Clear target for Bayern against Lokomotiv: 'Win and extend the run'

With the home game against Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday night (follow the action on fcbayern.com from 9:00 pm CET with our live text commentary and free web radio) FC Bayern bid farewell to the Champions League in 2020 – but the defending champions have long been qualified for the knockout stages in the New Year. Read all the important information about this final group match against the Russian league runners-up in our preview.

The situation for FC Bayern

What an outstanding year it has been for FC Bayern in the Champions League. The triumph in Lisbon in August, nine wins in ten games – plus a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid when finishing top of the group was a done deal. Hansi Flick could afford the luxury of resting several players in the clash with the Moscow side. "We don't know yet whether we'll rotate," said the 55-year-old keeping his cards close to his chest on Tuesday. Furthermore, Flick declared his team will go into the game with the same attitude as usual: "We are on a run in the Champions League – and we want to extend it."

Bayern make final preparations for the clash with Lokomotiv Moscow. View the best pictures in the gallery:

 

Opponents Lokomotiv Moscow

Following the 3-1 defeat against FC Salzburg, Lokomotiv had no chance of reaching the knockout stages and will exit Europe's premier club competition after the group stage – possibly for a longer time. Even though the performances in the Russian Premier Liga are back on track, the team under Marko Nikolić are already seven points behind the Champions League spots. That makes him even more important for the club from the Russian capital to secure third position in the group to go through the Europa League. The visitors will need a win at the Allianz Arena and hope for a helping hand from Atletico Madrid.

Lokomotiv Moscow beat Rubin Kazan 3-1 at home in the match before the Champions League tie.

 

Team news

Alphonso Davies is in with a good chance of playing after recovering from a ligament injury. "He is back in the squad tomorrow and that is good news.The plan is for him to play – whether it’s from the start or in the second half, that’s something we’re still thinking over," said Flick but he did not reveal if he would start. Joshua Kimmich and Corentin Tolisso are still sidelined. According to the treble winning coach, the latter may be available for Saturday’s game in the Bundesliga. Flick does not have any worries about central midfield for the game against Lokomotiv Moscow: "In addition to Leon Goretzka we have Marc Roca in the squad as well as Angelo Stiller and Maximilian Zaiser." 

"We have a number of players out injured," said coach Nikolić at the pre-match press conference. Central defender Murilo Cerqueria is ruled out through suspension. And the Lokomotiv coach is also missing two important players in attack in Fedor Smolov and Zé Luis. "We’ll give our all tomorrow and go to the limit to achieve a positive result," said the defiant 41-year-old.

What the coaches said

Hansi Flick: “Our focus is very much on winning the game. We’re on a run in the Champions League which we obviously want to extend, and ultimately that means winning this game. That’s how we’re going into the game. We have to be strong in midfield and put the opponents under pressure. When we win the ball, we have a lot of options in attack. […] Moscow can play a good passing game when they are in possession and are given space. They have the quality to play football. It's our job to close down space. We have to be compact."

Marko Nikolić (Lokomotiv Moscow coach): "We're playing against the best team in Europe and possibly the best in the world. We have a lot of respect for Bayern. But you always have a chance in football. I want my team to fight to the last second. They have to believe in themselves. Bayern have a lot of quality in the team but we are ready."

 

The referee Sandro Schärer

There will be a first on Wednesday evening: It will be the first time referee Sandro Schärer has been in charge of the game involving FC Bayern – the same also applies to our opponents from Moscow. This will be the second match in the Champions League for the 32-year-old Swiss referee. He will be assisted by his fellow countryman Stephane De Almeida and Jonas Erni plus the fourth official Alain Bieri. The Italians Massimiliano Irrati and Paolo Valeri are the VAR referees.

For all the important info, read our facts and figures about the game against Lokomotiv Moscow: