The data shows very clearly, the reception of Bayern at Etihad, Man City only holds the ball 44%, passes the ball less than the opponent, with 427 passes and an accuracy rate of only 82% compared to 558 passes with Bayern’s 87% accuracy rate. It is difficult to imagine a Pep team holding the ball less than the opponent. And if you don’t look at the results or watch the game, it’s easy to imagine a Man City game dominated by Bayern.
But no, Man City won 3-0 in a game Bayern made a lot of mistakes in defence. Coach Tuchel even criticized his student Upamecano for playing so badly. “He made too many mistakes today. He has two or three situations where he lacks concentration and makes too risky decisions,” the German strategist said in an interview right after the match.
Of course, mistakes in the defense have to blame the defenders and mistakes often come from players who have dropped in form. However, if City did not apply enough pressure, the Bayern defenders did not make a mistake. The pressure is made up of a grating that exerts intense pressure on the high altitude Haaland-Silva-Grealish.
Haaland did not touch the ball much, but his protective body and terrifying speed constantly shook the Bayern defense. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva plays with excitement and aggression. The small Portuguese player caused a disturbance in the opponent’s defense with his tireless breakthrough efforts and robberies. In addition, he was the author of the assist pass for Rodri to score the opener and achieve 88% pass accuracy.
Finally, Jack Grealish can be likened to a “back striker” – a defender who plays in an attacking position. This player is famous for his ability to dribble, but the highlight of the past time at Man City is his ability to chase, pressurize and compete for the ball with opposing defenders. Grealish went from artist to soldier when he received a yellow card in the 15th minute, but his fighting spirit did not cool down until the last minute.
In the 14th minute, Haaland entered the 5m50 ring and almost won the ball in the foot of goalkeeper Sommer. When the ball lightly touched the Norwegian striker’s foot after the Swiss goalkeeper’s frantic clearance, any Bayern supporter felt a thrill. In the 50th minute, it was Grealish’s turn to catch the ball in the foot of goalkeeper Sommer and create a chaotic situation later, ending with Haaland’s shot. In the 70th minute, the goal doubled the difference.
Therefore, it can be said that the intense high-pressing scenes with the Haaland-Silva-Grealish trio are the key to defeating Man City’s Bayern, or visually, the trio of tons This attack is like Pep Guardiola’s iron net to catch a tiger.
