The Champions League returns for 2024 as Bayern visit Rome to take on Lazio in the round of 16 first leg on Wednesday (kick-off at 21:00 CET, coverage on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app with our text commentary and free web radio). “It won’t be easy, but we’re going into the game full of excitement,” said sporting director Christoph Freund. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game at the Stadio Olimpico.
Check out the best photos from the day before the game in Rome:
State of play
In what has become tradition in recent years, Bayern comfortably booked their place in the Champions League knockout stage as group winners. The Munich side picked up 16 points from their six group fixtures against Manchester United, Copenhagen and Galatasaray. Now they want to take that dominance into the round of 16.
However, FCB come into this game on the back of domestic disappointment following Saturday’s 3-0 Bundesliga loss away at Bayer Leverkusen, who are now five points clear at the top. “It’s a good chance to show a reaction. It’s a new opponent, a new competition, a knockout game. I hope we take that and show the quality we need for a win,” said head coach Thomas Tuchel at his pre-match press conference.
“The good thing is we’ve got another important game straight after. We need to learn from the mistakes as quickly as possible. Everyone has the hunger to perform better,” added captain Manuel Neuer. “Anyone who knows the mentality of the players and of Bayern knows that we want to show a reaction. I’m convinced we’ll do that. We have to find the right mix,” Freund also stated.
The game in Rome is a return to a special place for Jamal Musiala:
Opponent: Lazio
Lazio reached the last 16 as runners-up to Atletico Madrid in Group E. It’s the third time the Biancocelesti have progressed to the knockout stage of the Champions League. Their last appearance here in 2020/21 was ended by Bayern at this same stage. In their domestic league, Maurizio Sarri’s team sit in eighth place in Serie A with 37 points from 23 games. However, they have won five of their last seven matches (D1, L1), including a 3-1 victory away at Cagliari at the weekend.
“They’re a very disciplined team, run a lot, very homogenous, very clear in how they do things, switching between a 4-3-3 and a 4-1-4-1. They’re clear in how they press, in defending deep, keep things close together, are very much in tune and tough to beat,” said Tuchel in his analysis of the opposition. “I believe it’ll be a very emotional game tomorrow with the fans. They’ll try to use that as an advantage. We’re prepared for that.”
Find out more about Lazio here:
Team news
Bayern have arrived in the Eternal City without the injured Serge Gnabry (muscular), Kingsley Coman (MCL), Daniel Peretz (MCL), Alphonso Davies (MCL), Bouna Sarr (ACL), Konrad Laimer (calf) and Tarek Buchmann (muscular).
With Lazio there are doubts over defender Patric (shoulder), midfielder Nicolo Rovella (groin) and forward Mattia Zaccagni (toe).
Read up on the facts ahead of the game:
What the coaches say
We’re very critical of ourselves. But we still want to allow ourselves to play confidently and exude that. I’m convinced we have all it takes to show a reaction.
Thomas Tuchel
It'll be a very tough game, but we have to approach it with the knowledge that a win isn't impossible. Bayern are the favourites, are always very good in the Champions League. We have to play with confidence and hold our nerve. If needed, we'll all need to suffer together.
Maurizio Sarri (Lazio)
Recap the day before the game with our live blog:
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