After a dramatic first-leg spectacle in Paris, anticipation is reaching fever pitch levels for what is expected to be another Champions League classic as Bayern Munich welcome PSG to the iconic Allianz Arena tonight for the UCL semi-final second leg.
Endless dramas, grit tactical battle, and a record Champions League scoreline; all were worthy headlines for the first-leg classic in Paris. And of course, tonight’s contest is unlikely to be any different. But who will carry the day? Can Bayern Munich overturn their one-goal deficit to progress to their first final in six years, or will PSG build on their narrow lead to seal a second consecutive appearance in the UCL final? Let’s get into the details.
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Match Preview
The first leg in Paris was nothing short of a thriller, producing the highest scoreline (nine goals) in the history of Champions League semi-finals. After a finely poised first half, Bayern Munich found themselves on the ropes early into the second half, trailing 5–2 just before the hour mark, thanks to Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s strikes.
However, the Bavarians fought gallantly back into the game with Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz scoring in quick succession to cut the deficit, leaving things finely poised for a this second leg.
Interestingly, the two teams rotated their squads heavily during their respective domestic league outings at the weekend in preparation for this clash and ended up sharing the spoils with their opponents.
Bayern drew 3–3 with Heidenheim, while PSG were held to a 2-2 draw by Lorient. We expect a thriller as they both look to bounce back and set up a rollercoaster Champions League final rumble with Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal.
Bayern Munich vs PSG Form/Head-to-head
Bayern Munich face steep odds of progressing past this stage following the first leg result in Paris. They have failed to overturn such deficits in seven of their last eight European knockout ties.
However, the Bavarians will look to count on their dominant UCL record at Allianz Arena, having won 23 of their last 29 games at the venue, losing just once. This includes victories in all four of their knockout fixtures in the competition this season.
Meanwhile, PSG have progressed from 14 of their last 17 UCL knockout matches when winning the first leg by just one goal. However, the Parisians are set for a stern test tonight, having lost five of their last six UCL trips to face Bayern Munich.
They have also lost six of their last 12 games against German opposition (D2, W4), while Bayern Munich boast an impressive 14 wins in their last 17 meetings with French sides, losing just three.
Team News
The two teams shelved their frontliners in their respective domestic league games at the weekend and will have them lined up for this clash. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (both found the net in the first leg) are expected to return to the attack for PSG alongside Desire Doue.
However, the defending champions will miss the services of Achraf Hakimi who is sidelined with a thigh injury. Nuno Mendes was subbed off late in the first leg with an injury and remains a doubt.
Harry Kane became the first English footballer to score in six straight Champions League matches after finding the net in the first leg and will return to spearhead the attack for Bayern.
Michael Olise stole the headlines again with his sparkling performances and sensational solo goal in Paris and is available for tonight’s cracker alongside clutch winger Luis Diaz, who was also on target in the first leg.
MySportDab Verdict
Tonight’s contest promises to be an electrifying conclusion after last week’s thriller. Expect another rain of goals, but one likely to swing in Bayern’s favour given their impressive home record in the competition. Our exact pick: Bayern Munich 3–2 PSG.
