Real Madrid reached their third straight Champions League final as they drew with Bayern Munich 2-2 on the night and won 4-3 on aggregate.
The visitors opened the scoring in the third minute through Joshua Kimmich who scored for the Bundesliga champions in the first leg as well.
However, Karim Benzema bagged a brace, taking advantage of a howler from Sven Ulreich for his second before James Rodriguez equalised for Bayern but Madrid were able to hold on.
STATS
Real Madrid
Goals – 2
Shots – 9
Possession – 41%
Tackles – 18
Dribbles – 12
Bayern Munich
Goals – 2
Shots – 21
Possession – 59%
Tackles – 16
Dribbles – 11
30-SECOND REPORT
Zidane
The Madrid boss set his side up in a 4-4-2 formation. Right from the start, they looked weak down the right with Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric down that side. However, they always posed a threat in attack.
Gareth Bale and Casemiro were introduced in the second half to shore up the midfield and make them more potent on the counter. In the end though, Madrid were holding on for dear life.
Heynckes
Heynckes deployed a 4-1-4-1 system with Thiago anchoring the midfield. The full-backs played advanced roles as they tried to take advantage of Madrid’s defensive woes and early on, it looked as if they could run away with the game.
Bayern bombarded Madrid’s defence but were denied on several occasions by some poor decision-making, brave blocks and fine goalkeeping. The aerial threats of Javi Martinez and Sandro Wagner were thrown into the mix in the closing stages.
Franck Ribery had the beating of Lucas Vazquez.
TACTICAL TALKING POINTS
Zidane
WEAKNESS LEFT EXPOSED
The full-backs were blatant areas of weakness for Madrid and Zidane did nothing to compensate. Vazquez started at right-back and was all over the shop, often needing Luka Modric to try and fail to cover for him. Franck Ribery and David Alaba ran riot on the left but lacked the final ball.
Meanwhile, Marcelo didn’t defend the cross for Bayern’s goal but his delivery set up Benzema and Ronaldo should’ve scored from another one of his crosses.
Heynckes
THIAGO ANCHOR
Heynckes’ decision to start with Corentin Tolisso instead of Javi Martinez raised a few eyebrows but it appeared to be the right call given the visitors were chasing the tie. The Frenchman brought more energy and attacking impetus to Bayern’s midfield with Thiago playing as the anchor.
The Spaniard was excellent in possession, dictating play for the away side but was also impressive from a defensive aspect, tracking runs and terminating counter attacks.
Thiago shone for Bayern.
VERDICT
Zidane
Sometimes it’s better to be a lucky coach than a good one. Zidane looked tactically found out but Real’s quality, last ditch defending and sheer belief saw them through.
Rating – 5/10
Heynckes
Set his side up perfectly who had 21 shots on the night and were easily the better team. Ultimately undone by Ulreich’s stunning howler at the start of the second half.
Rating – 7/10
