Bayern Pressing Game

This weeks analysis focuses on Bayern Munich and their recent destruction of Barcelona.

So much was made in this game in regards the intensity of Bayern Munich in their pressing game which was helped by poor Barcelona attacking play.

For so many goals in this game I wanted to feature key moments that lead to Bayern winning the ball back time and time again.

Key features:

-High pressure on Goalkicks: Very aggressive, and looked to force Barcelona into long passes where Bayern would dominate in the air

-Cut the field- if Ball played back to keeper look to force one side to where Bayern had numbers

-Preventing players from turning

-Look to swarm opponent with great intensity

-Mid-low block adopted a 1442 shape with Muller joining Lewandowski up top

-Prevent central balls and force wide or back

Due to the high line Bayern were vulnerable in behind but Messi and Suarez did not have the speed to mach Bayerns backline especially with Alaba and Davies.

Manuel Neuer also maintained a high line and was able to rush put and sweep up any danger if need be

This can be a risky aggressive strategy but with so much speed in the back line Bayern trust themselves to win ball back.

In transition Bayern Munich focused on:

-If on play forward and quickly

-Exploit gaps left in Barcelona line (especially on left side where Persisic had a lot of joy)

-If forward pass unavailable look to recycle ball and play into areas of low pressure

Bayern were simply devastating in this game. Had Saurez or Messi converted an earlier chance it might have had an affect but Bayern Munich were too strong overall and deservedly have gone on to become European Champions.