Carlo Ancelotti was sad. 57-year-old strategist was trusted to manage the Bayern Munich machine this summer, but the German creation got stuck in the Champions League on Wednesday. In the group match, Bayern lost 0:1 away to Madrid's vice-champion Atletico, whose victory became a symbolic sign that Diego Simeone will not immediately respect authorities.
Yannick Carrasco scored a goal in the 35th minute, which resulted in C. Ancelotti's first loss with Bayern. Later, Antoine Griezmann had a perfect opportunity, but failed to convert a penalty kick.
Bayern had enough possession of the ball, but two very clear chances remained unused. Jan Oblak saved Thomas Muller's shot, and Roberto Lewandowski's beautiful header in the second half of the second half was off target.
"We lacked intensity and dedication," said C. Ancelotti to German broadcaster ZDF. "We lost ball control too easily and left spaces for opponents to counterattack. That was the main issue. We also created attacks too slowly. We controlled the game, but we were too slow. Against Atletico, we need to be much faster, much more efficient, and capitalize on our chances."
The game didn't change
Atletico is now at the top of Group D with 6 points after two rounds. Bayern, who crushed newcomer Rostov 5:0 in the first round, is second with three points.
"Atletico played as we expected. And we could have played better. We started well, but then we went off track. We started losing individual battles, gave away the ball. After the goal, we tried to get back into the game," said the coach, who finished the 2013-2014 season with Champions League trophies at Real club.
Atletico fans once again loudly applauded coach D. Simeone, whose tactics have repeatedly shown that Madrid's club must be on guard at all times, but C. Ancelotti disagreed with the statement that his team played better football.
"I saw the same team as last year. Some players have changed, the game has become stronger, they play very fast upfront. But their style is the same," said C. Ancelotti. "It's always hard to play against Atletico. Losing is always sad. But we can still win the group and we will have the opportunity to beat Atletico."
Missing killer instinct
Bayern had their best chance in the 13th minute. Then Th. Muller was close to scoring, but his shot was saved by J. Oblak. Later, the German team failed to find gaps in Atletico's defense, just like in the first semifinal match five months ago.
After conceding a goal, C. Ancelotti tried to press the Atletico team. Arjen Robben entered the field.
"We had chances, but if you want to win, you have to take advantage of them," said A. Robben.
Bayern has now won only two out of the last 11 Champions League matches.
"Atletico had a killer instinct that we lacked," said Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
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