Bayern Munich vs Lazio: Bayern to put it all on the line in crunch clash
Bayern Munich will be determined to shut down their critics as they prepare to welcome Lazio for part two of their round of 16 Champions League tie. Die Roten suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to the Aquile last month, and come into this tie having won just one of their last five game across competitions. The partnership between Bayern Munich and Thomas Tuchel will come to an end at the end of this season, and it is safe to assume that the German tactician would at least like to win one trophy to put a positive spin on what has been a very disappointing season for the Bavarian titans.
Ten points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the title race, and already out of the DFB-Pokal, the Champions League is Bayern’s only shot at redemption this campaign. Die Roten are making their 16th consecutive round of 16 appearance this season, and have lost just one of their last 12. They are also on a 13 match unbeaten home streak in the Champions League (W10 D3) and on paper, are expected to overcome their 1-0 deficit and progress to the quarter-finals – and perhaps beyond.
Lazio, naturally will have other ideas. After all, no one gave Maurizio Sarri’s team really any shot when this paring was announced, with most casually dismissing the Italian club as fortunate to even get to this stage. Clearly, Lazio are hoping to show that they are not just here to make up the numbers after a solid group stage campaign to help them qualify for the round of 16 for only the third time in club history. Lazio do have a good track record when it comes to winning the first leg of a two-legged European series, where they have won 12 of their last 13 when they have won the first leg – but it’s important to note that this record extends across all European competitions.
The Biancocelesti will definitely be even more driven to knock Bayern out, as their journey at this juncture was ended by none other than die Roten a couple of seasons ago. Domestically, Lazio might be out of the running for the Scudetto, but they still do have a shot at winning the Coppa Italia after securing a spot in the semi-finals. And while Bayern, due to their experience in this competition, are still viewed by many as the favorites to progress, die Roten have not fared so well when losing the first leg of a two-legged European series. In fact, the German outfit have been eliminated from every single one of their last seven Champions League ties when they’ve lost the first leg.
Lazio, on the other hand, will be relishing in their underdog status as they aim to book what would be their first quarter-finals appearance in decades. All in all, in the absence of pressure, the Italian side could potentially use their recent Champions League win – and Bayern’s ongoing struggles – to full advantage to heap more misery on a team whose dominance in Germany looks set to come to an abrupt end at the end of this season.
