Players, fans and FC Bayern officials are delighted with the 1-0 win against FC Arsenal and their progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League. FCB President Herbert Hainer praised Thomas Tuchel in particular for his tactical masterpiece against the Gunners.
There were certainly quite a few Bayern fans who were astonished by Munich’s starting line-up against Arsenal yesterday. Thomas Tuchel made the somewhat surprising decision to start Noussair Mazraoui at left-back in place of the suspended Alphonso Davies. The trained right-back was one of Bayern’s best players and not only proved solid in defence against Bukayo Saka, but also repeatedly made his mark in attack.
In addition to Mazraoui, Tuchel also used a second tactical trick in the form of Raphaël Guerreiro on the left wing. The Portuguese replaced veteran Thomas Müller on the substitutes‘ bench and made a big impact. Guerreiro repeatedly supported Mazraoui in his defensive duties. The 30-year-old also set up Joshua Kimmich’s 1:0 with a perfect cross.
„It worked like a charm“
While Bayern were very defensive in the first half and often allowed Arsenal to take the initiative, they became much bolder after the break and were rewarded with the winning goal from Kimmich.
President Herbert Hainer believes that Thomas Tuchel played a big part in Bayern’s progression to the semi-finals: „I wasn’t afraid, Arenal are a very strong team with a lot of pace and ball security. But we put up a good fight. I think Thomas Tuchel did an excellent job today. It was a tactical masterstroke from him. Moving Nous Mazraoui over to the left and doubling up with Guerreiro against Saka also worked brilliantly,“ he emphasised after the game in the mixed zone of the Allianz Arena.
