Bayern Munich dealt Arsenal a huge blow in a 5-1 victory against the English club earlier last week in the UEFA Champions League. The victory, combined with the Bavarian’s triumph in the first leg at the Alliaz Arena, meant that the Bavarians sent the North London club out of the competition by an aggregate of 10-2; the worst defeat for an English club in the history of the Champions League.
Arsene Wenger’s side were brutalized and torn apart methodically by Carlo Ancelotti’s men in what was one of the best halves of football they have played this campaign. As they are getting nearer to the end of the match, you wouldn’t be faulted for thinking they were going through training. That’s how cheap the German side made it look on Tuesday night.
The way that the Bundesliga giants performed against Arsenal over the two legs, the clinical edge that reveal, it is certain to have sent a calm down the spines of the opponents who will be waiting in the upcoming rounds. After starting the season slowly, Ancelotti’s side are looking like the team they were meant to be and here are three talking points why they could be winner of the prestigious trophy this season:
Carlo Ancelotti’s Experience
When a team have a manager who has been there, seen it all, and done it all in your duguout, it is natural that there is a sense of confidence in the team. With the former Real Madrid manager on the sidelines, there is assurance for his players that they can do it.
The Italian boss is one of the most successful manager across Europe and has registered a lot of success in the Champions League. He led AC Milan to two Champions League victory back in 2002-03 and 2006-07. And most recently, he guided his previous side Real Madrid to the difficult “La Decima” – the Los Blancos tenth Champions League triumph, in 2013-14. Such is the work of the 57-year-old manager, that he is widely regarded as the competition specialist.
Having a manager such as him to guide the team through the competition, a manager with so much registered success rather than failure with the experience and the know-how makes a huge difference to the team. This has reflected in his side’s journey so far in the Champions League this season. With Ancelotti’s on Bayern’s sidelines, it definitely pros Bayern.
Poland’s International, Robert Lewandowski
When a successful manager in Europe is equipped with the calibre of the best talisman around the world, the results will be match made in heaven. Munich are blessed to have the combination of Ancelotti and Robert Lewandowski.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Polish forward is one of the most feared and sought after strikers in the world of football. The fact that Lewandowski is at the peak of his career is bound to send threats to the opposing side. At 28-year-old, Lewandowski has bagged 31 goals for the Bundesliga giants this season and seven out of those goals have come in his eight Champions League appearances.
His predatory skills in front of goal and his ability to keep on scoring make him a priceless gem to have in the team. The reigning Bundesliga champions are extremely lucky to have him in their ranks. Lewandowski has come close to the Champions League medal before, but this season, he could lead Bayern to European glory.
The Supporting Squad Should Not Be Forgotten
Bayern Munich have quality on the field and quality on the bench.
Undeniably, it’s a well known fact that Robert Lewandowski is a goal-machine who never stops scoring. But for him to keep his superb performances at bay, there needs to be support on the pitch and he enjoys that with Bayern in plenty.
Inclusion of two devastating wingers in the pack such as Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben are blessing for the Bavarians, who can bag plenty of goals for themselves whilst creating plenty of chances. Then in the team we have the ever talented Thomas Muller waiting in the ranks, along with the likes of Kingsley Coman, Franck Ribery, who can all come in and contribute largely to the team when needed.
In the midfield pack, they have the likes of Xabi Alonso, Arturo Vidal, and Thiago Alcantara has the perfect blend of experience and the quality of growing profusely to help his side achieve their dreams.
Clubs striving for the Champions League trophy need quality on the field and quality on the bench, and one cannot deny that Bayern possess that in plenty. Apart from this, they have the perfect tactician in-charge in Ancelotti to bring the club another Champions League trophy.