Bayern "want to continue run" in first meeting with Salzburg

Even six-time European champions Bayern are in uncharted territory in the Champions League as they take on serial Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday (kick-off at 9pm CET, coverage available with our live text commentary and free web radio). fcbayern.com has all you need to know on the third game in Group A.

Situation for Bayern

The holders have had a perfect start to the 2020/21 campaign with six points from the first two group games, meaning they have won a record 13 straight matches in the Champions League across multiple seasons. “We want to continue that run,” David Alaba confidently stated ahead of the visit to Salzburg. It would see the Munich club solidify their position at the top of the group and take a big step towards the knockout stage, which is exactly how Hansi Flick wants his team to approach the tie. “We want to contest the games in the group stage successfully,” said the 55-year-old head coach.

Check out the best photos from Bayern’s final training session in Munich before their departure for Salzburg:

The opponent

Despite a solid display last week, Salzburg were beaten 3-2 away at Atletico Madrid and have just one point to their name after two matchdays. Further defeat would likely end any hope of Jesse Marsch’s side progressing to the round of 16. According to the American coach, the clash with the defending champions is a “tough test” for the Austrian double winners, who warmed up for the game by beating Tirol 5-0 in the league while also resting a number of players. “We rotated a lot and will be fresh,” the 46-year-old declared. Midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic is also hopeful of causing Bayern problems: “We’re the underdogs coming into the game, but we caused the holders real issues last season as well, so it’s also possible this year.” Salzburg gave defending champions Liverpool two tough games in the 2019/20 group stage.

Find out all you need to know on opponents Salzburg:

Personnel

As well as long-term absentees Alphonso Davies (ankle) and Tanguy Nianzou (thigh), Flick was also hit by the news that Niklas Süle also has to sit this game out after his positive COVID-19 test. Leon Goretzka has also remained in Munich with a calf issue. However, Robert Lewandowski is back after being rested in the 2-1 win against Köln in the Bundesliga. “Robert trained yesterday. I think the break will have done him good,” the FCB coach confirmed.

Salzburg are without striker Patson Daka (thigh), who is the top scorer in the Austrian Bundesliga with six goals after five matchdays. “We have to find the best possible replacement for Patson Daka and have a number of options,” stated Marsch, who will likely opt for a similar team to the one he used against Atletico.

Coaches’ view

Hansi Flick: “Salzburg have been doing an outstanding job for a number of years. They have talented young players, a modern style of play and try to find the direct route to goal. It’s top work. It’ll be an exciting game.”

Jesse Marsch (Salzburg head coach): “The quality and togetherness make Bayern so strong. We’ve spoken a lot about their development in recent years. Now it’s our chance to show our development. It’s a tough test, but we always have a chance, regardless of who we’re up against. Unfortunately, we have to play without our fans, but we’ll play with 100% mentality and passion on the pitch.”

Listen to David Alaba and Hansi Flick’s press conference here:

Referee Makkelie

Danny Makkelie is the referee for Bayern’s game in Salzburg. The 37-year-old Dutchman has previously overseen two FCB wins away at Celtic in 2017 (2-1) and at Olympiacos last season (3-2).

Check out more facts and figures on the Salzburg clash: