FC Bayern face Sevilla in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday evening. The match kicks off at 20.45 CET. fcbayern.com has compiled the seven most interesting facts and stats ahead of the match.
1) Facing Maradona
FC Bayern and Sevilla have never faced off in a competitive fixture, but Bayern travelled to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán for a friendly on 28 September 1992. None other than Diego Armando Maradona made his debut for the Spaniards on that day. Bayern, who went a man down when Bruno Labbadia saw a red card, lost 3-1 despite Olaf Thon's opener. Maradona was involved in two goals and hit the crossbar.
2) 10+1 know Sevilla
Ten FCB pros have already encountered Sevilla even though Bayern have never crossed swords with Sevilla in a competitive match. Javi Martínez (with Athletic Bilbao), Thiago (FC Barcelona), Juan Bernat (Valencia), James Rodríguez, Arjen Robben (both Real Madrid), Corentin Tolisso (Olympique Lyon), Rafinha (Schalke), Mats Hummels, Robert Lewandowski (both Borussia Dortmund) and Sebastian Rudy (VfB Stuttgart) have encountered the Spaniards. Jupp Heynckes too has taken on Sevilla with Athletic Bilbao, CD Tenerife and Real Madrid.
3) Sevilla's return, Bayern's record
Sevilla have advanced to the last eight of Europe's premier club competition for the first time in 60 years and for the second time overall. In 1957/58 the Andalusians were knocked out by Real Madrid, losing 8-0 in Madrid and drawing 2-2 at home. FC Bayern are regulars in the quarter-finals. The Bavarians have made it to the last eight for the seventh time in a row, a club record, and for the 29th time overall. Only Real Madrid on 35 times boast more. Taking only the Champions League (since 1992/93) into account, FC Bayern are record holders, contesting the quarter-finals for the 17th time, ahead of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona on 16.
4) Spain over and over again
FC Bayern have been knocked out of the Champions League by a Spanish club in all of the last four seasons (by Atlético Madrid, FC Barcelona and two times Real Madrid). The German record champions have lost all of their last five CL matches away to a Spanish side. FC Bayern's overall record in Spain is negative: six victories, five draws and 15 defeats.
5) Sevilla strong at home
Sevilla have never lost a European home match against a German side, winning seven and drawing four games. The Andalusians have been very strong at home in this season's Champions League campaign. They have yet to lose a CL home match this term. They held Manchester United to a goalless draw in the last sixteen, beating NK Maribor 3-0 and Spartak Moscow 2-1 in the group stage. They also held Liverpool to a 3-3 draw, coming back after going three down.
6) Yellow danger
Several players on both sides would be suspended for the second leg next week should they collect another booking. Bayern's Robert Lewandowski, Joshua Kimmich, Corentin Tolisso, Jérôme Boateng and Sebastian Rudy will hope to avoid yellow cards. With regard to Sevilla, who have to make do without suspended midfield maestro Ever Banega in the first leg, Sergio Escudero, Ben Yedder and Gabriel Mercado sail close to the wind.
7) Italian in charge
Daniele Orsato from Italy will be the man with the whistle on Tuesday. The 42-year-old will officiate a match involving FC Bayern for the first time. Orsato already has some experience with Sevilla. He oversaw last season's last sixteen second leg away to Leicester City, a 2-0 reverse from a Sevilla point of view.
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