Bayern Munich host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in a battle between two sides flying excessive domestically however seemingly struggling to regulate to the brand new Champions League format. After 4 video games, Bayern have misplaced twice — together with a 4-1 defeat by Barcelona, led by their former boss Hansi Flick — and sit seventeenth, which would depart them unseeded for the knockout part play-off. PSG’s scenario is even worse, with the French champions in twenty fifth — one spot outdoors the knockout locations completely.
For 2 groups who contested the Champions League ultimate simply 4 years in the past, and who each lead their leagues by six factors, the lowly rankings are already trigger for concern.
Bayern’s struggles are a far cry from their exploits within the outdated group stage, the place the six-time European champions signed off with a document 40-match unbeaten run, that includes 36 wins and 4 attracts.
Their final loss within the group part got here again in 2017 — a 3-0 defeat to Tuesday’s opponents PSG.
This season, apart from Bayern’s loss in Barcelona, which led to whispers new coach Vincent Kompany might battle towards prime sides, the German giants have impressed.
Unbeaten within the league, Bayern’s solely different defeat got here within the Champions League away at Aston Villa — a 1-0 loss in a repeat of the 1982 European Cup ultimate.
As it might be for PSG, a league part elimination stays an unthinkable risk — and one which might have actual ramifications for Kompany.
The crowded soccer calendar supplies an actual incentive for ending within the prime eight and avoiding the additional play-off spherical for groups ending from ninth to twenty fourth.
Thomas Mueller is aware of PSG, who nonetheless must play Manchester Metropolis, shall be keen to realize floor after an underwhelming begin in Europe.
“Paris’ place within the desk doesn’t mirror their efficiency. They seem to be a tremendous group with tremendous particular person gamers,” the Bayern veteran informed BR24 on Saturday.
“Quite a bit is at stake. I am blissful it is at residence.”
‘Married couple’
PSG’s loss to Bayern within the 2020 ultimate — when their former academy product Kingsley Coman scored the winner towards them — stays the closest the French aspect have come to Champions League glory.
Collectively, Bayern and PSG have gained 21 of the previous 24 league titles on provide at residence, and the 2 have made a behavior of working into one another in Europe.
Tuesday’s assembly marks the fourth time in six seasons the pair will meet. Bayern have gained 4 of the 5 previous video games however PSG did remove them within the quarter-finals of the 2020-21 competitors.
“Within the Champions League, you virtually really feel we’re a married couple,” Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen stated earlier this 12 months after the draw was made.
PSG’s swift attackers will hope to hassle a Bayern aspect lacking defensive midfielders Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joao Palhinha.
The out-of-form Leon Goretzka deputised properly in Friday’s 3-0 residence win over Augsburg, however PSG are prone to pose a distinct degree of risk.
Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano is best positioned than most to know what to anticipate from France team-mates Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola.
“It is an necessary sport for us,” Upamecano informed Telefoot on Sunday.
“For those who take a look at the desk, it is not nice — we’re not the place we need to be.”
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