PSG-Bayern Munich is a Champions League round of 16 first leg match played on Tuesday at 21:00: live TV, formations, predictions.
The Champions League and its unmistakable music take the stage again after a three-month absence. And they do so in style, with what was widely regarded as a possible early final when the draw was made at Nyon in November.
After all, Psg and Bayern Munich, the two millionaire battleships ready to clash for qualification to the quarter-finals – and for those who go out, it will be pain – have already met in the last act of the continental event, the first in history played in August. It was in 2020, at the height of the pandemic: the Bavarians triumphed thanks to a goal from former Juventus player Coman, lifting the cup in an empty stadium. Since then, the Parisians – who, in any case, got their revenge the following season by eliminating Bayern in the quarter-finals – have continued to spend millions upon millions, grabbing some of the best players on the market (Messi) and showering their jewel (Mbappé) with gold to prevent him from migrating to Madrid. But the cup with big ears, for now, remains just a dream.
Two teams ’emptied’ by the World Cup
In Paris the atmosphere is not the best on the eve of a double challenge that, as usual, could be worth an entire season. There is a very tense atmosphere, not only because of Mbappé’s injury, which will probably prevent him from playing the first leg.
Choupo-Moting
The Christophe Galtier-led team came back drained from the World Cup break – many of the key players were engaged until the final in Lusail – and in 2023 they have already racked up four defeats between Ligue 1 and Coupe de France, reopening a title fight that in November seemed already closed. After being eliminated from the national cup by hated rivals Marseille, last Saturday Messi and his teammates recorded another false step, this time against Monaco (3-1), which reduced the gap between the leading Psg and second place to five. The coach is aware that in these three weeks he will be playing for his permanence on the bench of the most powerful and richest club in France. It was also a muted start for Bayern Munich, who started in the Bundesliga with three draws in a row against Leipzig, Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt. The situation seemed to return to normal after the 4-0 win in the German Cup against Mainz. Since that game Julian Nagelsmann’s side – reinvigorated by a market that brought in a top player like Joao Cancelo – have swept through Wolfsburg (2-4) and Bochum (3-0).
PSG-Bayern Munich: latest line-up news
Leo Messi’s condition is keeping Galtier worried. The world champion missed Saturday’s clash with Monaco and remains in doubt for Bayern Munich. Paris claims he will do everything he can to be there, as will Verratti and Fabian Ruiz, who were also absent in the Principality. The presence of Mbappé, who only returned to training on Sunday, is unlikely. The coach should deploy Danilo Pereira in front of the defence, formed by Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes. In the three-quarter, space for Vitinha.
On the other side, Nagelsmann has to do without Mané and Neuer, both injured: in goal there is Sommer, arrived in January from Borussia Monchengladbach, in attack instead it will be the turn of the Cameroonian Choupo-Moting. Finally, Muller’s presence is highly doubtful: struggling with a calf problem, he could be replaced by young Musiala.
The Prediction
A match like this can only provide entertainment. Yes, because despite the fact that Psg and Bayern Munich are both far from top form and have to contend with a few important absences, it is almost certain that they will guarantee an evening of pure entertainment. The ultimate for lovers of the sport. Of the two, Bayern seems to be better, but watch out for the Parisians, who tend to get excited in these matches. In any case, a balanced and hard-fought match looms, with at least one goal on each side. A draw cannot be ruled out: even the first half could end in a draw.
The PSG-Bayern Munich matchday squad
- PSG (4-1-3-2): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, Nuno Mendes; Danilo Pereira; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Verratti; Neymar, Messi.
- BAYERN MONACO (4-2-3-1): Sommer; Cancelo, de Ligt, Upamecano, Davies; Goretzka, Kimmich; Sané, Musiala, Coman; Choupo-Moting.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
