Four Observations from Bayern Munich's 2-0 Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise

"Few were expecting Bayern Munich to not steamroll Union Saint-Gilloise. As it happened, though, the Belgian outfit did a Leipzig (relentless pressure) and a Gladbach (sitting back and counter attacking) and made the Bavarians work for the win. A brace from Harry Kane, one from the spot, proved enough for the Rekordmeister to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. This ensured that they will bypass the dreaded play-offs."

"When the lineups came out, most fans thought that it was Aleksandar Pavlović and Tom Bischof in midfield with Raphaël Guerreiro and Joshua Kimmich as the left and right sided fullbacks. Instead, it was Guerreiro on the right, Bischof on the left, and Pavlović and Kimmich in midfield. This was baffling to see. There aren't many fit senior players who can play right-back save for Guerreiro but even then he's not that good a defender."

"If, and that's a big IF, Kimmich explicitly ruled himself playing at right-back, then shame on him. A few years ago, he said that he doesn't mind playing anywhere but lately he has been hard-headed about playing in midfield. Never mind him positively influencing the match, this implies that he values his status more than the likes of an up-and-comer like Bischof. The compatibility of Pavlović and Bischof is an entirely different conversation."

Bayern Munich struggled to dominate Union Saint-Gilloise as the Belgian side used intense pressing and compact counter-attacks, forcing Bayern to work for a narrow win. Harry Kane scored a brace, including a penalty, securing Bayern's place in the Champions League last 16 and avoiding play-offs. The starting lineup surprised observers, with Raphaël Guerreiro deployed at right-back and Tom Bischof on the left, while Aleksandar Pavlović and Joshua Kimmich occupied midfield. Questions arose about Kimmich's insistence on midfield, Bischof's suitability as a fullback, and defensive vulnerabilities that Vincent Kompany should reassess. Olise provided a key assist.

Read at Bavarian Football Works