FC Bayern Munich-Olympique Lyonnais: Talking Points and Observations

The match in the Allianz Arena between Bayern Munich and Lyon yesterday finished with Bayern winning 1-0, despite both Jeremy Toulalan and Franck Ribery being sent off.

Arjen Robben scored the only goal, which took a deflection off Thomas Muller, so Bayern have the advantage—for now.

Talking Points

1. Franck Ribery deserved to be punished for his tackle on Lisandro, but did he deserve to be sent off considering that Lisandro came back to the pitch moments later, almost unhurt?

Yes. He seems to be cracking under the pressure since stories emerged in the French press that he was part of a scandal involving a prostitution network, and it is affecting his performance on the pitch.

2. Did Jeremy Toulalan deserve to get a red card for his actions?

Yes. The first foul on Robben undoubtedly deserved a yellow. In my opinion the second foul on Schweinsteiger deserved a yellow as well and so he deserved a red.

3. Should the goal have been awarded to Arjen Robben? Robben's effort was undoubtedly brilliant; however, Thomas Muller seemed to head the ball, thus changing the direction of the shot. Hugo Lloris might have saved it had it not been for the deflection off Muller.

Observation

1. For the first time since Matchday Five in the group stages against Maccabi Haifa, Bayern failed to score twice or more than twice against an opponent. Bayern also kept a clean sheet for the first time since that match.

2. Martin Demichelis had a brilliant match and completed 93 percent of his passes. Bayern passed the ball more than 400 times. Philipp Lahm was the player with the highest number of passes.

3. Mario Gomez has not yet justified his price tag. Arjen Robben almost cost the same amount. I don't think I need to add to these two sentences.

4. Bayern's wastefulness was appalling. Ivica Olic, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez, and Daniel Van Buyten all had one thing in common last night: They all missed chances in the penalty area.

5. Schweinsteiger played as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, and striker last night. He was incredible and ran over 1,1700 metres—more than any player.

Bayern's wastefulness might eventually cost them. Will FCB make it through to the final or will Lyon turn up the heat at the Stade de Gerland? Next Tuesday, an intriguing encounter awaits every football fan. Nothing is yet decided and Bayern will have to stop looking forward to the final.

I will end with Director of Sport at Bayern, Christian Nerlinger's post-match comments: “We’ll see a very different Lyon at home. It’s a tough task. But we’re confident enough to say that our target is Madrid.”