Before the first leg of the Champions League semi-final between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena, Thomas Tuchel had many compliments for Los Blancos. Experts also rated Carlo Ancelotti's team as better, but the "Gray Tigers" still got a 2-2 draw. This is not a bad result for them before visiting the Bernabeu.
Tuchel confirmed his departure from Bayern at the end of the season after Leverkusen ended 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles. The Allianz Arena team is also actively looking for a replacement for Tuchel, with Ralf Rangnick as a strong candidate.
However, Tuchel always shows danger when being underrated. Because this strategist will have appropriate tactics, as he has done many times before in the Champions League.
The German tactician helped Paris St Germain reach the Champions League final in 2020. Tuchel even won the league with Chelsea in the following season, after defeating Manchester City.
Obviously, in the mindset of the underdogs, the "Gray Tigers" played better than Real at the Allianz Arena. Only two serious mistakes by center back Kim Min-Jae prevented the home team from winning.
Tuchel had prepared everything, as he explained after the match. Tuchel's 4-4-2 formation was designed to neutralize Jude Bellingham, with Eric Dier completing the task very well. Meanwhile, Konrad Laimer assisted Joshua Kimmich in dealing with Vinicius on the right wing.
Every time he had the ball, Tuchel deployed a 2-2-6 formation to put pressure on Real Madrid's defense. Bayern had a very good game before Kim Min-jae made a mistake.
In a situation of being behind, Tuchel also prepared a B plan. Raphael Guerreiro replaced Leon Goretzka at the beginning of the second half in midfield.
Goretzka defended well but in the context of the home team needing a goal, he kept falling behind and unable to make a breakthrough. Guerreiro, who is a left-back, will be a more direct threat. Tuchel also moved Jamal Musiala from the right to the left wing, while todayy Sane moved him to the opposite wing.
Tuchel's tactical changes surprised Ancelotti. Bayern equalized in the 53rd minute thanks to Sane and took a 4-minute lead from the penalty spot. Tuchel's plan B was a great success. And despite Kim Min-jae's second mistake, Tuchel was happy.
"Everything we planned was successful. We started very well until Real Madrid's first goal. They had two chances and scored two goals. This is what they do and we are not the first team to experience it. But we responded very well. We had a chance to score the third goal," Tuchel said after the match.
Tuchel believes he has beaten Ancelotti tactically in this match. The former Chelsea coach once again proved to everyone that he is a world-class strategist. After Bayern's second goal, in the celebration, Tuchel turned his attention to the stands, as a strong message to the fans.
In a summer when Tuchel has to find a new destination after leaving Bayern, his performance against Real will be an important factor. Of course, Tuchel is still a strict, impatient coach who cannot control the big egos in the dressing room. But above all, with teams that are suitable in terms of vision and direction, Tuchel will be an attractive proposal.
Tuchel will need another perfect plan to win at the Bernabeu. Leaving the Allianz Arena with the Champions League title will be a heavy farewell from Tuchel to the "Gray Tigers" leadership.
