It’s time to all come together for the biggest comeback in our club’s history when Bayern host Manchester City on Wednesday (coverage on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app with our live text and free web radio) for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Allianz Arena. With a capacity crowd behind them, Thomas Tuchel’s team want to give everything to overturn the 3-0 first-leg deficit. Here’s all you need to know on this huge clash in our preview.
Check out the best photos from the day before the second leg:
State of play for Bayern
Bayern know they don’t just have to win against Manchester City, currently one of the best teams in the world, but have to do so by a big enough score to wipe out that 3-0 scoreline on aggregate. Even in the long and illustrious history of Germany’s most decorated club, Bayern have never managed such a comeback in European competition. “The task ahead of us is clear and that it’ll be extremely difficult. We’ve tried to break it down into smaller steps,” Tuchel explained at his press conference on Tuesday. “First, it’s about the first half, sending the right message, accepting the duels, being clever and brave in possession. I think the spectators will notice that and will be ready to create an energy in the stadium that will carry through the game, making special things possible.” Forward Thomas Müller was also bullish in his belief: “On Wednesday it’s fully about knowing that we still have a small chance. We have to and will believe in it. Maybe something magical is possible.”
Read about why you shouldn’t write off Bayern despite the difficult state of the tie:
Opponent: Manchester City
Man City have been in good form for a number of weeks now, winning each of their last 10 competitive fixtures by an aggregate score of 37-4. “City are full of confidence and tough to beat. They’re the benchmark right now in Europe. But we’re ready,” Tuchel added of Bayern’s English opponents. The Cityzens’ strong recent form has seen them reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to just four points with a game in hand. However, coach Pep Guardiola was cautious even with a strong starting position: “I know the character and the personalities they have, with their players and their mentality. We have to do a lot of work and be mentally strong in bad moments.”
Man City managed another win at home in the league last weekend:
Player update
Apart from long-term absentees Lucas Hernandez and Manuel Neuer, Tuchel has a full squad available to him against City. That includes Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who is set to return to the fold after a knee issue.
The English champions come to Munich with a full squad available as well, including Phil Foden, who trained again on Tuesday after an appendix operation.
Read up on the facts and stats ahead of the second leg:
What the coaches say
It’s all about one game and anything can happen. There are always moments in a football match where you have the support and also that little bit of luck. If the door is slightly open, we have to put our foot in there. We’ll try until the end.
Thomas Tuchel
It’s an opportunity to prove ourselves against one of the best teams in Europe. We’ll try to play our game. The best mindset it to try and win the game. We have to be clinical.
Pep Guardiola
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