FC Bayern loses significantly at FC Barcelona. The dismantling in the Champions League shows that the club is currently reaching the limit with its new playing system. And the maturity is missing. Now there is an enormous danger.
This bitter evening must give FC Bayern something to think about. The 4-1 defeat at FC Barcelona was already his second defeat in the young Champions League season. And a dismantling. A humiliation that raises questions. A game that reveals the dangers and risks of coach Vincent Kompany’s playing system. A defeat that will cause discussions in and around the club.
Bayern were duped by the team of their former coach Hans-Dieter “Hansi” Flick. After the 4-0 win against VfB Stuttgart in the top game of the Bundesliga, this is a setback. Three points from three preliminary round games in the premier class – this result has little to do with “Mia san Mia”. The club doesn’t live up to its expectations on Europe’s biggest stage. He deserved to lose.
The German football record champion dreams of a “Finale at home”, of taking part in the 2025 final in Munich. The people of Munich are a long way from achieving this goal. To triumph in the biggest club competition, you need a different face. After the 0-1 loss at Aston Villa and the defeat in Barcelona, they currently have to worry about direct qualification for the round of 16.
In Spain it became clear that the courageous Kompany game system is not (yet) mature enough for the very high international level. The game was a test of maturity. FC Bayern didn’t pass it. The people of Munich are reaching their limits with their current orientation. Also because Barcelona did it very well and was extremely effective. And because the basics weren’t right.
Bayern lacked cleverness in outnumbered situations. In a game “with an open visor,” as Joshua Kimmich called it, in which both teams pressed and stood very high, his team made too many mistakes, played too improperly and was punished severely for it.
It’s enough in the Bundesliga – even though Bayern haven’t won all of their top games so far. In the premier class there is so much quality on the opposing side that Kompany’s team offers too much to win such games. See Barcelona’s Raphina as an example, who scored three goals against Bayern. Due to Munich’s high pressing, gaps emerged which Barcelona exploited coldly. The central defenders Minjae Kim and Dayot Upamecano are currently lacking top form to make a positive difference in such games. As a duo, they have not yet been able to prove that they can be a defensive team ready for a Champions League title. Bayern need world class in these positions. The two are currently not – although the referee’s decision to continue playing in Kim’s duel before the 1:2 was controversial.
But it’s not just them. There was a lot of space behind Barcelona’s defensive line in the first half. Bayern could have won the game with deep passes. Harry Kane was initially very good in the game and had a lot of freedom. But his team lacks defensive stability when facing teams with speed and effectiveness as strengths at this level. And the Munich team didn’t make enough of their opportunities in midfield and attack.
The pressure on Kompany and his Bayern increased enormously this Wednesday evening. He and his team have to learn the right lessons from the game. Unless they quickly become more mature, more confident and, above all, more successful internationally, FC Bayern’s dream of a final will soon be over.
