Bayern Munich face uphill Champions League battle against Lazio

Bayern Munich face uphill Champions League battle against Lazio

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich face an important Champions League last-16 second leg towards Lazio on Tuesday, trailing by a single aim from the primary leg in Rome.

The Serie A facet, aiming for his or her first quarterfinal look in 20 years, holds the benefit.

However, the Bavarians, searching for their seventh European crown and having reached the quarterfinals for the previous three years, should not a crew to be underestimated.

Despite a dominant efficiency within the group stage, the place they topped Group A by eight factors, Bayern suffered a setback in Rome, dropping 1-0.

The turning level was Dayot Upamecano’s purple card and the next penalty transformed by Lazio’s captain, Ciro Immobile, halfway by means of the second half.

Adding to Bayern’s challenges is the upcoming departure of their supervisor, Thomas Tuchel, whose tenure in Munich has been much less profitable than his stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Currently trailing Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 factors, Bayern’s current type has been shaky, with only one win of their final 5 matches.

While Bayern have a powerful report at house within the Champions League, being unbeaten in 13 matches and profitable 10, historical past suggests a comeback is not going to be straightforward.

They have been eradicated from their final seven Champions League ties after dropping the primary leg.

On the opposite hand, Lazio, again within the knockout section after an eventful group stage, are in a promising place.

Immobile’s penalty aim offers them the benefit and they are going to be aiming to safe their first quarterfinal spot since 2000.

Despite their robust European report, Lazio have been eradicated on each earlier events they reached this stage, together with by Bayern in 2021.

Bayern will probably be with out Upamecano as a consequence of suspension, whereas Lazio’s principal damage issues are Nicolo Rovella and Patric.

The German facet will look to gamers like Jamal Musiala and Mathys Tel for inspiration, whereas Lazio will depend on Immobile and Luis Alberto to create alternatives.

Lazio's Ciro Immobile (L) fights for the ball with Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano during the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg, Olympic stadium, Rome, Italy, Feb. 14, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Lazio’s Ciro Immobile (L) fights for the ball with Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano in the course of the UEFA Champions League final 16 first leg, Olympic stadium, Rome, Italy, Feb. 14, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Real Sociedad vs. PSG

In one other conflict, Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are set to conflict as soon as once more, with the return fixture happening on the Reale Arena.

The first leg on the Parc des Princes noticed the Parisians emerge victorious with a 2-0 win after weathering an early storm from Real Sociedad.

La Real, semifinalists of the previous European Cup in 1982-83, confirmed promise within the first half of the preliminary encounter however did not convert their possibilities.

Kylian Mbappe broke the impasse for PSG within the 58th minute, adopted by Bradley Barcola’s aim, leaving Real Sociedad with a two-goal deficit to beat.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe (L) eyes the ball after missing a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match against Real Sociedad, Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris, France, Feb. 14, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (L) eyes the ball after lacking a aim in the course of the UEFA Champions League spherical of 16 first leg soccer match towards Real Sociedad, Parc des Princes Stadium, Paris, France, Feb. 14, 2024. (AFP Photo)

However, historical past will not be on Real Sociedad’s facet, as they’ve struggled in Champions League knockout rounds previously.

Momentum can be missing, with the crew experiencing defeats of their current matches, together with a painful loss within the Copa del Rey semifinals.

On the opposite hand, PSG, nonetheless looking for their first top-level European honor, will look to take care of their spectacular 20-match unbeaten run.

Despite some current attracts in Ligue 1, PSG stay a formidable opponent, led by supervisor Luis Enrique.

Real Sociedad will welcome again key defender Aritz Elustondo for the second leg, however they nonetheless have a number of gamers sidelined as a consequence of accidents.

PSG, in the meantime, might even see the return of Marquinhos, however they are going to be with out a number of key gamers as a consequence of varied health points.

Mbappe’s early substitution within the final Ligue 1 sport raised eyebrows, however Enrique assured that it was a tactical resolution.

Whether PSG can proceed their robust type with out Mbappe stays to be seen, however they are going to be decided to safe one other victory and transfer nearer to the elusive Champions League glory.

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