Two of Europe's greatest teams clash on Wendesday in Munich as German champions Bayern face Italian champions Juventus for a place in the Champions League quarter finals. The Germans had taken a comfortable two-goal lead after 55 minutes of the first leg, but Juventus fought back and nicked a 2-2 draw that keeps them in with a chance to qualify. Last time these two giants met over two legs was in 2013, when Bayern cruised through with a 4-0 aggregate win. Juventus have won only once in Munich, that was back in 2004 thanks to a late goal from Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero.
Another successful season for Bayern has been somewhat shadowed by the news regarding head coach Pep Guardiola, who has revealed that he will be joining Manchester City at the end of the season. The fans were not pleased but the team has kept on playing well and recording great results. They have lost just one of their last nine competitive matches, scoring 19 goals in the process and keeping five clean sheets. Moreover, Guardiola will surely be determined to leave Bavaria with a Champions League trophy in his résumé. Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber will be unavailable through injury.
Juventus have recovered very well after a poor start to the season and they are on track to clinch a fifth consecutive Serie A title. Last week they defeated Sassuolo 1-0, moving three points clear of Napoli at the top of the table, and they have also secured their place in the Coppa Italia final. The Champions League might be yet too difficult for Juventus to win, but the players shouldn't feel any pressure considering that the Serie A title remains their main target for the season. Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio are injured, while star striker Paulo Dybala has also been ruled out. Mario Mandzukic will have to undergo a late fitness test due to a groin problem.
Probable line-ups:
Bayern: Neuer - Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat - Vidal, Alonso - Robben, Muller, Costa - Lewandowski
Juventus: Buffon - Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra - Cuadrado, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba - Morata, Mandzukic
My prediction: Bayern to win 2-0.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Bayern win - 1.40 Draw - 5.00 Juventus win - 9.00
sharpe
8 years ago
Well, not many expected that but Juventus take the lead 2-0 and only their too defensive approach after that get back Bayern into the game. After that the Bavarians could win the match even in regular time but in the end they do it after extra time. It would be definitely a surprise if Bayern had left the tournament at...
Well, not many expected that but Juventus take the lead 2-0 and only their too defensive approach after that get back Bayern into the game. After that the Bavarians could win the match even in regular time but in the end they do it after extra time. It would be definitely a surprise if Bayern had left the tournament at that stage but it was close. Juventus have to regret for missing this big chance and Bayern have to step up because with such performances they not going to reach the final.
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h34dhunt3r
8 years ago
Eventho people are suggesting close match. I don't see it that way. Why? Here are the facts: - Buffon eventho keeping clean sheet in Seria A, can't hold versus Bayer in Munich, as he couldn't do it in Torino; - Bayern is superior team when playing on Allianz Arena (3 biggest matches this season ended with them winning...
Eventho people are suggesting close match. I don't see it that way. Why? Here are the facts: - Buffon eventho keeping clean sheet in Seria A, can't hold versus Bayer in Munich, as he couldn't do it in Torino; - Bayern is superior team when playing on Allianz Arena (3 biggest matches this season ended with them winning 5-1); - Juve will have to attack which leaves Bayern players, expecially Douglas Costa and Douglas Costa more space to counter attack; - Juventus without Chiellini (eventho Bonucci is a fantastic stand-in), Marchisio and Dybala, which is basiclly a whole spine. My predictions: - Result: 3-1 for Bayern; - Man of the match: Xabi Alonso
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milo?.sekuli?
8 years ago
This will be a great game like the last one. It would be a big surprise if Bayern doesn't go through to the next round. I expect at least one goal for Bayern in the first half and a goal from Robben in the game. They played a great match on the past weekend, have easily won Werder, and they are fully prepared for this match. Without...
This will be a great game like the last one. It would be a big surprise if Bayern doesn't go through to the next round. I expect at least one goal for Bayern in the first half and a goal from Robben in the game. They played a great match on the past weekend, have easily won Werder, and they are fully prepared for this match. Without Dybala, dont think Juventus can make a surprise. I placed a bet on double victory for Bayern tonight , 1: 0 at half-time and 2: 0 in the end.
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