Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are stronger than the other teams by a long shot

Hey guys, Chief Siddharth here. I have finally had my own taste of FIFA 15 and it’s gameplay. Nothing stunning, but there have been some changes which I can clearly feel when playing the game. These changes aren’t small, and do affect game-play heavily, and the final scoreline. They are outlined below:

• Pace is back: While it definitely made a difference before, speed/pace is now back and stronger than ever. Ronaldo outpacing Lahm with no trouble?  Robben running circles around Alba? Xavi left in the dust? Yes, its all happening.
• Goalkeepers are better: This may be obvious, but not as much as I thought. Iker Casillas makes good saves despite his massive downgrade, but there is one, undeniably overpowered keeper who is in the limelight below.
• Parking the bus and going all out attacking works: I originally thought parking the bus and all out attack would be a small increase in work rates. Boy was I surprised. Defenders clump up, and attackers stay before the half line when parking the bus, and the striker is always left alone. All out attack helps too, an easy few shots guaranteed.
• Dribbling is Overpowered: Improved keepers, your not safe. With agility making no difference all of a sudden, defenders trip at every trick. Dribbling has never been this good, ensuring wonder goals against tight defences.

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European Powerhouses top the charts

I have made observations that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are by far the strongest teams in the game. This is down to a few stunning individuals.

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Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is absolutely crazy in FIFA 15. Rising higher than Zlatan to parry crosses, stretching like rubber to save killer volleys, and catching screamers. Neuer makes a massive difference in this game with his god-like goalkeeping and is nearly unbeatable. He bolsters his side and ensures the cracks in Bayern’s defence are not visible on the scoreline. He on his own makes Bayern one of the two best teams in this game.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is at his devastating best in FIFA 15. The goalkeeper update is good, but now Ronaldo’s 5 star skills, combined with excellent physical stats and speed ensure the ballon d’or winner is the most overpowered outfield player in the game. Use his long shots, dribble, speed past defenders, dribble, take free kicks, dribble, score headers, dribble. Do any of the following,you will score.

Franck Ribery

Franck Ribery is 88, unlike his counterpart Bobby Deol Arjen Robben who is 90. However the European Player of the year winner in 2013 is more agile, and his 5 star skills let him nutmeg full backs with ease. His speed ensures he is Bayern’s main attacking threat barring Robert Lewandowski, and he is the star of the show.

Disappointment: Bobby Robben’s great stats delighted me at first, but now I simply am disappointed with his poor shooting and agility.

Sergio Ramos

I don’t know what happened to him, but Sergio Ramos’ ratings have been done nicely. The Real Madrid man is a massive aerial threat, and also makes crucial tackles… and fouls…. when you need him to. He neutralizes attacking threats with ease and is no doubt one of the best defenders in the game, not only by rating but performance.

Special Mentions: James Rodriguez, Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus( Dortmund), Luka Modric and Mehdi Benatia. 

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Now its time to look at two distinct matches I played, which perfectly showcase this game’s distinct features, and the mentioned player’s standout qualities. Hopefully it helps everyone play well too!

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Game 1: Bayern Munich 1-0 Real Madrid

I used Real Madrid in my first game in charge in FIFA 15, and boy was it irritating.

Friend vs Chief Siddharth

Tactics: Bayern Munich (formation: 4-2-3-1) attempted to hold the ball for long periods in Real’s half, with dribbling and flair regularly on show. Real Madrid (4-3-3) sat back and hit on the counter with their lightning quick forwards.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in form with his overall as 94, and Manuel Neuer was in form with an overall of 92.

Match Analysis: Bayern Munich started the game as the better side holding the ball well albeit minimally testing Iker Casillas with speculative long range punts from outrageous distances. Arjen Robben failed to trouble Marcelo, but Robert Lewandowski and Franck Ribery dominated as the hosts put on a fabulous first half display. This included a screamer from Franck RIbery which ended up hitting the post. Gareth Bale had Real’s best chance of the half which was caught by keeper Neuer.

However the tables turned in the second half, as substitutes James Rodriguez, Asier Illarramendi and Javier Hernandez brought energy into Real’s play. Real Madrid’s counter-attacks looked increasingly menacing. Cristiano Ronaldo had a phenomenal half, with headers and long shots testing Neuer. Consistently beating Phillip Lahm and Jerome Boateng, Ronaldo caused problems to the fragile Bayern defence, with a total of 14 shots on target by Real in the second half. Ronaldo had a massive 8 of them. Manuel Neuer ultimately made the difference, as he saved open goals and key chances, including a fiery Sergio Ramos header.  Eventually, an unlucky defensive error meant Robert Lewandowski converted for the only goal of the match, leaving Bayern happy and Real frustrated.

Goals: Lewandowski (90+2 minute)

Man of the Match: Manuel Neuer, with a perfect 10 in game rating. This shows how crucial he was to the victory. The closest was Cristiano Ronaldo with an 8.8 rating.

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Game 2: Real Madrid 4-0 Bayern Munich

Second Leg, what a thriling victory.

Tactics: The same as before. So were the matchday ratings.

Match Analysis: The first half was a dead affair. Bayern Munich passed it around but never really threatened Real. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Xabi Alonso tired as their box to box midfield duties were endless. Sergio Ramos constantly blunted Bayern’s attacking threat with his solid tackles. At the end of the first half, Real rallied and Karim Benzema scored a stunning header from the edge of the box from a Gareth Bale, giving Real the lead.

The second half proved thrilling. Gareth Bale smashed in a volley in the 60th minute, following which Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in the dying moments of injury time. Bobby Robben blasted Bayern’s best chance over the bar in his below par performance. However, goalkeeper Neuer’s great game ensured that Bayern did not succumb to an even worst defeat. James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco were denied by his heroics.

Goals: Karim Benzema (45), Gareth Bale (63), Cristiano Ronaldo (70), Cristiano Ronaldo (90+4).

Cristiano Ronaldo was the man of the match, with a 9.5 rating following which Manuel Neuer got a 8.7 despite conceding goals (shows a lot).

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To conclude, its obvious how Real Madrid and Bayern Munich’s superior attacks and goalkeepers, defenders make them the strongest teams in the game.

Stay tuned for my next post.