Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid : Five things we learned

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MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 03: Gabi (C) of Atletico Madrid is challenged by Xabi Alonso (L) and Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich during UEFA Champions League semi final second leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Club Atletico de Madrid at Allianz Arena on May 3, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

3. Bayern’s midfield controlled the park

Unlike the first leg, Bayern Munich’s midfield duo of Xabi Alonso and Arturo Vidal had good games and kept Bayern Munich competitive throughout the second leg. Alonso scored a fantastic free kick goal to start off things in the 31st minute. He went under the wall and there was nothing Oblak could do about it. It was a goal only a few can score and it brought back memories of Ronaldo scoring that same exact goal against Bayern in the semi-finals a few years ago. Maybe Alonso, who was on Real Madrid when they beat Bayern in the semi’s and went on to win the final, had some inspiration from his former teammate.

Vidal was all over the park in the central midfield role as he pushed himself up forward. The Chilean has a great motor and could run for all 90 minutes and that is exactly what he did. He even helped on the second goal to help Bayern Munich get back in the tie and take the lead at 2-1 in the game. Coming off a cross, the Chilean found himself in front of goal and headed it back in front of Lewandowski, who had a wide open net and headed the second goal of the night for the German giants.

Although they lost the game, Bayern Munich had the better midfield on the night.

Next: 2. Atletico on the counterattack

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