The job is clear: FC Bayern must win at home to Lazio on Tuesday night in the second leg of their Champions League round-of 16 tie. After the 1-0 loss in the first leg in Rome, the Munich men want to turn it around with the support of their fans and progress to the quarter-finals. "It'll be down to us to be really on it from the start and apply pressure," stated sporting director Christoph Freund.
As well as being solid at the back, Bayern need to unlock their attacking power against a well-organised Lazio team. "We have to create a lot of chances and give 100 percent," said Jamal Musiala, who provided a highlight in Friday's 2-2 draw at Freiburg with a wonderful solo goal to make it 2-1. "When we get the chances, we have to score." It's about combining these qualities with the right attitude against Lazio on Tuesday. "It's about energy, about mentality, about the hunger, how bad we want it," commented Alphonso Davies, who made his comeback from a knee injury at Freiburg. "We have the quality to turn this thing around."
The tools for a comeback against Lazio
According to coach Thomas Tuchel, "a top performance" is needed to come back against Lazio. "We will prepare the team for this and push ourselves positively. Then we must deliver," he added. Sporting director Freund said it will not be an easy task against the defensively compact Italians: "They can defend well and know how to hold on to a lead like that." However, the 46-year-old emphasised: "We've already shown several times that we have a really good team and a lot of quality. I'm convinced that we'll progress on Tuesday."
The magic of the competition
A knockout match in Europe in front of a sold-out Allianz Arena - the setting for Tuesday night ensures that the appeal and the motivation for the clash with the Rome club couldn't be greater. "It's the best competition in the world," said Eric Dier, who's just extended his contract at Bayern until 2025. "Every chance to play in the Champions League is an incredible opportunity." Bayern must now seize the opportunity to reach their 15th UCL quarter-final in the last 18 years.
Pavlović: We'll throw everything at it
"We're a strong team and are completely motivated to get to the quarter-finals; we'll throw everything at it," promised midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović. With togetherness as a team, individual quality, belief and their fans behind them, Bayern are aiming to overturn the one-goal deficit against Lazio, make it a magical night at the Allianz Arena and continue the Champions League journey.
The facts on the match:
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