The Atletico midfielder produced a remarkable run and finish reminiscent of Lionel Messi to give Diego Simeone’s side the upper hand in the tie as Bayern stare at a possible third straight semi-final exit
The former Catalan coach took his team to Spain for a third Champions League semi-final in a row and after losing the first two of those to
Real Madrid and Barcelona, this time they fell to Atletico.
Saul’s magical moment early in the match turned out to be the only goal of the game. Once Atletico edge ahead, they are extremely tough to beat – and Bayern could not manage it.
Guardiola’s record in knockout matches away from the Allianz Arena is poor. Not since beating Arsenal 2-0 in London in his first season at the Bavarian club has he led Bayern to a win in the Champions League when it matters most. And Wednesday’s defeat was the eighth successive disappointment in that unwanted run.
Bayern, of course, last won the Champions League just before Pep joined in 2012-13, when Jupp Heynckes’ side claimed the treble. That was always going to make expectations high for the former Barca boss and in what is his final season in Munich (before he departs to take over at Manchester City), he is once again on the verge of missing out on European football’s most coveted crown.
Atletico now go into the second leg of the Semi Final clash at the Allianz Arena with a goal at hand.
Bayern On The Brink As Saul Dazzles
