As anticipated by Thomas Tuchel, Real Madrid’s goals can strike from nowhere, illustrated by the assistance of Toni Kroos which Bayern Munich were unable to mitigate. Tuchel, the German coach, had acknowledged the difficulty of predicting these instances ahead of this paramount European clash. He spoke of periods within the game where one may feel highly attuned and in sync with the match, replaying and interpreting various elements while perceiving no imminent threat from the 14-time winners. It’s only upon reviewing the game there comes the shocking realisation of how a goal was scored after seemingly insignificant 5 to 10 seconds.
In this case, Tuchel was able to identify the exact moment his defence made a mistake. It all began with Kroos, both physically in the centre-field and mentally by artfully misleading opponents; pretending to go nowhere, while cryptically signalling Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian forward player. Within moments, a massive channel was open for Vinícius to seamlessly manoeuvre through, beyond Kim Min-jae, making a clean finish look easy.
Vinícius credited his goal to Kroos’ “gifting” after the match, hailing their partnership as effective due to their familiarity with one another. According to him, Kroos has the skill to effortlessly transform complex plays, which was evident 24 minutes into the game with their first shot. Interestingly, this occurred when Bayern had already shot seven times.
In essence, this scenario reflects what Tuchel had cautioned regarding Madrid’s strategy, particularly their performance in the Champions League since 2010-11. Despite having fewer shots than their rivals 25 times, they have only lost nine times and exceeded their xG in 24 knockout games, showcasing their unique prowess which both they, and their opponents, are acutely aware of.
Can one experience the chilling touch of inevitability, just 39 seconds in? Or perhaps after five minutes and 46 seconds? Or about six minutes and 51 seconds? Or maybe at the eight-minute, 30-second mark? When taking on Madrid, it seems quite probable – these were the precise times at which Bayern launched their initial four strikes, the earliest courtesy of Leroy Sané, who was left alone by Harry Kane – and an eerie sense of familiarity was felt when none were successful.
Persistent Bayern, with efforts from Jamal Musiala, Kane and Thomas Müller, found Madrid robust, with no room to breach, until Kroos took charge. It wasn’t simply the successful pass, even though it was instrumental in bringing them back into the game. It was his resolve to command, the composed execution, the respect he commands, akin to owning his distinct turf where others are disallowed. By the break, only a single pass had been unsuccessful. Upon his exit, he had managed 79 successful passes out of a total of 82. None had performed better.
The crucial delivery provided Madrid with an advantage and a lifeline at a time when they were overwhelmed once more – a beautifully balanced pass that was, admittedly, enabled by Bayern and specifically Kim. However, Bayern did not succumb to inevitability, establishing a lead which Madrid then had to conquer. Vinícius had the most pivotal role, netting two scores and the “assist” leading to the penalty for the second goal.
Yet, it was Kroos, playing against the team he devoted eight years to, who refused to let the game slip away, reminding us that beyond the allure, luck and valour, lies something distinct: expertise. Something that at times, like the 13-year-old boots he relentlessly wears, pressuring his sponsor to tailor-make these unique tools just for him, appears outdated.
Following Madrid’s defeat last year, it was speculated Kroos, alongside Luka Modric, might withdraw from the team. The transition was expected to fast-track, and desire was expressed by Carlo Ancelotti for understanding from his experienced players. Having started the season off, Kroos was not on the starting team and thought about quitting, a decision he still contemplates. He keeps his plan about his looming departure, in two months, undiscussed, to which the only plea could be to hold him back. The coach currently hails him as “indispensable,” even on his off days.
However, in a recent Champions League semi-final match, surrounded by the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinícius, Musiala and Kane, he seemed effortlessly at ease. “That’s typical of him; there’s nothing surprising. We aimed for improved game control, and he does that exceptionally,” remarked Ancelotti. Although he may not be the fastest, that’s what players like Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni are around for and his passing skill is unmatched. In the contest, nobody has a higher completion rate. Juan Román Riquelme compared him with Roger Federer envisioning that “He could put on a display, play, and return home without even needing a bath: He doesn’t perspire, doesn’t soil his clothes, doesn’t have to push himself excessively.” He just guides the direction, ineffably noticeable on the screen, one person noting what Bayern Munich failed to see. – The Guardian