Bayern Munich’s Form Conjures Up Treble-Winning Memories
By Douglas Smith
@DFresh39
Getty Images
Despite ever-changing formations and the three-man back line still showing up on graphics, the constant tinkering that Pep Guardiola has done with Bayern Munich paid off in their dismantling of AS Roma in the Champions League. It helps that Bayern bought a few more players to overcome injury woes in the midfield and sure up the flanks. Perhaps Pep should stop looking for something else to change as the team is again one of the most feared teams in Europe. It did not take long for the team to start running on all cylinders. Bayern Munich’s current form make them a threat to win another treble.
Until Roma scored a goal in the second half on Tuesday, Bayern had went 813 competitive minutes without giving up a goal. It was the first time since Aug. 30 that the opposition scored. The back line combination of Jerome Boateng, Juan Bernat, Mehdi Benatia, Dante and David Alaba have been up to the task when challenged. Of course, it helps to have Manuel Neuer in net. He made a point blank save in the match on Tuesday that had many calling him the best keeper in the world, which is not an unfamiliar superlative.
The defense is not called upon that much when the offense is able to generate seven goals as was the case in the match against Roma. The speed and ruthlessness of the attack was breathtaking as pinpoint shots were matched by spot-on crosses. Even collapsing defenses cannot keep Bayern from working magic around the area. They have now scored 17 goals in the last three matches. The ability to keep the ball in attack affords Alaba the chance to roam that keeps the image of a three-man back line in play.
Recent performances are reminiscent of the team that won the treble in 2012-13. Consecutive clean sheets and offensive outbursts have put them four points up in the Bundesliga and comfortably in first in their Champions League Group. The respective seasons are still young, but this team is firmly in the discussion for winning their league, Champions League and the DFB Pokal.
Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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