This had the pretensions of being a quality tie between two heavyweight contenders. A repeat of the never-to-be-forgotten 2012 Champions League Final. However; when all was said and done; it was Bayern Munich who showed their true power; exposing Chelsea with a ruthlessness and clinicality that marked out exactly why they are one of the favourites for this season's Champions League crown.
I think Frank Lampard may have been a bit overwhelmed in this white-hot Champions League atmosphere. Even though it seemed pretty obvious that his team were struggling for control & possession; he refused to change their inept 3-4-3 formation; maybe blinded by the fact it was still 0-0 at half-time.
Bayern had the chances and must have been disappointed not to be ahead at the break; with chief striker Robert Lewandowski and partner-in-crime Thomas Muller both denied good chances. Chelsea did have chances too; but they were not as clear-cut and as was the theme all-night; their crosses were just unable to find their mark.
Cue the second half; and Bayern turned up the electricity down the left-flank and then some. Ex-Arsenal man Serge Gnabry took advantage of a rare slip by Cesar Azpilicueta; before releasing Lewandowski who cut back a beautiful return ball for Gnabry to fire home. Only three minutes later; the same combination came up again; with the two exchanging double one-twos before Gnabry strode on to score precisely past Willy Caballero. The former Arsenal reject; almost the 'forgotten man' in his miserable loan spell at West Bromwich Albion; now looks the real article; combining power and purpose in a quite-superb season for the German champions.
With Chelsea desperate for something; they brought on Willian & Pedro; and they did look better after switching to a 4-3-3 formation. However; it was Bayern who would not be denied on this night; as imperious left-back Alphonso Davies turned up the burners to beat three Chelsea defenders for dead; before crossing exquisitely for Lewandowski to finish off. Not just the game; but it now looks the tie itself could well be dead and buried.
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