Tactical Analysis: Bayern Munich vs. Barcelona

Two of Europe's biggest titans took on each other for a spot in the Champions League semi-finals on Friday. Both teams had sacked their managers and appointed a new manager midway through the season, but their fortunes couldn't be more different. Since joining as manager in November, Hans-Dieter Flick had revived Bayern's ailing season, with the Bavarians winning the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal and Flick earning a contract extension until 2023.

On the other hand, Quique Setién had replaced Ernesto Valverde in January, when the Catalan side was still in first place, and after a promising initial weeks, Barcelona fell apart. They lost the league title to Real Madrid and crashed out of the Copa del Rey to Athletic Club. By the time Barcelona kicked off against Bayern at the Estádio da Luz, it seemed that Setién's departure was a mere formality, no matter what happened in Lisbon.

Line-ups

Bayern Munich lined up in their standard 4-2-3-1 which was very flexible depending on which phase the team was in. Joshua Kimmich was deployed at right back due to Benjamin Pavard's injury, allowing Leon Goretkza to partner Thiago in midfield. Robert Lewandowski was at the tip of the attack, looking to build on his impressive tally of 13 goals in seven Champions League games this season.