Bayern would have coasted this if my guy Robben was fit. FC Porto, even with a full strength team would have been incapable of stopping Arjen from pillaging them.
But he ain't there and Pep Baldiola is really now being tested. However, despite all the injuries, having THIAGO (Brazilian, not Spanish) in the team will be colossal for them.
After long injuries, and I believe Thiago last played when cavemen and dinosaurs were sharing beer, it is hard to get back to your best. You don't have that match fitness which is needed to really do what your skill and talent calls for. But for the matches he has played so far, albeit not Champions League standard, he has looked pretty good.
For Bayern, keeping the ball will be hugely important. With that passionate Portuguese crowd, they will need to just shut down the hype and keep a hold of the golden nugget. That is where Thiago is so important, to keep hold of the ball and play the right intelligent pass that forces FC Porto to chase the game. The more they chase at home, the more frustrated and impatient they will be.
Getting a G is what Bayern are looking for. Win or lose is not important, it's all about scoring at least one and building from there. And Mr. Alcantara will have a big say, by trying to find the right ball for Robert L to receive and put away. That is what Bayern need to do. YES, Baldiola, keep the ball but there needs to be some risk involved if they are to steal a G, which puts less pressure on them when it all comes back in the second leg next week.HH
