Why Attack Will Be the Best Tactic for Bayern Munich vs. Juventus

Bayern Munich head into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie with Juventus on Wednesday with a big advantage.

Although they may have been disappointed to have blown a 2-0 lead in Turin in the first leg, the fact they scored two away goals in a 2-2 draw leaves them in the better position as the home leg approaches.

In order to advance, Bayern will not need to win: A scoreless or 1-1 draw will suffice. Only in the event of a rather high-scoring 2-2 draw will their progress be put in doubt by extra time, while only an extremely rare home defeat or similarly uncommon draw in which they concede three or more goals will be enough to automatically eliminate Pep Guardiola and company.

From the point of kick-off, the clock will begin to tick down until Bayern advance; the impetus will be on Juve to change that. 

Many teams would see that the 2-2 draw in Turin is enough and simply sit back and defend the lead. But as tempting as it might be, this Bayern team aren't quite equipped to drop back and defend outside their penalty box; with Joshua Kimmich, Philipp Lahm and Juan Bernat all 1.76 meters tall or less, their back line is far too short.

This does not mean Bayern cannot defend, but they may approach the game differently from their usual, aggressive style.

We caught a bit of a preview of the Juve game just over a week ago when Bayern visited Borussia Dortmund. Holding a five-point lead in the table and knowing that only a defeat would give the hosts any chance of winning the Bundesliga, Guardiola had his team play a more balanced game than usual.

He typically fields an extremely aggressive lineup and approaches every game like he is desperate to win, but in that away match, he decided to pull back just a bit.

Bayern played a kind of containment game, somewhat reminiscent of Jupp Heynckes' treble-winning side. Their attack was extremely dangerous, yet it was built upon the foundation of a strong and well-organized defense.

Kimmich and David Alaba's susceptibility to crosses was not exploited primarily because Dortmund hardly had chances to cross the ball. Bayern were patient and held possession when they needed to but always showed just enough venom in moving the ball up the pitch to stop BVB from throwing players forward.

In that match, Bayern's defense held firm, and the Bundesliga leaders secured a scoreless draw. But despite only needing the score they were given at kick-off, they attacked. And the threat they posed terrified their opponents, who were ultimately fortunate not to have conceded: On balance, Bayern had earned the better chances to score.

Luca Bruno/Associated Press

Facing off against Juve on Wednesday, Bayern would be wise to adopt a similar approach. They should attack, if not all-out. A containment game in which they hold the ball and control the tempo with good positional play is the best way.

And when Juve let their guard down or become frustrated from failed attacks, Bayern can show their attacking might.

Conceding first could change everything from Bayern's perspective, which is another reason why thinking to attack might be wiser than not. Sitting deep will give Juve chances to use their enormous height advantage, and conceding first to a team as defensively strong as the Italian giants would force Bayern to open themselves and become very vulnerable on the counterattack.

Better instead to play for the midfield territory and, on occasion, attack to scare the visitors off. With Bayern's wide range of supremely talented attacking threats, they are bound to get a goal sooner or later, and only one could well kill off the tie.

For Bayern, the best defense against Juve will be a good offense.

@Mr_Bundesliga