Bayern to face Chelsea in Champions League last 16

FC Bayern will take on the current Europa League holders in the Champions League Round of 16, after the German record champions were paired with Chelsea in Monday’s draw in Nyon. “The opponents are tough but of course we want to progress,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić, giving his reaction the last-16 draw.

Equal record from four meetings

It will be Bayern’s first encounter with the West London club since the 2013 UEFA Super Cup, which FCB won 5-4 on penalties in Prague. However, their experiences in the Champions League have not been as good. As well as the unlucky defeat in the 2012 ‘Finale dahoam’ (4-3 on penalties), Bayern also fell to the English side in the 2004/05 quarter-finals (6-5 on aggregate). The overall record from their four previous clashes therefore stands at one win apiece and two draws (wins on penalties are officially recorded as draws), with a goal difference of 9-8 to Chelsea.

However, Manuel Neuer is not concerned about the history between the two sides and would rather remember the positive experiences in the UK capital. “We’re looking forward to London, where we’ve had some good experiences,” said the FCB captain, thinking of the victorious Champions League final in 2013. “We’re happy with the draw but they’re a dangerous team, who we have to take very seriously and approach with concentration,” added the 33-year-old goalkeeper.

Frank Lampard’s charges finished second in Group H on 11 points behind Valencia and ahead of Ajax and Lille. The Blues only took part in the Europa League last season, lifting the trophy after a convincing 4-1 win over London rivals Arsenal in the final. Their last participation in the Champions League ended with defeat to Barcelona in the Round of 16.

As group winners, Bayern will play away from home in the first leg, which will take place at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 25 February 2020. The return match will be at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday 18 March.