Chelsea 0-3 Bayern Munich: 3 Tactical Observations | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

There’s nothing more exciting than the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage. These are the matches where teams have to prove their group stage performances weren’t a fluke and therefore stamp their authority on the competition. Knockout football provides us with drama, coming of age performances and talking points for a lifetime.

Bayern Munich pulled off a stunning performance away from home, as they recorded a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge to put them in pole position of securing qualification. In a battle between two European giants, it was the German champions who drew first blood, taking the lead early in the second half as Serge Gnabry tucked home a square pass Robert Lewandowski in the 51st minute.

The youngster doubled his tally three minutes later as he beat Willy Caballero one on one. Even though they took their foot off the gas after these two goals, Bayern would strengthen their dominance on the game with a third goal as Lewandowski tapped home from close range with 14 minutes to go. Matters would end this way putting the Bundesliga leaders firmly in control for the second leg.

Here are 3 tactical observations from Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at home to Bayern Munich.

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#3 Thomas Muller as a second striker

Bayern Muenchen v Fenerbahce - Audi Cup 2019 Semi-Final

Under Niko Kovac, Thomas Muller was a forgotten man, often finding himself on the bench. How things have changed, the German is now the first name on the team sheet. His influence on games has become so much that Philippe Coutinho has been unable to displace him, leaving the Brazilian on the bench.

Tonight, Muller was deployed as a #10 on paper, but instead played as a second striker behind Lewandowski. The German was touch tight to the striker, playing off him and creating chances for him too.

The 30-year-old didn’t just limit his movement to the centre of the pitch either, he often drifted into wide areas to target the outer CBs. This intelligent movement destabilised the Chelsea defence as they didn’t know whether to mark him, engage, or to stand off him.

Whatever they tried, he found a way to manoeuvre around them. In a performance that caused Chelsea much harm, the former German international created 5 chances, completed 32 passes and attempted 3 shots on goal.

#2 Chelsea go with 3 at the back

Chelsea FC v FC Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

In a daring move to combat Bayern’s attacking prowess, Frank Lampard decided to deploy a back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger. In effect, Chelsea went man to man with Bayern’s front three, looking to mark them out the game.

That was the plan, but Bayern’s domination of possession would force the Blues into a back five at times. This allowed James to double up on Gnabry with Azpilicueta, rendering him ineffective at times. The few times Chelsea did enjoy attacking moments in the first half, they came through the wing-backs getting forward and running onto Olivier Giroud flick-ons.

Overall, Lampard’s decision to go with a back three backfired as Bayern were in return able to dominate the midfield, overloading Chelsea’s pivot. It was only in the 72nd minute that the Blues boss abandoned the system and reverted to a 4-3-3.

#1 The Alphonso Davies – David Alaba relationship

Chelsea FC v FC Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

A lot of Bayern Munich players will come out of this game knowing they sparkled at the Bridge, none more so than Alphonso Davies. The left-back spent the majority of his game flying up the left flank, leaving opposing players in his wake.

The 19-year-old also showcased his electric pace during a few defensive recoveries when caught out of position. The main reason Davies is afforded such freedom in his role is because of the on-pitch chemistry he has with David Alaba.

It wasn’t too long ago that Alaba was that full-back flying up the left flank causing havoc in the final third. Now the Austrian has developed into a more mature and conservative player as he’s been moulded into a centre-back.

Because he was so accustomed to being a left-back, Alaba knows how to position himself in order to cover for Davies when he ventures forward. The Austrian’s positioning nullified the threat of Chelsea counter-attacking when Davies found himself out of position.