Why Arturo Vidal vs. Gabi Is the Key Bayern Munich vs. Atletico Madrid Battle
The second legs of the UEFA Champions League semi-final round look set to be tense, exciting affairs, and Tuesday's matchup between Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid is particularly intriguing.
With the Spanish side a goal up from the first leg, Bayern will look to dominate possession even more than they did in the first leg. They'll also rely on key players to create chances against Europe's top defence, probably including Thomas Muller from the start this time.
One Bayern player who could have had a greater impact on the first leg was Arturo Vidal; his ongoing battle with Gabi, the holding midfielder for Atleti, will be the pivotal focus in the second leg as Atleti look to make their second final appearance in three seasons.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
Gabi's Form
One of the stars of Atleti's surge in the second half of the season, Gabi has been in imperious form for several months, displaying his best mix of defensive protection and attack support.
While we recently discussed why he can remain a key part of the side for some time to come despite his advancing years, in this one-off match, he will be vital in shutting down the spaces in front of Atleti's back four, along with Augusto Fernandez.
The organisation and work rate of the Spanish club is legendary, and their penchant for keeping clean sheets—they haven't conceded a goal in the last 601 minutes of play—stems from the entire team working as a unit, not just the back four and goalkeeper. Gabi's ability to break up play, make challenges and win the ball or at least block off passing lanes to force teams wide is a key part of that.
Add in the fact the 32-year-old can pass well from deep to instigate counter-attacking opportunities—which Atleti will certainly need to release the pressure at some points—and his influence on the team will be enormous once again.
1st-Leg Threat
Bayern barely created anything of note until the final few minutes of the first leg, with Medhi Benatia heading at goal and Vidal himself wasting a chance as he ran into the area late on. Those efforts aside, an excellent but speculative shot from 40 yards by David Alaba was the only time Bayern even came close to scoring—hardly a "created" chance.
With little space between the lines and Jose Gimenez defending monstrously in the air against Robert Lewandowski, who was kept extremely quiet, it was those late runs into the box from Vidal that caused the most consternation for Diego Simeone's team.
There were two or three other instances when Vidal could have met cutbacks and loose ricochets if not for timely interceptions by Los Rojiblancos. The Chilean didn't stop running, worked hard to win the ball high upfield and did manage to escape to find the odd moment of danger in the area.
On most occasions and on the late chance in particular, he'd expect to have done better with his end product.
Bayern Offense
Bayern boss Pep Guardiola went with two wingers in the first leg, but they didn't have the desired effect to open up the game enough against Atleti's fantastic full-backs.
It's almost certain he'll have at least one on the pitch again, but if Muller comes into the XI, the boss has to decide between Douglas Costa, Kingsley Coman, Franck Ribery, Thiago Alcantara and even Mario Gotze, finding a balance between those who can find spaces in a crowded attacking third and those who will make those spaces with their movement.
Vidal is a must-start player, though, with his endless running and sometimes unstoppable surges deep into the box.
It's also worth noting his aggression and determination matching Gabi's could be vital for Bayern in a defensive capacity should they overcommit at any point and be hit on the break.
The second leg will be a tactical matchup, offence vs. defence for large spells, and rather than wizardry or individual skill on the ball, it would be no surprise to see Bayern's breakthrough, if it comes, arrive by way of movement and anticipation of the second ball.
Vidal is Bayern's key to ensuring that happens, and Gabi will be the patrolman on duty for Atleti to shut down those gaps just outside the box. One more clean sheet for his team, and they'll be headed to the final again.
