Ahead of the eagerly awaited Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern, a clear picture is emerging from an expert’s perspective – with a slight advantage for the German record champions. France expert Alexis Menuge sees Munich just ahead in the direct comparison and cites several decisive factors
„I see FC Bayern slightly ahead, 51:49 per cent,“ explained Menuge in an interview with the Abendzeitung München. For him, the duel is at the absolute top level, but he sees a number of details in favour of Vincent Kompany’s team
One key point is the maturing process that Bayern have recently undergone. The games against Real Madrid in particular have shown how the team has developed – even if not every performance was outstanding. „The two games against Real Madrid that weren’t outstanding, especially the second leg, were important for the team’s maturing process,“ said Menuge
Hunger and fitness as possible keys
The France expert highlighted two factors in particular that could make the difference in the semi-final: mentality and physical condition. „You could see in that game that Bayern’s hunger is a bit greater,“ said Menuge, referring to Munich’s 2-1 win in Paris in November
This greed, coupled with their fitness, could be a decisive advantage, according to him. While PSG have faced comparatively few challenges in the knockout rounds against Chelsea and Liverpool so far, Bayern now await an opponent on a completely different level
„Perhaps the difference in quality between these two teams and Bayern is now too great for PSG,“ explained Menuge, hinting that the Parisians have not had to push themselves to their limits so far
Bayern as favorites – PSG with respect
According to Menuge, FC Bayern is also viewed with great respect in France itself: „In France, Bayern is seen as the number one favorite to win the Champions League title, together with PSG,“ he emphasized
For many observers, the clash is even more than just a semi-final. „It’s an anticipated final,“ the expert continued. Expectations are correspondingly high – not only because of the individual quality on both sides, but also because of the attacking approach of both teams
Bayern’s 2:1 victory in the league phase also plays a role here, when FCB dominated for long stretches and set a first exclamation mark against the defending champions. Even though PSG have moved on since then, this game is likely to be in the back of both teams‘ minds
The bottom line is a clear assessment: FC Bayern go into this clash of giants with a slight advantage – but as is so often the case at this level, it will be the small details that ultimately decide who makes it to the final.