Bayern Munich will have to defy history if they wish to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Atletico Madrid and progress to the Champions League final. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:45am (AEST).
Bayern’s poor record against La Liga opposition continued last week, suffering what could be a very costly loss to Atletico away from home.
Bayern’s defeat last week was their third away semi-final defeat in a row in the Champions League, having previously lost to Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Now, the Bavarian club faces an uphill battle at home to overturn a narrow deficit against the finest defensive outfit in club football.
With a lead to protect, Atletico will make life immensely difficult for Bayern, particularly on the counter-attack.
Stars such as Antoine Greizmann, Fernando Torres and Saul Niguez Esclapez are more than capable of scoring an away goal or two to put this tie to bed for Madrid. Bayern, though, have little choice but to go out and commit numbers forward in a bid to unsettle a defensive unit whose organisation is unrivalled.
Whether or not the Bavarians are able to overturn such narrow deficit will largely depend on the performance of their midfield. Players such as Arturo Vidal and Xabi Alonso will need to work overtime to dictate terms and win possession in good field position in order to get their attack going.
Bayern will also need to test their luck from outside the box. It is simply too difficult to pass your way through Atletico’s defence, and if the German giants try to get too cute with the ball, Diego Simeone’s men will simply frustrate them into error.
As David Alaba showed last week, shooting from distance may indeed be the only way to score against Atletico. The Austrian hit the post with a terrific drive from distance and Bayern certainly have players capable from netting from long-range.
Prediction
With the tie narrowly tiled in Atletico’s favour, Bayern face a tough ask at home, needing to score against a proven defensive outfit. Atletico possess the experience and belief required to secure a scored draw which will see them progress to their second Champions League final in three seasons.
Bayern and Atletico to draw 1-1
So will Atletico Madrid’s defensive stalwarts be able to stand firm away from home? Or will Bayern Munich’s attacking prowess come to the fore and turn this tie around? Join The Roar to stay up to date with the action with our live scores.
The Sky Blues took the lead at home but couldn't hold on as the Mariners came back to claim a 2-1 win in the first leg of the semifinal.
A fresh punishment was imposed after the club failed to comply with profitability and sustainability rules during the three-year cycle to 2022-23.
The two spot kicks levelled the score on aggregate over the two legs, but Bayer Leverkusen then scored two late goals for a draw…
Just four teams remain in the hunt for the 2023/24 A-League Championship and the action will be intense in the opening legs of the…
Bayern Munich led 1-nil at the 87th minute mark until the Spaniard's two goals.
Alphonso Davies looked to have undone all his hard work of scoring the first goal when the ball went into his own net off…
