Bayern Munich: Takeaways from 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava | OneFootball

On Wednesday night, Bayern Munich finished the league phase of the revamped European Champions League with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich entered the match intent on winning by as much as eight goals, if possible, to boost their chances of cracking the top eight in the table to qualify directly for the knock-out stage of the competition. However, as fate would have it, based on results elsewhere on the night, no number of goals would have been enough for the host team to finish the league phase in the top eight. Let us now take a look at some key takeaways from Bayern’s 3-1 win against Slovan Bratislava.

Surprising changes to starting XI and formation

Just when one might have thought that coaches had Vincent Kompany figured out, the Bayern coach sprung the surprises with some of his selections in the starting XI.

With his side on the hunt for goals Kompany set up his men in an attacking 4-1-4-1 formation. Manuel Neuer in goal was expected. However, starting Joshua Kimmich, in place of the injured Dayot Upamecano, at center-back alongside Kim Min-jae was a surprise to say the least, along with Sacha Boey at right-back and Josip Stanisic at left-back.

Aleksandar Pavlovic played as a single midfield pivot. In attack, lone striker Harry Kane was supported centrally by a double-ten pairing of Thomas Muller and Michael Olise. Support from the wide attacking positions came from Leroy Sané on the right wing and, the biggest surprise of them all, Mathys Tel on the left flank. The young French forward is expected to leave Bayern before the end of the winter transfer window.