After a one-year break, FC Bayern aim to advance to the Champions League last four in Wednesday's return leg against Sevilla. They would make it to the semi-finals for the seventh time in nine years, knocked out only by Real Madrid in the previous season and by Inter Milan in 2010/11. fcbayern.com has collected more facts and stats ahead of the clash.
Good position
The two sides face off in a competitive fixture for the second time. Bayern won the first encounter 2-1 last week, sealing a good position for the return leg. Munich have advanced to the next round after winning the first leg in 14 of the last 15 cases. The last time they were knocked out despite a first-leg success dates back to the 2010/11 season, when they beat Inter 1-0 in Milan but lost 3-2 at home in the last 16. But beware: the Andalusians knocked out Manchester United in the last round, winning 2-1 away after a goalless draw at home.
Strong streak
The Bavarians will not only be buoyed by the Bundesliga title they sealed last weekend, but also by an impressive streak in Europe's premier club competition. The 2-1 win away to Sevilla was their seventh Champions League victory in a row, the last defeat dating back to September 2017, when they lost 3-0 away to Paris Saint-Germain. The only time FCB boasted a longer streak was in the 2013 treble year, when they won 10 consecutive matches from April to November.
Stronghold Allianz Arena
Bayern are very strong on their home field. The German record champions have won 20 of their last 21 Champions League home matches, only losing against Real Madrid in last year's quarter-final first leg. Munich are very prolific up front, scoring at least three goals in each of the four CL home matches this season, netting 14 in total and conceding only one. Robert Lewandowski is Bayern's top scorer, boasting 19 goals in the last 17 CL home matches.
Birthday boy and knockout expert
Thiago's header sealed the final scoreline in the first leg. The midfielder has scored three Champions League goals this term, more than in any other season. The Spaniard is an expert when it comes to the knockout matches, scoring seven of his eight Champions League goals after the group stage. Thiago would not only please the fans but also crown a special day if he scores again: Bayern's midfield maestro turns 27 on Wendesday.
Yellow danger
Six Bayern players would be suspended for the semi-final first leg should they see a yellow card. Jerome Boateng, Joshua Kimmich, Franck Ribery, Sebastian Rudy, Corentin Tolisso and Robert Lewandowski have picked up two bookings this term and will have to watch out. All bookings will be wiped clear after the quarter-finals.
Aggressive Sevilla
Sevilla have to make the most of their attacking quality if they want to overturn the deficit. The Andalusians have failed to score only once this season, when they were held to a goalless draw by Manchester United. Sevilla have scored 19 goals in the 10 other matches. Wissam Ben Yedder is Sevilla's top scorer. The France international has scored eight goals in eight Champions League appearances so far this term. Ben Yedder is Cristiano Ronaldo's (14 goals) closest pursuer in the scorer rankings.
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