Roma vs. Bayern Munich: Key Issues That Will Shape Champions League Game
The Champions League resumes this Tuesday and in Group E, leaders Bayern Munich will take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
The German champions thus far have edged Manchester City and CSKA Moscow each by 1-0 victories, earning a perfect record after two games. The 2013-14 Serie A runners-up hammered CSKA 5-1 before drawing 1-1 with City. They stand two points behind their guests but could lead the group after matchday three should they get the better of Tuesday's proceedings.
When Bayern and Roma last met, it was the 2010-11 Champions League group stage. Bayern won the first meeting 2-0, but blew an early 2-0 lead in the second meeting as Roma scored three consecutive second-half goals to claim the spoils. Both teams have changed significantly since then, but the match should be a heated contest in any case. Ahead of their meeting, B/R takes a closer look at the factors that could tip the scale in either team's direction.
Quickness of Roma's Aging Full-Backs
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Bayern's strength in attack has long come from the wings. Ever since Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben began to team up in the fall of 2009, they have been arguably the most deadly duo in the world. And although Ribery has spent much of this season injured and is a doubt to start on Tuesday, the in-form Mario Gotze has been sensational in his absence.
Bayern's wingers will likely face off against Europe's best full-backs of years past on Tuesday: Ashley Cole and Maicon. Both are 33 years of age, with the former turning 34 in December. Both have experienced a significant drop in their pace and explosiveness over the last year or two, which will leave them hugely disadvantaged against Bayern's quicker wingers, who are always eager to test their opponents in one-on-one scenarios.
It's entirely possible that Vasilis Torosidis will start in the Roma defense, but recent history of their lineups suggests that Maicon and Cole will be selected. And in either case, at least one aging full-back will almost undoubtedly play. Roma will have to team-up to defend on the wings if they are to salvage a good result.
Miralem Pjanic vs Xabi Alonso
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Bayern's wingers can only wreak havoc if they have the ball, and the responsibility of distributing it to them will lay on the shoulders of Xabi Alonso. The 32-year-old Spaniard has experienced somewhat of a personal renaissance since joining Bayern in August, but will face his biggest challenge yet as he goes head-to-head with Miralem Pjanic.
Having stated in 2012 (per Goal.com) that he would like to become Roma's version of Barcelona great Xavi, Pjanic has since developed into one of Europe's finest ball-players in deep areas of midfield. His technique and skill on the ball is exceptional, his distribution near-flawless.
Alonso is similarly skilled, although with nearly a decade more experience. He will aim to prove that he still has class to take on even a great midfielder in his prime. The 24-year-old Pjanic, on the other hand, will look to solidify his credentials as one of Europe's very best.
Totti's Magic
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Francesco Totti is a legend in Rome and one of a dying breed of footballers who even in their old age somehow find a way to turn games with a touch of class. Ryan Giggs and Raul were other examples of such players. Now 38 years old, Totti still is proving the doubters wrong.
In September, Totti scored an excellent goal to stun Manchester City, flicking the ball over Joe Hart's head with his first touch. It was a clinical, lethal finish. The veteran has played a direct part in a goal in both of Roma's Champions League matches this season and will be a big danger for Bayern if they don't keep an eye on him.
Perhaps it's his having not always played in the Champions League with Roma, perhaps it's a result of his having only a short international career, or maybe it's simply genetic. Whatever the reason, Totti has managed to keep his body in prime condition until an age long after most retire. Still capable as an athlete, the threat he poses as a striker remains as dangerous as it ever was.
Pace
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Aside from individual efforts and personal matchups, the overall speed of Tuesday's game could be crucial in determining the result. Roma have many aging veterans who lack the quickness and resilience they once had. Maicon is 33. Ashley Cole will be 34 in December, Seydou Keita 35 in January. Morgan de Sanctis is 37 and Francesco Totti 38. Roma are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2010-11; they aren't used to the burdens of playing both domestic and international football. Accordingly, it's predictable that they can be exposed in a game in which their opponents press and play at a frenetic pace.
Bayern played at such a pace in 2012-13, when they won the treble, and blitzed almost all opponents into submission. They've since used quick pressing and counterattacks as their primary strategy in some instances, but often have resorted to slow, calculated build-up that has left something to be desired especially in the Champions League.
If Guardiola presses his team to play to their strengths, they could blitz Roma into early submission. If not, or if Roma can set the pace, the Italians could well be quite comfortable, tactically. They managed to hold out for a draw against Manchester City, a much more athletic side, in their last Champions League match; a repeat against Bayern is entirely possible.
Form of Bayern's Matchwinners
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Regardless of how the scrap in midfield goes, Bayern's attackers will surely have at least a few opportunities to score. The important thing, as always in the Champions League, is whether they will take their chances when presented.
Pep Guardiola has a wide range of options available, with Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery all more than capable of winning even big Champions League matches on their own.
Depending on tactics, at least one or two of the above will have to be benched; the other three or four will have to prove they were worthy selections ahead of those left out of the starting XI. That could come in the form of goals, in which Gotze and Muller have each participated in 10 goals in 11 games , Robben five in seven games, Lewandowski seven in 11 games and Ribery one in a two brief substitute appearances.
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