Magic Müller, Lewy scores a stunning volley – Best of FC Bayern Training
Check out the best moments from FC Bayern’s training sessions in March 2022.
Bayern vs Villarreal: Line-ups
Bayern Munich
Villarreal
Bayern Set to Overturn the Tie
#1
Julian Nagelsmann’s side could only prevail by that scoreline in their most recent Bundesliga battle against Augsburg – relying on an 82nd-minute penalty from none other than Robert Lewandowski – and suffering a first Champions League defeat away from home since 2017 appears to have rocked the confidence somewhat.
#2
Furthermore, not since the 2014-15 season have Bayern managed to progress in the Champions League after suffering a first-leg defeat, and ironically, their four exits after first-leg defeats since then have all come against sides from La Liga – a very good omen indeed for the travelling party.
#3
However, Nagelsmanns’s side enter Tuesday’s game having won five of their last six at home in all competitions, and it has been over three years since they last failed to score at least two goals in a Champions League game at the Allianz Arena, but Villarreal have shut them out before.
#4
With a spot in the top six of the La Liga table becoming more unlikely by the week, Villarreal will seemingly be forced to go down the Champions League route if they are to return to continental action next term, but winning each of their last three Champions League away games with 10 goals to boot sets them up well for a daunting trip to the Allianz Arena.
#5
Bayern and Villarreal have only ever met once before at the Allianz Arena, with the German side claiming a 3-1 win in the 2011-12 Champions League group stage, and such a performance must be replicated this week lest they let another shot at European glory go begging.
DPP Verdict
We made the mistake of underestimating Villarreal before the first leg, and an entire XI of fresh legs can certainly trouble this Bayern backline – especially given their track record of away goals in the Champions League this term. While Emery’s side could and probably should have scored more in the first leg, Bayern were also guilty of some profligacy on the night – which should not be the case at the Allianz Arena – and attempting to make lightning strike twice in Bavaria will likely be a step too far for this spirited Villarreal side.
