The first leg was a real festival of goals, with Paris Saint-Germain beating FC Bayern 5-4. The goal giants will now battle it out for the Champions League final in Munich. You can follow the match in the LIVETICKER on FCBinside and discuss it with the community
After the spectacular 4:5 in the first leg in Paris, FC Bayern are under pressure in the semi-final second leg of the Champions League. In the Allianz Arena, the Munich team will fight for a place in the final against Paris Saint-Germain – relying on their home strength, Vincent Kompany and a magical European Cup evening
Bayern believe in the great comeback
The first leg at the Parc des Princes turned into a real soccer spectacle. Nine goals, numerous twists and turns and two attacking teams in full throttle mode provided the fans with a Champions League classic. In the end, Paris Saint-Germain narrowly came out on top 5:4
For FC Bayern, this means that a comeback is needed in the second leg in front of a home crowd. However, the starting position remains completely open. If Munich win with a goal difference, the duel will go into extra time. This is exactly what Bayern are clinging to ahead of the most important game of the season so far
National player Jonathan Tah was suitably combative before kick-off: „It’s crunch time now. It’s a big game. We’re all really fired up for the game and ready to give it our all,“ explained the centre-back at the press conference
Despite conceding five goals in the first leg, the German record champions want to remain true to their basic attacking idea. „Basically, our style of play has got us to where we are right now, so I don’t think we should change anything,“ emphasized Tah
FC Bayern’s attacking play in Paris was at the highest level for long stretches. At the same time, defensive weaknesses against PSG’s individual class were punished coldly. This is precisely the big challenge for the second leg: finding the right balance between bold attacking soccer and defensive stability
Kompany back – Allianz Arena to become a factor
In contrast to the first leg, Vincent Kompany will be able to actively intervene from the touchline again this time. The Belgian returns to the bench after serving his suspension and should provide the team with additional stability
Off the pitch, too, Munich will be looking to use every little thing to their advantage. Club boss Jan-Christian Dreesen described the Allianz Arena as a „fortress“ that PSG must first conquer. The club also called on the fans to paint the stadium completely in red and white
The focus will be on the direct duels between the attacking stars. Paris will travel to Munich with enormous quality in attack. Players such as Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia repeatedly caused major problems in the Bayern defence in the first leg. However, the French side will be without Achraf Hakimi, whose absence could affect the balance on the right flank
Bayern’s hopes are once again pinned on Harry Kane and Michael Olise, both of whom showed their class in Paris and should now make the difference
Mind games before kick-off
The two clubs were already playing power games before kick-off, with PSG once again wanting to stay at the Infinity Hotel in Unterschleissheim – the hotel that has almost become a lucky charm for the French side
However, FC Bayern beat the defending champions to the punch. The hotel traditionally serves as the Munich team’s daytime accommodation for home matches. Those responsible did not want to allow any changes to the usual procedures ahead of the big semi-final. PSG therefore had to find an alternative at short notice
This was interpreted as a deliberate signal around the match, with Vincent Kompany sending out an unmistakable message before the game: „This is our city.“
One thing is certain: European soccer will be looking to Munich on Wednesday evening. FC Bayern will need a magical evening to keep their dream of reaching the final alive. Excitement is guaranteed.