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Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid : Five things to look for

By Vijay Vemu

Atletico Madrid players celebrate after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Malaga CF at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on April 23, 2016. / AFP / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid players celebrate after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs Malaga CF at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on April 23, 2016. / AFP / JAVIER SORIANO (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images) /
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BERLIN, GERMANY – APRIL 23: Arturo Vidal of Muenchen celebrates scoring his goal during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on April 23, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY – APRIL 23: Arturo Vidal of Muenchen celebrates scoring his goal during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Olympiastadion on April 23, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

3. Arturo Vidal vs. Gabi in the midfield

This will be the matchup as two very physical players in Arturo Vidal takes on Atletico Madrid captain in Gabi. Both are similar players in terms of their physical style and willingness to make a tackle. Vidal gives more on the offensive end but Gabi’s leadership skills make up for the lack of offensive power on his side. Both will look to control the midfield for their respective teams and it will determine who has control in this game. Their way of controlling the midfield will be different.

For Vidal and Bayern Munich, controlling possession will be key and dictating the pace of game through lulling your opponent to sleeping with an outrageous number of passes will help them. The more chaotic and frantic the game is, the more it favors Atletico Madrid who thrive on making life uncomfortable for their opponents. If Vidal can sit right above the final third and help pick out defense splitting passes, Bayern can certainly score a couple of goals in this first leg.

For Gabi, it will be more defensively and disrupting play. Making life tough for their opponents on offense is what Atletico Madrid do best. They will chase you down and block any incoming shot.

Next: 2. Atletico counterattack

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