SMGB TODAY Sports, Movies, TV Shows
The stage was set for an epic showdown between two of Europe’s finest football clubs: Manchester City and Bayern Munich. The second leg of their quarter-final clash in the UEFA Champions League promised to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams needing a win to advance to the next round. As the teams took to the field, the tension was palpable, and the fans could feel the excitement building.
20 APRIL 2023
TIME: 03:00 PM ET
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.
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.”
The first half of the match was a cagey affair, with both teams trying to gain the upper hand. Bayern Munich dominated possession, but Manchester City looked dangerous on the counter-attack. The home side had a great chance to take the lead in the 20th minute when Riyad Mahrez was played through on goal, but he fired his shot straight at Manuel Neuer, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper.
Bayern Munich responded with a couple of chances of their own, but Ederson, the Manchester City goalkeeper, was equal to the task. The Brazilian made a great save in the 28th minute to deny Robert Lewandowski, the Bayern Munich striker, and kept his team in the game.
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.
Bayern Munich responded immediately, and it was Lewandowski who scored the equalizer. The Polish striker had been quiet for most of the match, but he showed why he is one of the best in the world when he scored in the 63rd minute. The ball was played into the box, and Lewandowski got ahead of his marker to head the ball into the net.
The game was finely balanced at 1-1, but Manchester City regained the lead in the 75th minute when İlkay Gündoğan scored from the penalty spot. The German midfielder had been brought down in the box by Leon Goretzka, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Gündoğan stepped up and coolly slotted the ball past Neuer to give his team the lead.
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.
The win was a testament to Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and his team’s ability to execute his game plan. Manchester City knew that they had to be disciplined defensively and take their chances on the counter-attack, and they did just that. Foden’s goal was a moment of individual brilliance, and Gündoğan’s penalty was a result of their high-pressing game.
Bayern Munich will be disappointed to have been knocked out of the Champions League, but they can take solace in the fact that they gave it their all. They dominated possession and created several chances, but they just couldn’t find a way.
