After every Champions League matchday, theScore highlights 10 marquee takeaways from Europe’s preeminent club competition.
Bayern’s Flick cementing case to see out the year
Since Hansi Flick was appointed caretaker following Niko Kovac’s dismissal, Bayern Munich have won four matches in all competitions by a combined scoreline of 16-0. The 4-0 win over supposed Bundesliga threateners Borussia Dortmund is the feather in Flick’s rented cap in terms of opponent quality.
It doesn’t hurt that Robert Lewandowski is in the form of his life – he recorded the swiftest quartet of goals in tournament history during Tuesday’s 6-0 battering of Red Star – but Flick has displayed a keen eye for rotating systems and players, pirouetting between 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 4-1-4-1 formations to great results. Carefree and dynamic, Bayern are having heaps of fun.
Just two shots on target conceded in four matches under Flick – that’s obscene. Bayern may fancy extending Flick’s festive-period departure date, especially if Mauricio Pochettino wants the rest of the season off.
Valverde’s industry emboldens Real Madrid
Real Madrid‘s Federico Valverde announced himself to many of those unfamiliar with the 21-year-old’s virtues on Tuesday versus Paris Saint-Germain. The Uruguayan …read more