FC Bayern host AEK Athens in the Champions League on Wednesday knowing that a win could book their place in the last 16 – provided that Ajax beat Benfica in the other fixture in Group E. The Reds have put themselves in a position to secure qualification early having taken seven points from the first three games, their best tally at this stage of the competition for four years. fcbayern.com has put together the other important facts and stats on the meeting with AEK.
Never conceded at home to Greek opposition
Bayern maintained their good record against Greek sides with a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture in Athens two weeks ago. The record German champions have won eight of their ten encounters with teams from the ancient country, drawing the other two. The stats are even more impressive when you look at the matches in Munich, as Bayern have a goal difference of 18-0. Alongside a 0-0 draw against PAOK in November 1983, there have been four wins to nil.
Milestones for Lewandowski and James
James Rodriguez could make his 50th Champions League appearance this evening, while Robert Lewandowski is on the verge of his 100th. The Pole has scored 54 goals in European competition, 47 of them in 75 games in the Champions League. His goal in the reverse fixture in Athens moved the 30-year-old up to ninth place in the list of all-time top scorers in the competition. One more would draw him level with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Andriy Shevchenko, who share seventh place with 48 goals each.
AEK yet to get going
The visitors haven’t really got going in Europe’s premier club competition this season. The Greek champions are without a point after three games for the first time in their five appearances at this stage of the competition, and their chances of getting off the mark in Munich don’t look great based on their previous Champions League away outings. AEK have never won on foreign soil in the competition, losing eight and drawing five of their 13 away games.
Bayern debut for referee Jug
Matej Jug will be overseeing Wednesday evening’s match. The Slovenian referee has been officiating in the Champions League since 2013 but this will be his first fixture involving Bayern. The 38-year-old will be assisted by compatriots Matej Zunic, Manuel Vidali, Slavko Vincic and Nejc Kajtazovic. Tomislav Pospeh is the fourth official.
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