In their final away match of the league phase of the Champions League, FC Bayern go up against Feyenoord Rotterdam on Wednesday night (live text and free Web Radio commentary from 21:00 CET on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app). Get all the information you need on the meeting with the Dutch cup winners in our preview.
Final training, journey, press conference & more – the story of Bayern's day before the match in Rotterdam:
The state of play for Bayern
It's been a perfect return from the winter break for Bayern so far with three wins from three Bundesliga games. Now Vincent Kompany's men want to continue that run in the Champions League as well. After the two defeats on the road at Aston Villa and Barcelona in October, the Bavarians have bounced back with three consecutive wins in Europe's premier club competition. Going into Matchday 7, they were sitting in tenth position with 12 points, well in the hunt for a place among the top eight, which would mean direct qualification for the round of 16. Although two wins in the remaining two fixtures might, in theory, not result in an improved position in the table, Bayern nevertheless want to do what they can and collect all six of the points still on offer.
"My aim is to make sure we win six games," said Kompany at his team's press conference in Rotterdam on Tuesday evening. "Anything else is hard to predict." The Belgian is aware that the first part of that plan in Rotterdam, particularly with the loud home crowd at De Kuip, won't be easy, but he sees his side as well prepared. "We have a lot of experience and I think the atmosphere is motivational for us," added Kompany. Jamal Musiala took a similar view: "We're approaching it like every game - all of us will work hard."
The facts on the clash with Feyenoord:
The opponents: Feyenoord
Much can be said about Feyenoord's Champions League campaign to date, but certainly not that they haven't been entertaining. The Dutch club's rollercoaster ride through the competition so far has seen crushing home defeats against Bayer Leverkusen (4-0) and Salzburg (3-1) but also some surprise results away from home. As well as victories at Girona (3-2) and Benfica (3-1), Feyenoord salvaged a point against top favourites Manchester City, coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3. Brian Priske's side finally fulfilled the role of favourites on home soil with a 4-2 win over Slavia Prague last time out, meaning they can now go into the remaining fixtures against Bayern and away to Lille in a slightly more relaxed frame of mind. Their current tally of 10 points may already be enough for a play-off spot, with a bit of help. It would be the first time they've ever reached the knockout stages of the Champions League since it was rebranded as such in 1992.
However, Priske's side's recent form has dipped a bit again, with just one win from their last four games in all competitions (D1, L2). "It's certainly a difficult phase," admitted the Danish coach at his press conference. But the match against Bayern is now another "great opportunity" to get back on track. Striker Santiago Giménez already has ideas about how they can turn things around against FCB: "Our counter-attacking play will be key. Bayern are good in possession, no matter who they play against. We need to be ready to battle and run."
Feyenoord drew last time out:
The team news for Feyenoord vs. FC Bayern
The Bavarians will again be without Daniel Peretz (kidney) and Hiroki Ito (metatarsal) in Rotterdam. Sacha Boey (ankle) and João Palhinha (muscular), who have partially returned to team training recently, have also not travelled to the Netherlands.
For the hosts, Jordan Lotomba (broken leg) is sidelined along with captain Quinten Timber, In-beom Hwang, Gjivai Zechiël and Ramiz Zerrouki.
FC Bayern legend Roy Makaay on the clash of his two ex-clubs:
What the coaches say
„You can't distinguish between big and small. This match has our highest priority.”
Vincent Kompany
„It's a difficult phase but it's another opportunity to get a result. I love Feyenoord and I love playing against top clubs. It's nice for me to be here, where so many expectations are placed on me.”
Brian Priske (Feyenoord)
A hardcore fan tells his story - including some insider tips on the city:
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