FC Bayern are facing the most important game of the season. After the spectacular 4-5 first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Munich will be fighting for a place in the Champions League final in Budapest at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening. There are many indications that Bayern could indeed experience another magical European Cup evening
The anticipation in Munich is huge. Days before the semi-final second leg against PSG, almost everything in the city revolves around the Champions League clash. Honorary President Uli Hoeneß senses a clear advantage on the side of the German record champions
„The momentum is with FC Bayern, not Paris,“ Hoeneß explained on DAZN. The long-time Bayern man even reported that he was immediately approached about the game during a private restaurant visit. The euphoria surrounding the club is palpable everywhere
Reason 1: Their own fans behind them
The Allianz Arena in particular is set to be a decisive factor. Under the motto „All in red“, the organized fans and the club itself have called for a special atmosphere. The 4,000 or so PSG supporters travelling with them are set to feel the power of the Munich Arena right from the warm-up
In keeping with this, FC Bayern will be wearing their new, bright red home kit for the coming season for the first time. Vincent Kompany made it clear how important the support from the stands can be. „We need our fans, we need support. It was such a fire against Madrid. We need even more,“ emphasised the Bayern coach
The Allianz Arena was transformed into a cauldron in the quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, with Munich turning around a deficit several times and providing one of the most emotional moments of the season with Michael Olise’s 4:3 winner
Reason 2: Allianz Arena as a real fortress
Not only emotionally, but also statistically, there is a lot to be said for FC Bayern. The Allianz Arena has been a real fortress in the Champions League for years
Munich have only lost one of their last 29 home games in the top flight, and FCB have even won all six home games at the Allianz Arena so far this Champions League season
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen formulated the challenge to PSG correspondingly clearly, stating that the Allianz Arena is „difficult to storm – and Paris should feel that from the kick-off.“
Reason 3: Bayern’s comeback mentality
Then there is Bayern’s mentality in Champions League knockout matches. The German record champions have lost a first leg in the knockout phase a total of 16 times since the premier class was introduced, but they have still managed to progress four times
The most recent example comes from the round of 16 in the previous season, when Bayern turned the tie around with a convincing 3-0 home win in Munich after losing the first leg 1-0 at Lazio Roma
Bayern also demonstrated their comeback mentality in the first leg in Paris and most recently in the Bundesliga against Freiburg, Mainz and Heidenheim
It is precisely this mixture of home strength, experience and mentality that those responsible are now relying on against PSG. One thing is clear: if FC Bayern have another magical evening at the Allianz Arena, they could actually make it to their twelfth final in the club’s history.