Tonight (9 p.m., live on DAZN) FC Bayern has the big task against Manchester City to turn around a 0:3 defeat from the first leg. Due to the current form, there are many FCB fans who do not expect a CL miracle in the Allianz Arena. But we tell you: There are (at least) 3 reasons why the German record champion will achieve the unbelievable and enter the Champions League semi-finals.
A 3-0 defeat in the first leg, a dismal performance in the Bundesliga against TSG Hoffenheim, and a quarrel in the dressing room: Bayern’s omens have been better before a CL quarter-final. And yet the Munich side have a good chance of making history and reaching the last four of the top flight.
1. Home power FC Bayern: Impressive statistics give hope
FC Bayern München is a power at the Allianz Arena – that much is certain. One statistic in particular should give FCB fans hope: In the current Champions League season, the Munich team has won every home match and has not conceded a single goal. The goal difference of 13:0 is at least as impressive as the performances at home so far.
Of course, they cannot rely on their home form so far, but it is still a big advantage that they play the second leg in Munich. In addition, there is another statistic that says: Four teams in the history of the Champions League have come back from a three-goal deficit in knockout matches. The games at a glance:
– 2003/04 – Milan v Deportivo (1-4, then 4-0).
– 2016/17 – Barcelona v PSG (0-4, then 6-1)
– 2017/18 – Roma v Barcelona (1-4, then 3-0)
– 2018/19 – Liverpool v Barcelona (0:3, then 4:0)
It is therefore clear that it is anything but impossible to make history and make up for the significant defeat from the first leg.
2. There’s life in the old dog yet
FC Bayern should never be written off. They still have an outstanding squad and an equally impressive coach, who collectively definitely have the quality to beat Manchester City by three goals on a good Champions League night. That would at least secure extra time.
The fact is that from Munich’s point of view, they don’t really have anything to lose. There is much more to lose for the English champions – Pep Guardiola wants to finally win the cup with the Skyblues and convert the money he has invested in the squad into sporting success.
And by the way: In the past years, City has often shown in a curious way that they can be eliminated, even though the signs were pointing to progress. The pressure is still on Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Co.
3. Bayern learn the right lessons from the first leg
The first leg was definitely not a total failure, Thomas Tuchel made that clear after the game. For more than 70 minutes, they kept up with the Citizens on an equal footing. Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala had two great chances that lacked both luck and determination.
The same luck was also lacking in the defence. It is rare for Rodri to score a dream goal with his weak foot from more than 20 metres. Upamecano’s individual mistake also came at an unfortunate time. So, if you stop the individual mistakes and show more determination in the final third, you can very well put Manchester in serious trouble.
However, it is also clear that luck will have to be on the side of the German record champions in the 90 minutes. If goalkeeper Ederson and City’s back three have a world-class day, it will be difficult to score three goals against the Premier League runners-up. But if the aforementioned factors come to pass, Bayern could have a historic evening.
