and his smart touch duped Felipe into making a needless challenge that earned Bayern Munich a penalty.

Bayern Munich used to (and still do) use this tactic in the Bundesliga. They can throw in a few subs to turn the game around and dominate the league. They are now doing the same in the Champions League. Pretty scary, that.

#5 The unbeaten run goes on

Bayern Munich’s record-breaking run of 15 consecutive wins after the 2019 tie against Liverpool came to an end with the draw against Atletico Madrid. However, they are still unbeaten since that defeat against Liverpool, and that’s quite an achievement.

WWWWWWW🏆WWWWDHansi Flick has NOT won a Champions League game for the first time in his managerial career. 🤯Atletico Madrid end the streak. #UCL pic.twitter.com/S319fS6SfX

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 1, 2020

The club’s mentality has changed so much under Flick, as they rarely give up and always have a plan of getting back into the game. Against Atletico Madrid, it was all about digging deep and staying in the game, and they did that until the 86th minute.

The Bayern Munich youngsters should be lauded for going toe-to-toe with Atletico Madrid’s vastly more experienced squad. To some fans, the draw will feel like a win if you consider the players that were on the pitch. Only time will tell if they can put together a new run of wins! Still, 16 unbeaten is quite a record.