Mission quarter-final: Can FCB make it? Bayern vs. Lazio – Preview and team news
The German record champions face Lazio Roma in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday evening (9pm, Prime Video). After the disappointing 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Munich must now deliver at all costs to at least keep their own title chances alive in the top flight. FC Bayern absolutely must win at home in the Allianz Arena.
FC Bayern Munich have their backs to the wall in the Bundesliga title race. After the 2:2 draw at SC Freiburg last Friday, they are now ten points behind Bayer Leverkusen in second place in the table. Now, four days later, the German record champions face a decisive match for a possible progression in the Champions League. In the first leg, the German record champions‘ performance collapsed completely after a solid opening phase, ultimately losing the duel against the Italian side, who were not really dangerous. Bayern now need a win to reach the quarter-finals.
Thomas Tuchel: „We have to play with determination“
At the press conference ahead of the second leg of the round of 16 tie, Thomas Tuchel commented on how Munich will have to play in the second leg: „We weren’t surprised by Lazio’s strengths and approach. We will try to play more aggressively. We’ll have to play with more conviction over 90 minutes. Like we did in the first ten or 15 minutes in Rome. We have to play with determination. It’s clear that it’s difficult to make the game attractive when every goal can decide the game.“
The Bayern coach emphasised: „We made too many individual mistakes in the second half in Rome. We have 90 minutes to show a reaction. Lazio’s last few games don’t play too much of a role for me, of course we’ve analysed them. The focus is on the first leg. We have to start the game with courage and passion and keep that up for 90 minutes.“
Team news FC Bayern: Sané ready to play again
In last Friday’s Bundesliga clash, Leroy Sané, who is normally a starter, had to sit out. According to Tuchel, the winger had not been symptom-free in recent weeks and had been playing with pain in his patella tendon. The Bayern coach has now given a positive update for the Lazio game. „He hasn’t played without pain for a long time. But he can probably train fully today. We assume that he will be able to play,“ explained the 50-year-old.
Patience is still needed with Serge Gnabry’s comeback: „You can still tell that Serge has been injured for months, it will take a while. We’ll speak to him again, maybe we’ll put him on the bench,“ said Tuchel. Although the Bayern star has recovered from his long-term injury, he is not yet at the level to be an option for Munich. Kingsley Coman (torn inner ligament), Noussair Mazraoui (torn muscle fibre), Sacha Boey (torn muscle fibre), Bouna Sarr (torn cruciate ligament) and Daniel Peretz (inner ligament injury) are also out.
Thomas Tuchel also emphasised that Alphonso Davies is once again a serious alternative for the starting eleven. The Canadian was already allowed to play in the final phase against Freiburg following his injury. The Bayern coach did not want to share more detailed information about his line-up. However, it is clear that Dayot Upamecano will not be an option on Tuesday evening due to his red card in the first leg.
Team news Lazio: „We have to be brave and determined“
After his team’s first-leg victory, Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri still wants to keep calm. „We have to be brave and determined. Nothing is impossible in football, that must give us courage. It won’t be easy. Bayern have immense quality. We have to fight in the defensive phase, but we have to have the courage to hurt them offensively,“ said the 65-year-old. A defeat would see the Italians spring a major surprise in the round of 16.
Only three Lazio players will not be available on Tuesday evening. Centre-back Patric, who already missed the first leg, is still bothered by a shoulder injury, Nicoló Rovella is out with a pubic bone injury and stand-in keeper Luigi Sepe will miss the game with flu.
Direct comparison
While Bayern progressed to the round of 16 as group winners, Lazio finished second in their group behind Atletico Madrid. Bayern are currently second in the league, while Lazio are a distant ninth in Serie A.
Despite their long history, the two clubs have only met three times in the past. The first time they played each other was in the 2021 Champions League quarter-finals. Back then, the German record champions beat the Italians twice (4:1, 2:1). The first leg of this season was followed by a 1-0 defeat against Lazio. The starting position is therefore not the best for the German record champions.
Prediction
Despite a hard-fought win against RB Leipzig on matchday 23, Bayern failed to break out of their slump in form. They were held to a 2-2 draw against SC Freiburg. Lazio are also in the midst of a crisis situation in the league. They have won just one of their last four Serie A games against FC Torino. As a result, they are lagging far behind their own standards and are currently six points off the European places.
Even if FC Bayern are currently failing to bring consistency to their game, everyone involved should be aware of what is at stake in the top flight. A match awaits Munich at home in the Allianz Arena which, if they lose, would completely ruin a decent end to the season. The Bayern stars should therefore do everything in their power to put in the best possible performance in front of their own fans. If they succeed, they will be able to beat the inferior Romans.
Bayern vs Lazio broadcast: Champions League live on TV and livestream – The most important information
- Match: FC Bayern vs. Lazio Rome
- Competition: Champions League (round of 16, second leg)
- Date: 05.03.2024
- Time: 9pm
- Venue: Allianz Arena (Munich)
- TV: Amazon Prime Video
- Livestream: Amazon Prime Video
Expected line-ups
- FC Bayern: Neuer – Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Guerreiro – Pavlovic, Goretzka – Sané, Musiala, Tel – Kane
- Lazio Roma: Provedel – Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Hysaj – Guendouzi, Vecino, Luis Alberto – Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Zaccagni
