Champions League Preview | PSG vs Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich

For Bayern, another historic treble is on the cards. Having already wrapped the Bundesliga, Vincent Kompany’s men are in the final of the DFB Pokal, and can now solely focus on their two fixtures in the Champions League. 

Despite conceding three goals last weekend in a thrilling 3-4 win over Mainz 05, the likes of Jonathan Tah, Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, and Josip Stanisic all started on the bench. 

Speaking after the game, Kane was aware that the first 45 minutes against Mainz cannot be repeated in Paris on Tuesday if they’re to get into the final: 

“If we don’t get our counter-pressing right, if we don’t control their counters well, and if we give the ball away carelessly, Paris will be even deadlier in those situations.”

When it comes to the importance of controlling PSG’s counters, this is something that former Bayern and Germany captain Philipp Lahm is aware of. The World Cup winner told GGFN that he believes this is where this game can be won:

“The club [Bayern] has immense offensive quality, but defensively, they’re also defending one-on-one. That might be a risk, especially looking at the Champions League semi-finals”….“PSG are very strong individually. They have a very strong offence, and obviously, they’re the title defenders. At the same time, Bayern are also scoring goals. We’re seeing that both in the Bundesliga as well as in the Champions League. However, this game will be won in defence. That will be the key to this game.”

Whilst Bayern will be carefully planning every aspect for the game against PSG, one man who will be playing a slightly different role is head coach Vincent Kompany. Following his yellow card against Real Madrid, he is suspended for the first leg and will have to watch from the stands. On the sideline, Aaron Danks will attempt to fill Kompany’s absence while being accompanied by René Marić and Floribert N’Galula. 

Team News

PSG

There are positive signs in the PSG camp ahead of this one. Previously, Vitinha had been absent due to injury, but has now returned to team training and is expected to feature in the game. Elsewhere, apart from youngster Quentin Ndjantou, PSG have their full squad in training and available ahead of tomorrow’s game. 

Bayern Munich

For Bayern, there are a number of players missing. Lennart Karl, Tom Bischof, Serge Gnabry, Raphaël Guerreiro and Sven Ulreich were all absent at training on Monday and will be unavailable for Tuesday’s match. Other than that, everyone else is available for selection. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen