Bayern 4-0 Brugge: Luis Diaz shines after leaving Liverpool
Luis Diaz played 81 minutes, scored 1 goal, had 4 shots on target and achieved xG+xA 1.87 in Bayern's 4-0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League, bursting into life under Vincent Kompany.
On a Champions League night where Bayern Munich completed a 4-0 win over Club Brugge, Luis Diaz was the highlight. In the 34th minute, a quick pass between Konrad Laimer and Harry Kane sent the ball to the edge of the left penalty area. Diaz took a step, swung his leg like a hammer, and sent the ball bouncing off the underside of the crossbar and straight into the net – the moment that opened the door to a one-sided game and decided the match in Bayern’s most frantic fashion.
Developments and pivotal moments
Bayern started proactively in a 4-2-3-1 formation, pushing the tempo with positional interchanges between the attacking trio. Diaz – who started on the left – often tucked into the left armpit to exploit the space between the opposition centre-back and full-back. It was this movement that allowed him to receive the ball in the ideal area before unleashing an unstoppable shot in the 34th minute to cap off a perfect first half for the home side.
In 81 minutes on the pitch, Diaz not only scored 1 goal but also had 4 shots on target and created 2 clear chances. He repeatedly stretched the Brugge defense with his sprints down the flank before pivoting, passing back to the second line or coordinating with Harry Kane to attack directly. Bayern's pressing rhythm was also sharper when Diaz chose the right time to move up, blocking the opponent's first pass.
Tactical analysis: Kompany's 4-2-3-1 and Diaz's new role
Under Vincent Kompany, Diaz has been freed from his purely left-wing role. Bayern still maintain a 4-2-3-1 structure, but essentially a 2-3-5 in possession: the full-backs push high, a midfielder (Laimer) pins them in the middle, and Diaz steps into the left half-space to become the second striker alongside the number 9. That versatility allows him to constantly swap positions with Michael Olise in the middle, opening up a triangle of combinations with Kane.
The highlight was the way Diaz “read” the moment: moving in when the ball was at Laimer’s feet to drag Brugge’s left-sided centre-back out of position; keeping width when the ball moved wide to attack the space behind the full-back; and immediately counter-pressing after losing the ball. Thanks to that, Bayern maintained a structure of control while being ready to transition at high speed. Defensively, Diaz did not hesitate to drop deep to create a temporary 5-man defensive corridor, blocking the touchline before forcing the opponent into a trap corner.
From Liverpool to Bayern: why Diaz exploded
When he left Liverpool for £65.5m in the summer of 2025, many believed Anfield had “sold at the right time”. But just a few months later, Diaz has flourished at Bayern. The difference is in the tactical environment: instead of being fixed on the wing, he is allowed to drift into the middle, combining closely with Kane and Olise, turning himself into a versatile explosive point. This exaggerates his strengths in off-the-ball movement, positioning and finishing – as demonstrated by his powerful opener.
Luis Diaz Key Stats
The numbers show Diaz's all-round impact against Club Brugge in the Champions League:
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes of play | 81 |
| Goal | 1 |
| Shot on target | 4 |
| Clear opportunities created | 2 |
| xG + xA | 1.87 |
| Pass accuracy rate | 87% |
| Touch the ball in the penalty area | 13 |
An xG+xA of 1.87 suggests Diaz is almost directly responsible for two expected goals, while his 13 touches in the box reflect a wide forward actively attacking space rather than just keeping width. A passing rate of 87% ensures control, allowing Bayern to recreate attacks without losing structure.
Reaction and echo
When he was withdrawn in the 81st minute, Diaz received a standing ovation from the Allianz Arena crowd – a confirmation of his importance to the current setup. For Kompany, it was proof that the idea of switching roles on the left was working: a diligent Diaz pressing, disciplined in his position and sharp in his timing.
Impact and prospects
The 4-0 win not only cemented Bayern’s perfect run in the Champions League, but also showed Luis Diaz has redefined himself. From a “timely sale” to Liverpool, Anfield fans now have to watch him flourish in his new shirt. If he can maintain this level, Diaz and Bayern can aim for the most ambitious goals of the season – with the prospect of a treble no longer a distant story.
