“If this defensive stability continues, it is possible that Bayern’s defense under Kompany’s tutelage could become his masterpiece.”
“Bayern Munich’s defense is becoming coach Vincent Kompany’s signature work,” Germany’s Allgemeine Zeitung reported on Sunday.
Bayern Munich defeated SL Benfica 1-0 on Sunday at 5:15 a.m. at the Fusball-Arena Munich in Munich, Germany, in the fourth leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League Phase 4 tie.
With the win, Bayern moved to six points (D2, L2) and into 17th place in the standings, ahead of Real Madrid (18th).
Bayern Munich lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Harry Kane was up front, with Serge Gnabry-Jamal Musalla-Michael Oliseh in the second line. João Palinha-Joshua Kimmich lined up in the middle, while Alfonso Davies-Kim Min-jae-Dayo Upamecano-Konrad Reimer formed the back four. Manuel Neuer was in goal.
Bayern came into the game in desperate need of a win after back-to-back defeats against Aston Villa and FC Barcelona. With only three points from the back-to-back losses, the Bavarians were in danger of missing out on qualification, having slipped to 25th place, above the 24th place cutoff for the round of 16.
Bayern took control of the game from the start, with Benfica sitting tight at the back and looking for counterattacks. Kane’s 32nd-minute effort was saved by Trouin, and Gnabry’s 38th-minute effort was also saved by Trouin as the first half ended 0-0.
In the second half,
Bayern’s offense intensified. In the 13th minute of the second half, Reimer had a golden opportunity, but his shot went wide of the post, and Leroy Sane’s left-footed effort was saved by Trouin.
Kim Min-jae’s defense was particularly strong. In the 20th minute, Benfica attacked on the counterattack and Kim Min-jae and Benfica’s Cesc Fabregas found themselves one-on-one, but Kim made a precise tackle to clear the ball away.
Bayern took the lead in the 22nd minute through Mkhitaryan’s header. Kane’s cross from Zane’s cross was headed in by Mkhitaryan, who finished it off.
With Bayern in control, Benfica pushed for an equalizer, 메이저사이트 but were unable to break through the defense led by Kim Min-jae. The game ended with Bayern holding on for a 1-0 victory.
Playing the full match, Kim completed 113 passes, all of which found their way to a teammate, for a 100% passing success rate, while also making four successful tackles, one crucial tackle, three clearances, one interception, and four ball recoveries.
He also made his presence felt in the offense, winning 14 balls in the final third and completing 100% of his passes in the middle and long range.
“Bayern kept a clean sheet for the fourth consecutive game,” said German Lahn. The defense, which was often criticized, has now become Kompany’s signature. It is reminiscent of the Pep Guardiola era.”
“It was a tough game for the Bayern Munich attack. Benfica’s deep and compact defense was a major obstacle for the Bavarians who were looking for chances. Individual performances were needed to decide the game. The ‘mighty’ Leroy Sane came off the bench and Mkhitaryan’s header secured the 1-0 victory,” he said.
He went on to emphasize the importance of defense.
“It was a victory that was only possible because Bayern’s defense stood out. ‘We have already been playing a very stable game and our two center backs have been outstanding in recent weeks,’ Kompany said, referring to Kim Min-Jae and Upamecano.”
“According to the ‘couch score’, Kim won all six of his contests and Upamecano was also solid. Of course, both players were criticized for conceding three goals against Frankfurt and four against Barcelona. “At the time, Kim Min-jae was too easy to get off the defense and Upamecano was not good in contests.
“Bayern’s defense has gradually stabilized under Kompany. Kim Min-jae and Upamecano are also playing important roles despite the difficulties they face in the high defense. In particular, defensive midfielder João Palinha is a big contributor to Bayern’s stable defense. He tackles the ball well, supports the defense from deep, and sometimes gets up high to counter-press. Thanks to performances like this, Bayern have kept four clean sheets in their last four games,” he said, praising the defense of Kim, Upamecano and Palinha.
“Of course, there is some criticism of the defensive tactics of the teams Bayern have faced recently, but it is encouraging to see that Bayern are now conceding the fewest shots on target (5.7) in the Bundesliga and are showing stability at the back. Kompany deserves credit for this change, and the progress he has made in such a short space of time is reinvigorating the Bayern defense.”
“The more cautious approach at the back has strengthened the team’s defense, and the overly harsh criticism of Kim Min-jae and Upamecano needs to be reconsidered. If this defensive stability continues, Bayern’s defense under Kompany’s tutelage could become his signature piece.”