The views from the Bayern camp after the 3-2 first-leg defeat against Paris Saint-Germain last Wednesday were clear. “It’s not over. We’ve got the chance next week to set things straight,” said Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in summary. “We’ve got a strong mentality and will turn it around next week,” added Alphonso Davies in confident agreement. It’s a tough task for the defending champions but by no means impossible. fcbayern.com has some facts and figures of hope for progress from the Champions League quarter-finals.
1. Bayern know what do to
The six-time European champions have overcome a first-leg deficit to progress in the Champions League knockout stage three times before. They last did it against Porto in the 2014/15 quarter-finals, losing 3-1 in Portugal before a resounding 6-1 comeback win at the Allianz Arena. FCB had previously overturned a 1-0 defeat away at Basel in the 2011/12 round of 16 with a thumping 7-0 victory back at home. And in 2006/07, a 3-2 loss away at Real Madrid was put right with a 2-1 win in the second leg to advance on away goals.
2. PSG with comeback scars
Perhaps the greatest comeback in Champions League history featured PSG – and it didn’t end in their favour. The current French champions famously blew a 4-0 lead from their home first leg in the 2016/17 round of 16 by losing 6-1 away at Barcelona in the return fixture. It was one of three cases when the Parisians have been knocked out despite winning the first leg. It also happened in the 2018/19 round of 16 against Manchester United (2-0 win away, 3-1 loss at home) and in the 2013/14 quarter-finals against Chelsea (3-1 win at home, 2-0 loss away).
3. Bayern an away force
The reigning European champions recently set a new Champions League record with their 4-1 win against Lazio in Rome, making it 17 away games in the competition without defeat (W13, D4). What’s even more promising is that FCB have earned a result in five of the last eight away matches that would mean progress in this tie. On one occasion it would’ve gone to extra-time.
4. Fortress Paris falls in 2020/21
PSG have already suffered six defeats at home in all competitions this season. That’s already twice as many as they had at the Parc des Princes in the whole of the previous campaign (three).
5. First leg a statistical anomaly
For those who like their statistics, the first leg should have ended 3.79-1.35 in Bayern’s favour based on expected goals. If Hansi Flick’s side can build on that strong display away in France and claim a 4-1 win to make up for that shortcoming, then FCB will be through to the semi-finals.
You can watch all the goals form the first leg in 60 seconds:
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