Bayern Munich 1 – 2 Real Madrid: Three Takeaways from the Champions League

Madrid’s Winning Mentality

Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane don’t often have the look of a team bound for glory.

They can barely keep a clean sheet. They are tactically over-reliant on crosses. They have a tough time breaking teams down through the middle. And despite producing occasional moments of exciting football (the 3-0 against Atleti in the fall comes to mind), they just simply have not bossed many teams in the way that people have come to expect of Los Galacticos.

However, one thing that Zidane has managed to install in his team, is a never-say-die mentality. Real Madrid have come from behind on a number of big occasions this season, from the UEFA Supercup win against Sevilla, against Real Betis in La Liga, and against Napoli both home and away.

Against Bayern Munich, Madrid were facing a team that had not lost at home in the Champions League in 16 matches.

Bayern were looking impressive for much of this match. After conceding one goal, and nearly another through a penalty, it looked like Bayern were starting to run away with it.

But Madrid kept their composure, stuck to their game plan, and came away with a crucial away win.

Madrid’s ability to come back following a deficit has to give Zidane’s men hope and mental strength going forward. While it would be nice to see more clean sheets from Madrid, it’s great to have a squad that knows they can overturn a game when it starts off poorly.